I've gotten a few questions recently about wardrobe basics, so I thought I'd share mine today if you don't mind. If I had to re-start my wardrobe from scratch, these are the items you'd most likely find in my closet due to their versatility and functionality. Of course, the patterns/colors on almost all of these could be interchanged. A polka-dot skirt and a pair of green boots are not necessarily essentials, but I would consider an A-line skirt and a classic shaped boot to be. Hope that these are helpful in some way for those who asked! Links to a few of my favorite options for each item are listed below :)
Tops
Cardigan:
one,
two,
three
White Button Up:
one,
two,
three
Chambray:
one,
two,
three
Boyfriend Blazer:
one,
two,
three
White V Neck: Honestly, I like Hanes the best
Bottoms
Maxi Skirt:
one,
two,
three
Pencil Skirt:
one,
two,
three
Wide Leg Jeans:
one,
two,
three
A-line skirt:
one,
two,
three
Accessories
Classic boot:
one,
two,
three
Flats:
one,
two,
three
Simple sandals:
one,
two,
three
Nude Pumps:
one,
two,
three
Gold Watch:
one,
two,
three
Skinny Belts: Most of the time, I try to buy my belts at thrift stores. There are TONS.
111 Response to my wardrobe basics
Cute! I just love the Polka Dot skirt!!!
I like how it is so neat. Everything is so needed for a clean look. And a life saver. Greatness Sydney!
♥ www.thebookness.com
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Definitely helpful : ) It's cool to have seen how you've used these different pieces, too. I'm loving this, please continue to share for the fashionably challenged like me!
Great list - I might add a jean jacket or trench coat as a basic. Can be worn all year round, and come in so handy. :)
xoxo
~Natasha Fatah~
~Natasha Fatah~
Thank you for your post))
vogueinside.me
Immediately i saw the title of the post, i knew chambray would be there and i was spot on :)
I love this post as i am trying to fix up my wardrobe. Could you do one for Autumn/Winter as it is Autumn here in Australia
xo Stephanie
I'm good on the tops and accessories, need some work on bottoms... Thanks for the great tips!
I love this. It's very helpful. I love that polls dot skirt.
snowdriftdesigns.blogspot.com
Great advice! I recently had to start over with a wardrobe (moving from the us to europe and back to the us in a few weeks) and I wasn't so smart when I bought my first few things.
Hi There! Thanks for posting about wardrobe basics! I'm trying to plan for a month long getaway, and this post has given me ideas for how to pack. You're the best! Hope to see you in G-town!
Love seeing someone else's wardrobe basics. There are NO button-down shirts in my entire wardrobe, because my chest is so big that they either don't fit right or they make me feel extra self-conscious and matronly. You're inspiring me to go out and try to find the right button-down!
Rachel @ theparkersblog.com
Thanks for sharing..!! I love your post .. I am looking more post like this one on
this blog .. this post proves really helpful for me .
Todaydownload
ViewSyntax.com
i love the idea of getting belts at thrift! such a great idea! f21 ones are pretty cheap too!!
Just ordered those brown sandals last night! Chambray, v-neck t-shirts and A-line skirts are definitely a must for this lady. Thanks for including those links! I have been searching for an inexpensive watch for a while now, and I found the perfect one with your guidance :)
http://viennawaitsblog.blogspot.com/
Great essentials! I think I own most of those, however would like to include the missing ones!!! xoxo A-
Love the colors and pretty much everything! :)
Great basics for any wardrobe! I'm looking through to see how many I can check off or what I "need" to buy :)
I definitely agree with you on most of those basics and have them all myself. Except for a chambray shirt. I need t get one!
Maria @ Orchard Bloom
I Heart You! Thank you sooo much!! :) :)
Hey Sydney!
So happy I started following your blog! I'm loving your list. Those nude pumps are just too perfect. Happy Wednesday to you!
xoxo,
Luna from the Red Pants - http://xoxoLuna.blogspot.com
is it sad that i'm pining over someone's 'basics'? i have staples that i definitely wear over and over but they aren't nearly as sweet as these! wanna share a closet? i'm guessing you might say no, i'm thinking it might be a one-sided 'share'. :)
I consider many of these my basics too! I recently stocked my wardrobe with button-ups! I am however, missing a chambray top. Skinny jeans and black pumps are also included in my essentials. Thank you for sharing, Sydney!!
Really good post! I don't have 'true basics' and don't invest in them. Should do though. I love to see all your new combinations with (e.g.) your boyfriend blazer :)
xoxo
www.thefashionmoodboard.com
Love this! I totally agree with all your choices minus the green boots. Lol. I live in FL and there's just no use for them. I absolutely adore your polka dot skirt. Its so adorable!
Vonae Deyshawn
www.myvirtueplace.com
gahhhhhh i NEED those green boots!!! also loving the maxi skirt ;)
p.s. - enter my giveaway for a chance to win 100 postcards! who doesn't love snail mail?!
http://www.oncetherewasatree-kara.blogspot.com/2012/04/my-first-giveaway-print-runner-post.html
xx, kara
I love your style! And your hair!
