Some things you just NEED to have in your Forever Closet.
Ah, the age old question “what to wear?” Most women like to look good when they go out whether its for work or play.
I’ve put together a list of must haves for your closet so you’ll always have something to mix and match.
Go through your closet with this checklist and see where you’re at. Don’t rush to get all the items at once. If you don’t have them, just take your time accumulating. There are so many wonderful sales now that you can take advantage of.
This list should help take the stress off of “I have nothing to wear in my closet.”
There are 50 + Key items to keep in your Forever Closet. We will start with #34 but stay tuned because at the end following #1 we’ll give you the rest of the list.
Click on Next to Start Slideshow below …
34. Swimsuit and Coverup
A swimsuit and a cover up are an absolute necessity for your forever closet. (Be advised ~ We are not condoning the Coke!)
We may not think it’s our best look, but we all need to get more comfortable with our bodies. Eat healthy, exercise and drink 8 glasses of water daily so you can feel good about yourself and wear your “bathing suit and cover up” with pride!
You’re stylishly good to go whenever an event pops up where you will be around a pool or at the beach. A bathing suit and cover up are also a necessity to pack and bring on most vacations. Even if it’s cold outside, there may be a jacuzzi where you are staying. It’s great fun on a ski vacation to be in a nice warm jacuzzi with snow and ice all around.
Click on Next below to See #33 …
33. Long Walking Shorts/Capris
Long walking shorts or capris are an absolute necessity for your forever closet, especially as you get older when unfortunately gravity changes our skin.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch, touring, or just relaxing.
They are great to pack and bring on vacation.
Click on Next below to See # 32 …
32. Black Strappy Sandals – Heels
Black Strappy Sandals with heels, you decide how high, are an absolute necessity for your forever closet.
Pair with a skirt, suit, pants or even jeans for a funkier look. Some outfits just scream out for strappy sandals. Your choice as to how jazzy you’d like them to be – plain, with rhinestones, or other embellishments.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are going to cocktail hour, theatre, other celebratory events or dinners.
Click on Next below to See # 31 …
31. Kitten Heels, Ballet Flats
Ballet flats or Kitten heels are a necessity for your forever closet. Pair with a skirt, suit, pants or jeans. You choose what type of material – smooth leather, skin, suede, patent leather or a combination.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting. Also great for cocktail hour, theatre, and other after hour events and dinners.
Click on Next below to See # 30 …
30. Little Heeled Black Shoes
Little Black shoes with a smaller heel are an absolute necessity for your forever closet. Pair with a skirt, suit, pants or jeans. Your choice as to what type of material –smooth leather, skin, suede, patent leather or a combination. You will not want to wear a higher heel all the time so these will come in quite handy.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting. Also great for cocktail hour, theatre, or other after hour events and dinners.
Keep Scrolling and Clicking on Next below to See the Full List …
29. Black pumps
Black pumps are an absolute necessity for your forever closet. Pair with a skirt, suit, pants or jeans. You might be surprised to see how stylish it is to wear a pump with a cropped denim jean. Your choice as to what type of material –smooth leather, skin, suede, patent leather or a combination.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting. Also great for cocktail hour, theatre, and other after hour events and dinners.
I Love Patent Leather pumps
28. Pop color shoes – heels or flats
Pop color shoes, whether they be heels or flats are an absolute necessity for your forever closet. Pair with a skirt, pants, jeans or capris. You choose the color, you choose the style – a pop color shoe can turn a boring outfit into a sassy one.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting. Also great to jazz up an outfit for cocktail hour, theatre, or other after-hour events and dinner.
My fave: I love the Mary Jane style and I love a red shoe.
27. Black casual belt for jeans
A Black Casual Belt for skirts, slacks, jeans…
A black casual belt never goes out of fashion, although styling may vary from year to year. Thin, thick, smooth leather, bumpy leather, patent leather – it’s your choice. There are also some fabulous buckles that can be interchanged with your leather to really jazz up an outfit. You may decide to put it over your shirt, or thru the loops on your skirt, pants, jeans or capris-it’s simply a must to have in your closet.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
26. Black Dressy Belt
A dressy belt is an absolute necessity for your forever “evening” closet (as well as coming in handy for luncheons). You’re ready for dinner, the movies, theater, or any special night time events, meetings or gatherings.
My fav brand to choose from Suzi Roher. Pricey but lasts forever….
