This is SUCH a great topic! Thanks so much for starting this thread!
I'll admit I'm not one of life's minimalists. But I'll approach this from the idea of a "capsule wardrobe", which is something I utilise a lot - I often accompany my dad on business trips and travel a lot (to cities, not the "backpacking" kind of travelling
) so a well-put-together capsule wardrobe that I can cherry-pick pieces from depending on the weather is something I find invaluable.
So, what do you consider wardrobe essentials, the absolute bare minimum one should own?
These are the items I find most useful and versatile, and which taken together would set me up for anything:
(1) My
Burberry trench. It's lightweight, fits like a dream and can be easily layered in winter. As long as you care for it (dry clean only! Get the waterproofing redone at the same time) it'll last a lifetime - my mum's has! Any trench or lightweight cotton coat will serve the same purpose.
(2)
Cashmere - one slim-fitting cardigan that could be layered over a sundress in the summer, and one thicker, draped jumper/cardigan, equally suitable over skinny jeans and pyjamas. One in black and one in another neutral colour.
(3)
Black skinny jeans. Mine are from French Connection and I got them when I was 14 - they're still in good nick! Also they show how crazy vanity sizing has become, because they're a size 8 UK and a size 8 UK would fall off me now!
(4)
Black Chelsea boots (or any flat ankle boots). Mine are Russell & Bromley
(5)
Warm, weatherproof coat/jacket - Mine is a Barbour (I'm from the English countryside, I don't think I know a single person who doesn't have one!) but if you're a city girl who isn't into shooting/waxed cotton, go for something more stylish!
(6)
T-shirts - 1 black, 1 white, 1 colourful. I prefer a draped style with a round neck.
(7)
1 evening dress doesn't need to be black, although mine is (it's black velvet with a square neckline and pencil skirt). Just make sure it goes with...
(8)
1 pair stilettos/dressy heels again, no need to be in a neutral. If most of your wardrobe is in neutral shades, a few jazzy accents can really pop. Make sure they have closed toes so they work for more formal occasions.
(9)
Ballet flats I should probably buy shares in French Sole, I have so many pairs (like I said, not a natural minimalist!). Get a well-made leather pair.
(10)
Shorts/summer skirt - depending on your preference! If shorts, tailored, not too tight or too short! I'd personally go for a lightweight white cotton skirt.
(11)
Pencil skirt - I'd go for black leather!
(12)
(Oxford) Shirt - I have an amazing white Hugo Boss shirt that fits me like a glove.
(13)
Tank tops - white and black, not too tight
(14)
Blazer - mine is from the Reiss sale, it's navy blue silk. Maybe go for one in a pale, dusky pink that can be worn in the summer too!
(15)
Shirt dress - depends on personal style, but I think a lightweight (cotton) collared shirt dress is a great investment. Mine's Polo Ralph Lauren, white, and I've worn it so much!
(16)
Sunglasses - nothing too out-there or fashionable. Classic!
(17)
Jewellery - 1 piece of jazzy costume jewellery for evening, one more subtle, classic set (I'm a pearls girl, but I know not everyone is!) for formal events.
(18)
Handbags One large, dark leather (I've had my eye on my mum's dark green Mulberry Bayswater for YEARS), one smaller with a shoulder strap, one clutch
(19)
Pashmina - any big, snuggly scarf, really. Mine is huge and black with little tassels. GREAT for travelling, and hangovers, and cold nights, and chilly summer evenings where you didn't bring a jacket... I'd also add in a classic Hermes scarf but I realise that makes me a walking cliche
(20)
cigarette trousers - navy or black. Mine are navy.
(21)
Sandals - I have a lovely brown leather pair I stole off my mum (my mum is a stylish lady, in case you hadn't guessed!). Could substitute wedges if your feet aren't as wimpy as mine!
(22)
Red lipstick - just because.
What pieces to you spend the most money on? How do you have clothes that are timeless and how do you know what current trend you want to follow?
I spent most money on my Burberry trench coat (SO worth it), two skirt suits and three shirts from Hugo Boss (I'm going to be a lawyer, they were my law school graduation present!) and the most expensive thing I own is a pearl necklace and studs set that I got for my 21st birthday.
I don't really
do fashion, at least the trend-driven sort. My advice with buying clothes, especially big pieces, is to wait a while (I go for a year!) before making any really significant purchase. That should weed out any flash-in-the-pan trends and give you time to think it over. Failing that, find someone (I use my mum) who isn't afraid of insulting you and get their opinion.
How did you develop a personal style and shop within that style (or don't you)?How do you shop in general?
My personal style is pretty dull - think Kate Middleton but less expensive! I definitely idolise the Audreys and Graces and Katherines of the world, style wise. It's not exactly exciting, but I genuinely don't think I've ever been inappropriately dressed for an occasion,
ever, which I hope is a kind of style? Haha
I shop with my mum. I also do a lot of sales shopping because I go for plainer pieces, and I know if that particular thing is sold out in my size, I could probably get something similar elsewhere. The only spur-of-the-moment thing I've bought this year were a pair of cropped white jeans with a lemon print from Kate Spade, which I adore.
Statement pieces, what are yours and how do you shop for them?
Mine are all formal dresses! Which is easier, because they don't really have to go with anything.
Since its purchase, what item of clothing do you believe you couldn't live without?
My barbour jacket. Because I live in England and it's always raining. And my sunglasses. I'm hungover a lot.
Where do you get your wardrobe inspiration and how would you describe your style?
My mum, various European royals (Queen Letizia, Duchess Kate, Crown Princess Mary, Charlotte Casiraghi of Monaco, Grace of Monaco), various long-dead film stars (again, Grace of Monaco... Audrey, Katherine, Ava Gardner)... dull, I know! I aspire to always look good rather than fashionable, since I don't run in "fashion" crowds and will be working in a very formal industry (law), and most of the pieces I wear now I could probably still wear at forty, size permitting (I have pieces I've had since my early teens, ten years ago, which I still wear). I am
not a girl for crop tops or print-clashing! So I guess I'd describe my style as unexciting but always appropriate
