Happy Wednesday, ladies! How’s your year going? I’m majorly behind already (are we surprised?), but also not really, because I knew January would be a weird month. So I’m not declaring myself stressed about being behind until the end of February. Self-forgiveness is a big resolution for me this year, falling under how I want to spend more time meditating. ANYWAY, let’s talk about clothes. It’s a new year, and time to work on refreshing your wardrobe. I like to think about the major pieces I want to add to my closet each year at the beginning and give myself time to find them. These yearly wardrobe essentials are the main reason why I can continue to wear pieces in my closet year after year, without buying new stuff all the time.

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FOREVER 21 SWEATER (SIMILAR) // AERIE LEGGINGS (SIMILAR) // NINE WEST BOOTS (SIMILAR) // MIKAYCHARLES DRESS (SIMILAR) // MICHAEL KORS BAG (SIMILAR) // RAY-BAN SUNGLASSES

HIGH-QUALITY STAPLES

There are certain pieces to add to your closet that justify a more serious investment. Shop sales, and use discount codes to make them more affordable, but find pieces that will last – because you will wear these out.

Also take a look at your closet. These are essentials to complement any wardrobe, but we all have our own style. Is there a particular style of shoes or pants that you’ve repurchased a couple times now? Or a favorite blouse that you’ve worn to pieces and look longingly at every morning? Those are the kinds of pieces to put on your wish list this year, and pick them up in a high-quality, long-lasting version.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS //

• A black bag with a removable long strap
• Dark wash denim
• Neutral knee-high or OTK boots (check out this post to see which would work best for you)
• A few cozy knits in neutral colors (black, white, ivory, taupe, grey, brown)
• Black and white silk blouses
• A few pairs of black leggings (trust me, you don’t want to be buying cheap pairs 3-4 times a year instead)
• A classic white knee-length or midi-dress
• Same, but black
• Delicate necklace, bracelet, and earrings in your go-to metal
• Neutral, simple, ankle booties
• Black pumps

TRENDY PIECES

Fashion just isn’t as fun when you don’t play with trends. At least a little bit. But don’t get swept up by all the designer and expensive trendy pieces that come out every year. It can be hard to tell which trends will hang around for awhile, but a good rule of thumb is to only invest a more significant amount if you’re wearing out your cheaper pieces.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS //

• Pearl-embellished anything
• Statement bags with lots of print and patterns
• Chenille and velvet in major pieces
• Ruffles everywhere
• Big sleeves and sleeve details
• Twisted and wrapped fabric
• Floral overlays/mixed prints

FUN FOOTWEAR & ACCESSORIES

If you really want to give your look a little extra umph, looking for mid-level-priced footwear and accessories that will live up to a few wears a year, but maybe aren’t as expensive as your high-quality pieces, and definitely not as cheap (or trendy) as trendy pieces.

What do I mean? Well, here’s a good example. I prefer more delicate jewelry. But every now and then I want a statement piece. I “invested” in a chunky bib necklace I wear maybe 6-7 times a year. It’s a classic piece, without overly trendy details, but just not my everyday thing. But, if I had spent $12 at Forever 21 for it, the metal would have tarnished after the first year. I can’t remember exactly how much it was, but I’m thinking somewhere between $25 and $30. A little pricier than my trendy pieces, and not as high-quality as my delicate pieces, but it will last forever still.

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS //

• Red pumps (or your favorite accent color)
• Chunky all metal necklace
• Bright colored knits
• Black sequin or sparkly clutch
• Statement earrings

What do you consider essentials in your closet?

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