25. Beige/Bone Day Bag for Spring
A Beige/Bone Day bag is an absolute necessity for your forever “spring/fall closet.”. . Most everything you wear during these two seasons will match a beige/bone purse.
You’re stylishly good to go with everything you need inside whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
24. White Day Bag – summer
A White Day Bag is an absolute necessity for your forever “summer closet.” There is nothing like a white bag to shout it’s summertime. I still abide by the old- fashioned “fashion rules” – you can wear a white bag and white shoes from Memorial day through Labor Day. I do love, and actually prefer, the “winter white” color.
You’re stylishly good to go with everything you need inside whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
23. Black Day Bag
A Black Day Bag is an absolute necessity for your forever closet. Most everything matches a black bag – it’s the one I use the most frequently. Good for all year long. You’re stylishly good to go with everything you need inside whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting. I bet you can’t just have one!
22. Evening clutch or handbag – preferably Black
An evening clutch or handbag – preferably Black- is a necessity for your forever closet. Easy to grab when you need it, as well as being a beautiful accessory. You’re stylishly good to go, with everything you need inside, whether you are going out to dinner, to the theater or a special celebration luncheon.
21. Perfect carry-all (tote)
A carry-all is a total necessity for your forever closet. There are unlimited choices in colors and prints for you to choose from. You’re stylishly good to go with everything you need inside whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting. Also great for weekend outings to the beach, a park, picnic, by a lake… or just going to a friends house.
20. Rain/trench coat – for business and play
A rain/trench coat never goes out of fashion, although styling may vary from year to year. This year in particular, the trench coat was very popular and they had some really beautiful and funky styles available. I had tried on one with a beautiful bubble bottom. Great to have for those overcast and rainy days.Throw on over any outfit and you’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands,meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
For traveling, it’s great to get one that can fold up into a small bag so you can carry with you everywhere ~ just in case the weather changes.
19. Jean Vest
A jean/denim vest never goes out of fashion, although styling may vary from year to year – some longer, some shorter, some with embroidery… You may decide to add some pop to your jean vest yourself. I know a lot of women who have had fun decorating theirs with swarovski crystals or rhinestones.
Put over a sleeveless, short or long sleeve shirt and pair with a skirt, pants, jeans or capris-it’s simply a must to have in your closet. Add pumps, stylish boots, ballet flats or sneakers and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands,meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
18. Leather jacket
This will never go out of fashion, although styling and colors may vary from year to year. Short, long, mid-length ~ they are all good.
A Leather Jacket is an Essential for your forever closet Feel free to wear a cami, short sleeves, long sleeves, a buttton down shirt or even a cute tee shirt underneath your jacket. Pair with a skirt, pants, jeans or capris. . Add stylish boots, pumps, ballet flats or sandals and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands or meeting some friends for lunch. Also great for cocktail hour or dinner.
A black leather jacket is probably the most common, so you may want to opt for a more unusual color.
17. Novelty jacket
Whether it’s velvet, linen, denim,cotton…cashmere or wool, adding a novelty jacket to your outfit will totally spice it up. I love to wear a monotone outfit (same color shirt and pants or skirt) and then throw a funky jacket over it. You’re now stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
16. Jean Jacket
This will never go out of fashion, although styling may vary from year to year.
There are some gorgeous appliqués or stones that can be added to jazz up a denim jacket. Here again you can use swarovski crystals, rhinestones and even add some pearls!
It’s also fun to add a pin by the front pocket. Switch them out depending on your mood and have fun.
A Jean Jacket is an Essential for your forever closet Feel free to wear a cami, short sleeves, long sleeves, a buttton down shirt or even a cute tee shirt underneath your jacket. Pair with a skirt, pants, jeans or capris. . Add stylish boots, pumps, ballet flats or sandals and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands or meeting some friends for lunch.
15. Black Blazer
This will never go out of fashion, although styling may vary from year to year. A black blazer is an Essential for your forever closet. I would recommend choosing a classic style so it will take you through many meetings and many occasions. You can always roll/pull up the sleeves to change the look.
Feel free to wear a cami, short sleeves, long sleeves, a buttton down shirt or even a cute tee shirt underneath your blazer. Dress it up or dress it down. Pair with a skirt, pants, jeans or capris. Add stylish boots, pumps, ballet flats or sandals and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting. Also great for cocktail hour or dinner.