I know you did a hair tutorial a while ago on how you get your curls, but I was wondering if you could do an updated one, now that your hair is longer? It seems more "wavy" now than curly, and I'm wondering how you get that look every day!!!
love it all. i could wear rain boots every single day. definitely need to invest in some hunters. my green rain boots are "gardening boots" from target. they work, but they're not hunters.
I always try to Thrift my belts too! Good post:)
I have a lot of these in my wardrobe too! They are so essential. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much!!! Love ur wardrobe tips which is very helpful! but right now I am having a baby, i have a hard time finding the right clothes. Can ya give me the wardrobe tip for pregnant woman like me? :D
you da bomb! lol
Sydney! I miss your posts like this! This is definitely helpful and I also enjoy your posts at the Washingtonian.
I had a question for ya - I just cleaned out my closet (donated, sold some items) and now need to update it with some staples.
What would your spring/summer must haves list look like?
I love this posts, I always struggle to get some good basics in my closet and I've vowed to only buy basics until I am fully stocked.
Thanks for the inspiration!
love the polka dot skirt!! great post!!!
ooh i really like this post! beautiful items!
xoxo
ooh i really like this post! beautiful items!
xoxo
Oh how I wish I could all those items (and more!) of your wardrobe. I especially love the belt and watch, have seen them many times in your outfit posts and always loved them. Thanks for sharing!
awesome list, I have a similar wardrobe, except skinny jeans are also a part of mine :) as will be a new denim jacket this season
total agreement...but I also need my skinny jeans :)
http://anna-gemutlichkeit.blogspot.com/
I've been following your blog for a while but just had to comment on this awesome post--I just started a new job and after staring at my closet for hours every morning, I've decided it's time I update my basics. This was super helpful!
Awesome! This is really helpful!
I admire your sense of style. The other thing I like about you is because you looks really stylish even without trying to get/have really expensive wardrobe.
Suzana
http://www.zlittle.com/
Great tips!! And so true!!
-Morgan
morgancharleighsmith.blogspot.com
I love your basics! And I consider a polka dot item to be a very necessary basic in my closet. :)
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
I love how you've pared down to the absolute essentials. It's posts like these that make me remember that style and fashion doesn't have to be flashy or expensive. I love the clean lined outfits you put together without getting too crazy. Plus, I would love to see a post about all the mix-n-match outfits that you could make with these pieces for further inspiration!!!
http://one-girl-vs-world.blogspot.com
i've been loving that blazer and polka dot skirt for a while now! -miken
hogstain.blogspot.com
Great post! Thanks for sharing! These items are definitely the perfect basics to have!
KeepOnStylin.blogspot.com
hey sydney! love your taste and style... i always have a hard time styling the classic rain boot. i just feel like they look clumpy and frumpy, but your outfits w/ the rain boot don't. do you think you could do a post on styling a rain boot? :)
Nice list of basics!
I just invested in my first EVER chambray shirt and I've already thought of about one million ways I can style it. Now I just have to refrain from trying out every pairing in the same week, as people would probably find that sort of gross...
Thanks for opening up your closet for our inspiration! :)
Andrea
Left brain, right brain, pug brain.
Great post- I absolutely agree with them all! I would personally add in a striped tee as well :)
oh this is so inspiring! I've been reading a lot of closet basic thingies, and this really helps me :D Thank you.
Come and hail to my cruise, yo mates!
Ahoy,Keenan!
YES thank you so much for this!! I remember that blazer from some of your old posts! Nice to see that it's still a staple in your wardrobe.
http://olgasrecord.blogspot.com/
This looks like a neat set for spring time.
Take a look at my "This or That"
www.houseofhemingway.com
Great post! Love the polka dot skirt and the Hunter boots. ;)
Marissa
www.thesimpleswan.blogspot.com
A Fashion, Beauty, and Maternity blog
Chambray is the one 80's trend I welcomed back with opened arms. It's so versatile!
this is super. i try to build my wardrobe around staples but sometimes i get drawn toward the wrong things.
Totally love that polka dot skirt, SO cute!
you seriously have the best taste!
What a great post! I rarely comment on your blog but I enjoy reading it so much. You are such an honest writer and I appreciate that so much. And I love your style posts :)
i love this post!
love the thought of getting belts at thrift stores! I hadn't thought of that before!
Super useful post, Syd!
Good work!
great post! Thanks for Sharing!
great post! Thanks for Sharing!
I adore that polka dot skirt! Great list of basics, thanks Sydney!
GREAT CHOICES!
I need to get me a chambray shirt
Style in the City
You should open your own store. I have a feeling you'd be a great merchandiser.
♥Abbey
Along Abbey Road
Ah! love these... I am pretty proud I have almost all these basics! :)
Sara
http://seventwentysomethings.blogspot.com/
I really love this post idea! I even recognize the items from your outfits. I have to say this list is pretty good.
http://gandacummings.blogspot.com
I love this! What a wonderful and helpful blog idea!
I couldn't agree more, great post!
i really love those kind of posts from you sydney :-) also i loooove a+a thursday and the ootd..
maybe you could do a new video :-) just about a normal day or so!!
xo
nat
from germany
Syd are your white Hanes vneck mens or women's? Are they individually sold or packages? I never can find the Hanes ones!
