Staples and Standards

Fall season is upon us. It's coming. The day before Halloween you'll be thinking to yourself, when is winter coming? Then the day of Halloween there it is. It happens every year for us Californians.

Before you starting shopping for fall clothes and getting caught up in all the purple and teal that is out there. Ask yourself this question, how are my staples? Are they in good shape? Do they need updating or replacing? Make sure your staples are clean, hemmed properly, in style, don't look worn out and then you can go and add fun colors and a few trendy items.

Now most people have either black or brown in their wardrobe. Some have both, but most have a majority of one. I do have brown and creams, but all my staples are in black.

Here's what should be in your closet right now, if it's not, these are the first things you should look for.

To make it easier - I am going to assume your choice is black and not brown.

Staples in Black:

Slacks = nice, dressy, wool gabardine, fully lined. Depending on your shape, slim leg or boot cut is good. Big wide legs are out. I have 3 pairs, all slightly different styles.

Coat = one 3/4 length (unless you are under 5'2, your length should be just above your hips) wool, double or single breasted. Be careful not to buy one too cheap - target etc. They tend to pill if they are made cheaply. It's worth it to spend some money on this coat, it should last you for at least 5 years.

Skirts = I have a wool mini I wear with tights and flat riding boots. 1 pencil skirt, wool gabardine. If you are 5'7 or above, a long straight wool skirt looks great with a bulky sweater that sits just above your waist and riding boots.

Boots = one pair of good, flat, just below the knee boots - riding boot style. These are great to wear with dresses and skirts, add in some fun patterned tights.

Shoes = ankle boots, flat and high heeled.

Sweaters = I have several black sweaters: small cardigan to wear with dresses, bulky cardigan for warmth, thin layering v-necks, crew necks and wrap sweaters - all in black.

Tights = thick opaque, sheer, and fun patterns.

Shirts = long sleeve t-shirts = preferably from JCrew

So search your closet and see what you have that resembles this list. If you are missing them, go out and get them. Nothing else. Then once you have them, let me know.

My next blog is about how to add to these staples for a fabulous fall wardrobe.