One of my favorite looks is a pair of denim jeans with a white shirt and black blazer ~ classic and stylish!
14. Black pant – wide leg or boot cut
Black pants are a must for your forever closet. They are a style favorite for all “fashionistas” – so easy to grab and dress. Pair with a button down shirt to dress up,or with a cute tee shirt to dress down. Add stylish boots, pumps or ballet flats and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting. Also great for cocktail hour or dinner.
Bet you can’t just own one pair!
13. Black Leggings
Black leggings are simply a must to have in your closet. There are so many choices in the marketplace for you to choose from ~ different styles and different lengths. Throw on a long blouse, mini dress, skirt, or a short shirt with a long flowing or ruffly sweater over the leggings – be creative. I love a long denim shirt (called a boyfriend shirt) over a cami or tank top with a belt over them with my leggings. Add pumps, stylish boots, ballet flats or sneakers and you have a simple classic or funky outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands,meeting some friends for lunch or out for the evening.
12. Black Jeans
Black Jeans – bootcut or straight leg. Black jeans have come shining through numerous generations and maintains a style favorite for all fashion conscious women. Pair with a button down shirt to dress up,or with a cute tee shirt to dress down. Add stylish boots, pumps or ballet flats and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
11. Washed Out Jeans
Washed out jeans – bootcut or straight leg. The washed out blue jean has come shining through numerous generations and maintains a style favorite for all those concerned with fashions and trends. Pair with a button down shirt to dress up,or with a cute tee shirt to dress down. Add stylish boots, pumps or ballet flats and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
You can also opt to throw on a sweatshirt and a pair of sneakers for a comfy casual look.
10. Dark Rinse Jeans
Dark rinse jeans – bootcut or straight leg. The dark rinse jean has come shining through numerous generations and maintains a style favorite for all fashionistas. Pair with a button down shirt to dress up,or with a cute tee shirt to dress down. Add stylish boots, pumps or ballet flats and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
I Love Not Your Daughters Jeans (NYDJ) because they are specifically designed to slim down the often problematic lower abdomen, contour the hips, and lift the tush. Another favorite is Christopher Blue Jeans.
9. Lacy Cami (Camisole)
A lacy cami never goes out of fashion, although styling may change. I’m recommending at least one to have in your forever closet: white, winter white, beige or black would be a versatile color to choose. A cami looks terrific under a denim shirt, a short or long sleeve blouse, under a suit jacket, blazer or a sweater – it’s simply a must to have in your closet. Pair with a skirt, pants, jeans or capris; add pumps, stylish boots, ballet flats or sneakers and you have a simple classic or funky outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands,meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
If you are going out at night and feel a little sexy, just throw a pashmina or wrap around your shoulders!
8. Fashion Scarf
A Fashion Scarf. The scarf comes in and out of style on a fairly consistent basis – short, long, in between, you name it. Fashion scarves are fun to play with, fold in different ways, and can turn a mundane outfit into a head turner: stick it in your pocket, tie around your neck in a bow, leave hanging open after you’ve tucked around your collar, put it through belt loops and use as a funky belt – it’s all impressionable. I also love to occasionally tie one on my purse.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
There are numerous ways to tie a scarf. You will never get bored of the same look.
Come back for more tips on this!
7. Denim Shirt
A Denim Shirt never goes out of fashion, although styling may vary from year to year. Pair with pants, jeans, capris or leggings, put on your pumps, stylish boots, ballet flats or sneakers and you have a simple fun and funky outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands or meeting some friends for lunch. Not appropriate for going to a meeting- more of an after hours or weekend look.
I love a long denim shirt (called a boyfriend shirt) over a cami – with leggings and a belt.
6. Fun Patterned Top
Whether it’s sleeveless, short, three-quarter or long sleeves a fun patterned top is simply a must to have in your closet. Pair with a solid color skirt, pants, jeans or capris. Add a sweater, blazer or jean jacket, and pumps, stylish boots, ballet flats or sneakers and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
5. Animal Print Top or Accessory
Whether you choose a pair of boots, shoes, sandals, a purse, tote, a belt, bangles, leggings, tights, a nice shirt or a tee – make sure you have something in your closet that comes “from the jungle.”
