Jan 12, 201212:36 AMGirl Next Door
Wardrobe Essentials: Shirts
girlishh
I feel like at this time of the year, I should be giving you advice on reinventing yourself, tips on what to wear to your newly-joined gym and telling you how to streamline your wardrobe. I don't know what it is about January that gives people the insatiable urge to throw clothes away and spring clean their wardrobe, but I'm really sorry if you came here looking for tips on how to do that. When it comes to cleaning out my wardrobe, I suck. I could tell you all about how other people say you should do it, but I definitely don't feel okay with giving you advice that I definitely cannot take! You see, when it comes to clothes, I am definitely a hoarder. But in my defence, I have good reasons for this. I have lost count of the number of times in which I have thrown something away only to find that I want it again a few weeks/months/years later. So now I am decidedly picky about what I do and don't throw away. You just can't be too careful!
So instead of telling you what to get rid of, over the next few weeks I will be going through the pieces that every wardrobe needs. Some of these you might have, some of them you may not have. You don't have to buy them all, but I believe these additions are a good foundation for an easy wardrobe. And by an easy wardrobe, I mean one in which everything goes together while avoiding 'I have nothing to wear' syndrome. You can definitely get by with only these items in your arsenal, as my plan is to chose pieces which will all co-ordinate well, but as I've said, these don't have to be the only things in your wardrobe. A small, organised wardrobe may be a happy wardrobe, but for me, I like a wardrobe busting with colour and print and fun. Most of these items are quite basic, so you might want to mix and match for different colours and prints, or have fun with accessories. The choice is entirely yours.
This week I am going to be looking at shirts.
Shirts are a great place to start your wardrobe, because if you have a fabulous pair of jeans and a few skirts, you have a whole bunch of outfits. My intention with this list is to create lots of new exciting possibilities for you and not just select a few things with a limited possibility for remixing. Here are the seven shirts I think every wardrobe requires...
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The smart white button down
Not just for the office, my friends. The perfect white button down can be worn under a shirt sleeved dress for a cute, layered look, or under a sweater with the collar peeking out for a perfectly preppy style. It can be worn with jeans and a fabulous necklace for the weekend, or of course, with a suit for work. Chose one that fits you perfectly (buy two, if you like) and avoid anything too frilly or fancy- this is one to keep simple.
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The long-sleeved Breton striped shirt
I am a huge fan of stripes. A striped shirt will take you anywhere. Wear with skinny jeans and a blazer for Parisienne chic, a floral skirt for print clash, or simple shorts for a laid back look. Start with classic black and white, but experiment with navy, grey, and colours too.
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The PWT (Plain White Tee)
The plain white tee is classic. It goes with anything- under a suit, with a pair of jeans, with a printed skirt... it's a wardrobe essential. Find a great fit for effortless chic. Bonus points for amazing accessories.
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A Plaid Shirt
Plaid has become incredibly popular for men and women in the last few years, and the reason is that it does in fact go with anything. I advise shirts in black, red and blue tones for maximum wear. Add a pair of jeans for a casual Saturday or a bandage skirt for evening.
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Basic Black Tank
Another item that you don't need to spend a fortune on, but something to have as a fall-back in your wardrobe. Perfect for the summer, or for nights out with a printed or patterned skirt or shorts.
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A fancy top
You know what I mean. Something pretty or sparkly or bright that you can just throw on with jeans and heels and be ready to go.
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A fun, printed top
Okay this is a little vague, but you know what I mean. Whether its florals or leopard print or pink palmtrees that you love, chose something patterned and stand-out. Tunics styles are great to wear with leggings, or chose blouse-styles for spicing up a suit or jeans.
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