There have been so many books, articles and blog posts on how to build the basic wardrobe that frankly, this post is a bit of hubris on my part. But here goes.

Auntie Zia’s idea of a basic wardrobe:

Nice simple shift dress – not a “going out to the club dress”, but a great business power dress. Think bold colors. Deep green, Dark Blue, Strong Red.

Nice simple neutral dress. One you can dress up or down with a great necklace or scarf, a kick ass belt, comfy flats for running around and great heals for a night out on the town

Good basic pair of jeans (or three)

Black pants (Black because they go with almost every single color possible)

Pair of pants in neutral color

A couple of good T-Shirts (try the men’s department for these, they cost MUCH less and tend to be better made)

Statement blouse (or three) These are a fun and darn good blouse that just makes you pop.

Shorts – that hit the right length for your legs. (ask a friend again)

Couple of skirts in neutral colors (This can mean anything…tan, beige, gray, black, navy, whatever neutral means to you and your wardrobe.)

Sweaters – follow the same rule for the “statement” blouse

Tank tops and/or camisoles. Something sexy to wear under the statement blouses if you want to leave them open. (and, if you are a woman over certain age, something to wear at home under a shawl or sweater so you can manage hot flashes.)

Good warm coat. Mine is a kick ass blue gray very warm cloak/coat that I made. And I also have a collection of really nice shawls. (I live in California, so staying warm? not so much the concern here.)

Good solid undergarments. This does not mean “grannie panties”. It means wear something that you like, that supports and makes you feel good. Make sure it fits. A good bra (and get a fitting if you have never had one) can add up to a cup size from what you thought you wore. Some of my favorite, longest lasting and most sexy bras came from Fredricks of Hollywood. Some of them came from Sears. Just keep an eye out and use what works for you!

What’s in your basic wardrobe?

If your closet and dresser are packed solid, and you still feel that there is nothing to wear, try the box method. Box up like items (all sweaters, all t-shirts) and put it in the back of the closet. If you don’t even open the box for 2 or 3 months, open it and get ready to donate everything in there.

Tip: If there is a garment that you love…but you keep not wearing? It is probably something that is totally wrong for you. If it is the color you love, then re purpose it. Make it a tote bag or a pillow. If it is the cut or the way it fits your body that you love? See if it is something you can recolor. If none of the above works…say goodbye.

Now a little bit about colors.

In the 1980’s, everyone was getting their colors “done”.  I was a Summer. This meant that I should wear pastels with a blue base tone to them, and avoid colors like olive green or burnt orange. Which was great…in the 80s. When I had blondish brown hair, blue eyes and very pale skin, and enjoyed pastel colors.

However, while my eyes are still blue, my hair is now a deep red and I have a bit more color in my skin. I find myself more attracted to jewel tones..which is closer to the “Winter” colors. (My brutally honest friend is my husband, he has a great eye and has promised to always tell me the truth about clothing choices…and he does.)  I still cannot wear burnt orange, and don’t actually want to, but I do look great in olive green now…as long as it does have a cool or blueish undertone, and not orange.

Tip: A quick and easy way to find out what colors look really great on you is to go to a fabric store, take your friend, and hold up different fabrics next to your face. Take notes…and a camera phone.  I can guarantee that you will find some color you never thought you could wear.

-Auntie Zia