Animal prints may come and go but they will always be an accent style favorite for all fashionable women. Grab something with a print and pair with a black skirt, pant, capri or jean – it’s your choice. You’re stylishly good go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
4. White Blouse
A White Blouse never goes out of fashion, although styling may vary from year to year. Sleeveless, short or long sleeves – it’s simply a must to have in your closet. Pair with a skirt, pants, jeans or capris. Add a sweater, blazer or jean jacket, and pumps, stylish boots, ballet flats or sneakers and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands,meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
3. Business Suit –Black, Gray or Brown
A Suit is an Essential for your forever closet. I would recommend choosing a classic style so it will take you through many meetings and many occasions.
Feel free to wear a cami, short sleeves, long sleeves, a buttton down shirt or even a cute tee shirt underneath your jacket. Add pumps, stylish boots, or ballet flats and you have a simple classic outfit that will take you wherever you need to go whether you are meeting some friends for lunch, going to a meeting, or even when you unfortunately have to attend a funeral. I also still like wearing a suit when I am going to a House of Worship. I’m also a believer in wearing stockings with your suit!
2. Black Skirt – Pencil or A-Line
Black skirt – A-line or pencil – the silhouette that never goes out of fashion.
These skirts have come shining through numerous generations and maintain a style favorite for all fashionistas. Mini, midi or maxi – it’s your choice. Pair with short sleeves, long sleeves, sweater sets, sweaters, a button down shirt or even with a cute tee shirt to dress down. Add pumps, stylish boots, or ballet flats and you have a simple classic outfit. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch or going to a meeting.
Drumroll please …
1. Little black dress aka LBD
Aaaaahh the little black dress. I must confess I have more than one in my forever closet. Casual, dressy, and in-between, the little black dress is truly an essential whenever an occasion pops up.
I recently had to attend an event for a religious school reunion and after driving myself crazy trying to decide what exactly to wear, it came to me … of course ~ one of my black dresses. Not only was it perfect for the occasion, it felt good and looked great.
You will never regret having a LBD in your closet ~ and we just bet you can’t just have one!
To continue:
Key Item #35 to keep in your Forever Closet:
Sunglasses are an absolute necessity for your forever closet. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch, going to a meeting or whenever an event pops up where you will be around a pool or by the beach. They are also great to pack and bring on vacation.
Key Item #36 to keep in your Forever Closet:
Flip Flops are an absolute necessity for your forever closet.
You’re stylishly good to go whenever an event pops up where you will be around a pool or by the beach.
There are many new fun styles for you to choose from – flats, heels, and some where you can pop cute decorative attachments on and off.
They are also great to pack and bring on vacation. I like to keep them right outside the shower when I’m staying in a hotel.
Key Item #37 to keep in your Forever Closet:
Sandals – flats and heels are an absolute necessity for your forever closet.
Choose fancy or casual depending on if you are going to pair with a skirt, suit, pants or jeans. Your choice as to what type of material –smooth leather, skin, suede, patent leather or a combination.
You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch, going to a meeting or whenever an event pops up where you will be around a pool or by the beach.
They are also great to pack and bring on vacation.
Key Item #38 to keep in your Forever Closet:
Walking Shoes/Sandals are an absolute necessity for your forever closet.
Pair with a skirt, suit, pants or jeans. Your choice as to what type of material –smooth leather, skin, suede, patent leather or a combination. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch, going to a meeting, somewhere you know you’ll do a lot of walking, or whenever an event pops up where you will be around a pool or by the beach.
They are also great to pack and bring on vacation.
Key Item #39 to keep in your Forever Closet:
Sneakers are all the rage ~ colored, printed, laces, no laces, you name it ~ are an absolute necessity for your forever closet.
Pair with a skirt, suit, pants or jeans. You’re stylishly good to go whether you are running errands, meeting some friends for lunch, going to a meeting or whenever an event pops up where you will be around a pool or by the beach.
They are also great to pack and bring on vacation.
Oh, and of course they are great to exercise in. Just be sure to buy the proper type for the exercise you are doing.
And the remainder of your Key Items for your Forever Closet are:
Boots
Beach bag
Luxury piece of jewelry
Pearls – Real or imitation
Diamond or CZ studs
Gold Chains – short and long
Silver Chain- short and long
Day Watch
Night Watch
Fashion ring
Gold or gold fill bangles
Silver bangles
Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Please post your questions or comments in our facebook group. I’d love to hear what you think of this list.