Written by: Sara Crampton
I’ve spent the last 10 plus years understanding the key items women need in their wardrobes to make the act of getting dressed, simple, easy and effortless. Once I learnt the foundations of a wardrobe and put this into practice in my own closet, the time it took me to get dressed became quicker, I avoided those dreaded moments where It felt like I had nothing to wear (or rather nothing that I felt good in), and I finally started to feel like me.
What had happened was that my clothes were no longer wearing me, I wasn’t falling victim to trends that weren't flattering, and as a result I became the most confident I had ever felt in my own body.
I then wanted to pass that power on to other women, and found that there is a whole community who share the same values and interest in a minimalist and classic approach to style.
When I started to put this key wardrobe essentials list together I actually didn’t think I would get to 40 items, but without including shoes, accessories and key pieces of jewellery, which all equate to an outfit, the list felt incomplete.
My caveat on this list is that building out your wardrobe essentials takes time. Be ruthless in your search for the perfect [insert wardrobe essential here] as it’ll make you a more conscious shopper, and you’ll have, love and wear that piece for longer, knowing you took your time.
Use this list as a guide to check through your wardrobe. You probably have most of these already, but if you find yourself with a wardrobe of clothes and with nothing to wear, you might find this list helpful to form up your wardrobe essentials so you can put outfits together with ease.
1. Plain White T-shirt
Gibson T-Shirt by Harris Tapper
2. White Shirt
Classic Pocket Shirt by Matteau
3. White Tank
Organic Cotton Singlet by St. Agni
4. Black Tank or Camisole
Verna Tank by A.Emery
5. Neutral Knitwear
Roberta Jumper by Harris Tapper
6. Black Knitwear
Mock Neck Rib Knit Jumper by St. Agni
7. Black Blouse
Celeste Blouse by Solaqua
8. Striped Long Sleeve Top
Breton Stripe Tee by Matteau
9. Blue Jeans
London High Rise Straight Leg Jean by Slvrlake
10. White Jeans
Mica Low Rise Wide Leg Jean by Slvrlake
11. Black Jeans
Grace High Rise Wide Leg Jean by Slvrlake
12. Black Trousers
13. White Trousers
Summer Chino by Matteau
14. Black Leggings
15. Black Skirt
Joan Wrap Skirt by A.Emery
16. Black Tailored Shorts
Marion Short by Marle
17. Simple Black Dress
Tiered Sundress by Matteau
18. Black Blazer
Relaxed Tailored Blazer by Matteau
19. Black Coat
Egon Coat by Harris Tapper
20. Denim Jacket
Alfalfa Shirt by Marle
21. Neutral Trench
Women's Trench Coat by Wynn Hamlyn
22. Black Suit
Relaxed Tailored Trouser by Matteau
23. Pyjamas/Loungewear
The Drawcord Set by Deiji Studios
24. Black Ballet Flats
Kirsten by Aeyde
25. Black Sandals
Lucia Sandal by A.Emery
26. Neutral Sandals
Nodi Sandal by A.EMERY
27. Neutral Heels
Juliette Midi by Nelson Made
28. Black Heels
Juliette Midi by Nelson Made
29. White Sneakers
30. Black Boots
Soma Boot by A.EMERY
31. Black Tote Bag
Sac by Aesther Ekme
32. Black Evening Bag
Bon Bon Bag by St. Agni
33. Basket Bag
Mini Basket Bag
34. Classic Black Belt
Classic Leather Belt by Saint
35. Neutral Hat
The Inca Bucket by Lack of Color
36. Black Sunglasses
Original Wayfarer Classic by Ray Ban
37. Everyday Earrings
38. Evening Earrings
Link Statement Earrings by Rylan
39. Elevated Necklace or Bracelet
Link Bracelet by Rylan
40. Black One Piece
Square Maillot by Matteau