Hello Sydney!
I have been recently following your blog and I love it! I love how you use all different types of brands.. expensive and inexpensive brands and put your outfits together! but most of all I love how you talk about life and share your journey with your readers. :)
Great post! These are the fundamentals of style, and so much more relevant to your audience than the edgey, expensive stuff you style for the Washingtonian.
I agree, these are also some of my go to's!
www.thepursesnatcher.net
Thank you for the tips. One thing though. What you call an A-line skirt is really a full skirt (gathered skirt with a waistband) or a dirndl (a nod to its German peasant folksy origins). An A-line technically has no gathers. It is a flat front skirt with little fullness (possibly one or two pleats)and style lines that angle outward towards the hem. So much for making a long story short. Love your blog, a' course. Danielle
The polka dot skirt needs to be in my wardrobe! I to swear by my hunters! I tagged you for an award on my blog.
Love this post, thanks for sharing!!
This is awesome, I've been trying to sort out my wardrobe lately, have to narrow down my basics too.
justaleitmotif.blogspot.co.uk
x
Love all these pieces, so many possibilities!!
You should consider doing a 30 for 30! I know you've done it before, but it seems like your style has changed since then and I'd love to see what you come up with again! :)
-Dani
http://danijdo.blogspot.com/
Definitely love the pieces that you chose, they have substantial weight in any wardrobe.
Really love this. I've been trying to get back to basics in my closet. I have too much stuff! It's nice to just wear a white tee and jeans. Yes, Hanes are the best! I'm wearing one right now. :)
The Rich Style
Such a great set of pieces.
I've been working on bringing some nice new basics into my closet. Next step: a chambray shirt.
What a fantastic list! I totally agree with you. There are still some staples I need in my wardrobe. Thank you for the inspiration.
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com
I agree, great basics throw in a LBD and it's pretty much the same in my closet. I like the way you showcased them.
These are great pieces! I'm pretty sure I just saw that mustard cardigan at the J. Crew outlet today!
-Amy
http://theblankpagesblog.blogspot.com/
Oo Oo Oo! I have almost all of the above, so I think I'm getting there for staples! I just love your blog! Thanks for inspiring me every day!
http://blushingrosies.blogspot.com/
Totally agree! Have very similar items in my closet.
Love the blazer and the button down!
Hosting a giveaway for some great accessories if you're interested:
http://www.menacherieblog.com/
love! thanks!
xo julesinflats.blogspot.com
I pretty much <3 EVERYTHING you posted.
XX
I love this!
I'm currently getting ready to move, and this is SO helpful to minimize my wardrobe!
Thank you <3
I am so in love with maxi skirts these days. So essential for every wardrobe!
http://WithintheSkin.com
New to your blog and I really love it. You hit the essentials on the head. Love the polka dot skirt!
This was really helpful. I'm trying to pack for a trip and am swamped with choices, so I'm glad you posted this!
Awesome post!! Thanks so much for sharing! I just purchased that skirt... I think... if it is J.Crew. I think it will be an awesome, versatile piece all season long. If you have a moment, I would love to invite you to hop on over to the Queen City Style. I've been going at my new hobby for about 5 months since becoming a stay at home mom with baby boy #2. I want to thank you for your inspiration as I work to get my newest baby off the ground. You provide me with a lot of it!
Fondly, Whitley Adkins Hamlin
www.thequeencitystyle.com
This was super helpful! I'm slowly, (very slowly), but surely getting all of these basics into my wardrobe. Thanks for sharing!
Great basics! Always fun to see what staples people pick. My faves are a lot of the same but also include some casual cuffed jeans for spring/summer.
The polka dot skirt you have isn't actually an "a-line" skirt because of the gathers--that makes it a basic gathered skirt. The first two you linked to are also basic full-ish pleated skirts, and only the third is a true a-line skirt because it's smooth from the waistband.
I'm amazed at how little you picked as basics!Yet they make for numerous combinations!
Love this post!
This is a great post! Isn't it funny how no matter how much stuff you cram into your wardrobe, those essentials just keep getting worn again and again?
http://littleblondbird.blogspot.ca/
I have the watch you suggest (watch #3) from windsor and it is FANTASTIC! I didn't have high hopes as it is only a $20 watch...you would never know it! It's amazing. Glad that you suggested it....
great post! thanks! :)
great post! I love getting insight into how you style things so well :)
~Jacy
http://laviedelenore.blogspot.com
I love seeing your essentials laid out like that- great photos!
I love all your picks- but am surprised you didn't do skinny jeans. I live in my skinny's!
Great post! I'm in the process of down-sizing as I move into my first condo. It's really helpful to see your essentials. I'll definitely be referencing this post as I prep my closet for the move! Thanks x
The polkadotskirt is sooooo cut, i really need more basics too
I-want-it-ALL.
Ky
www.thebirdssay.blogspot.com
Lovely, clean, simple! Time to start shopping!
- Jen
http://www.NewThingDesigns.blogspot.com
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