Fashion + Beauty

Friday, November 20, 2009

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10 Things You Should Have in Your Closet

Print out this essential list and take it with you next time you venture out for a little retail therapy.
- Jill Martin, BettyConfidential.com

Do you have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear? Fashion expert Jill Martin, who has a new book out called Fashion for Dummies, has come up with a list of essential items that every woman needs in her closet. The key is to opt for classic pieces that never go out of style. That way you can pair them with your It item of the moment and your wardrobe dilemmas will be a thing of the past!

Read: What to Wear to Work This Fall


 1. The little black dress.

This should be a simple black dress that can work for many different occasions. For the office, wear with a scarf, for a night out, add a piece of statement jewelry. ($175, anntaylor.com)

2. Black blazer.

The key is finding one that is flattering for your body. If your waist is one of your best features, go for a more fitted look. A black blazer with jeans and a button-down is a very chic and timeless look. ($59.95, nyandcompany.com)

3. Speaking of white button-down shirts…
Invest in a new one every season. This one item can make you look crisp and clean. You can never go wrong when you pair it with jeans, dress pants or a skirt. ($69, talbots.com)

4. Well-cut trousers.

If you are only buying one pair of winter-weight trousers, pick one in black or navy. You can wear them paired with so many different options. Make sure you match the length of the pants with the height of your shoes. ($29, kohls.com)

5. A beige trench coat.

This coat goes with anything and completes any outfit. If you already have one in beige, you might want to think about investing in one in a bright color for fall. Outerwear is part of your outfit and should not be an afterthought. ($78.99, macys.com)


6. A big black bag.

Often called a “schlep” bag because it holds everything, whether you’re chasing toddlers or contracts, your bag should fit your needs. The right shoes and bag can make an ordinary outfit look like so much more. ($89.99, overstock.com)


7. The perfect pair of jeans.

Whether they cost $50 or $500, you should have one pair that fits you perfectly. Great jeans can be worn with anything from a T-shirt to blazer. ($69.50, gap.com)


8 A great pair of pumps.

Your shoes need to be perfect. If you are only going to buy one pair this season, go with a black pair. ($68.72, endless.com)

9. Statement jewelry.

Make your accessory the focal point of an outfit. You don’t need to spend a million dollars on a big piece. The trick is to pick one item: necklace, bracelet or earrings, and build your outfit around it. ($10.80, forever21.com)


10. Diamond studs.

They’re oh-so-classic and chic. And the good news is they don’t have to be real; there are so many affordable copies out there. If you do buy faux, make sure to buy something on the smaller side. ($119.99, jcpenney.com)

What are your closet staples?


Fashion expert and TV personality Jill Martin is the author (with Pierre A. Lehu) of Fashion for Dummies ($24.99, Wiley)


To read more from BettyConfidential | The Perfect Little Black Dress For You & Get Blake Lively's Look for Less

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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 79
  • me's Avatar
    Posted by me Fri Nov 6, 2009 10:20am PST

    I agree with everything listed. The only thing I don't own is a white button up...I'll be running to Kohl's this weekend!

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  • omerlm's Avatar
    Posted by omerlm Fri Nov 6, 2009 10:32am PST

    egh. don't know about those diamond studs. looks kinda like a gangsta dude to me. maybe just "nice pr of subtle earrings.....

    agree w everything else. i'm a total tomboy hippy bum shaggy hair and mom's stolen clothes from the 60's but i have definitely needed most of these things at several times in my life!

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  • MrsKlingonPasadena's Avatar
    Posted by MrsKlingonPasadena Fri Nov 6, 2009 10:42am PST

    I have everything except for the beige trench. Gotta wait til I see one on sale.

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  • sun2go's Avatar
    Posted by sun2go Fri Nov 6, 2009 10:59am PST

    Classic staples are always good! You also need a really special piece like a hot leather jacket or a luxurious sweater that makes you feel great when you wear it.

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  • Lisa's Avatar
    Posted by Lisa Fri Nov 6, 2009 11:25am PST

    Zzzzz...I've fallen asleep from boredom.....

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  • Yes its Me's Avatar
    Posted by Yes its Me Fri Nov 6, 2009 11:30am PST

    I just bought 2 trenchs from Old nave they were less the $50 each & they look great better the one posted from macys. I would also say a few things need to be added, a good bra, black tights (so you can use your skirts in the colder seasons), statment necklace, & ballet flats or some type of stylish but more comfertable flats.

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  • M2's Avatar
    Posted by M2 Fri Nov 6, 2009 11:34am PST

    I agree with all the items above! Well... I'm not a bid fan of studs... I'll replace that with some hoops =)

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  • Sixycat's Avatar
    Posted by Sixycat Fri Nov 6, 2009 11:41am PST

    This seems like it's been done and then done now it's over done...Really? Aren't the majority of the readers here fashionista's that understand basic pieces already. This is the best we can do on a Friday?!? I agree with Lisa Zzzzzzz

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  • Mammina's Avatar
    Posted by Mammina Fri Nov 6, 2009 11:41am PST

    I would add a flattering pencil skirt ........

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  • Jean's Avatar
    Posted by Jean Fri Nov 6, 2009 3:13pm PST

    this was useless. i only have jeans and the statement jewelry. And i'm not going to run out to a department store tomorrow!

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Comments 1-10 of 79

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