You MUST Have These

We’ve all read those “fashion must haves” posts where some expert tells you what every woman should own. I’ve even had people ask me this very question for their own stories. But why should I be telling you what your closet needs? Is it a universal thing? Does every woman need to own an LBD and a leather jacket? Let’s find out.

Growing up, I thought of my closet as a puzzle I had to complete — there were certain things that should be there and eventually I would fill those “requirements.” Boots in brown, tan and black and all in short and tall. Wide leg jeans, flare jeans, black wide leg jeans, black flare jeans. A tan peacoat, a black peacoat, perhaps even a red one. Those were also the days of buying in multiples (the same item in different colors). And those days are pretty much over, at least for those of us under 45. I’m not saying there are zero multiples in my closet but I do try my best to buy a variety of something, unless I really fall in love with a certain style (Jimmy Choo Wheel Loafers and Frame Le Garcon Jeans are a few items I couldn’t help but get more than one of). But this isn’t about buying multiples, it’s about what your closet NEEDS. And is that really up to someone else or up to you?

Most of these posts about what you should have in your closet (regardless of what’s trendy or what season it is) include many things I personally would never wear — a pencil skirt, trench coat and ballet flats are just a few. However, they also feature things I wear all the time — leather jacket, black jeans, a classic watch. The question is, though, what works for you? I don’t have an office job and I hate fitted skirts so there’s no reason for me to own a pencil skirt. Ballet flats make my legs look enormous and I’ve found other flat shoe options that are much more flattering and a hell of a lot cooler. So just because an expert tells me I need these things, do I really? The answer is no. I can tell you my must-haves but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re yours. They’re just the pieces I wear most often and I think are necessary for my personal style to come together (re: the art of getting dressed), which is why I deem them as a MUST HAVE. Get it?

Like leather pants, for example.

In Fall / Winter, I wear leather pants almost everyday, especially when going out at night. They can look a little nicer than black denim, some of them are actually warmer than jeans, and overall they just make your look have a bit more edge. You can wear leather leggings with a dress (yes, dress with pants is still happening), you can wear regular leather pants as you would with jeans (think of them as a replacement for denim) or you could take it more casual with leather “sweatpants” or trousers (seen here). The possibilities are endless, which is why leather pants are my number one must-have.

Another? A warm / stylish coat.

Yes, you can have it all. I find this one especially crucial for anyone who lives in Chicago. When I looked at my phone this morning, it was 1 degree. A SINGLE DEGREE. Let’s say you’re going to some fun party or event tonight and you don’t want to wear your puffer…what do you do? Well, I have a few ideas. This Acne coat is by far the coolest and warmest (ironic isn’t it?) coat I own. And with the weather forecast this week, it’s 110% a must-have.

What about the shoe department?

Like I said, I don’t do ballet flats but it’s also unrealistic to wear heels 100% of the time (although some beg to differ). The moment loafers and oxfords became cool (maybe a couple of years ago) I decided to give my feet a break, and now I rarely wear heels. I like that there are more casual and dressier variations of these styles (like those Jimmy Choo loafers I mentioned are pretty casual but these Phillip Lim loafers can be done for day or night). So, really, if I never wanted to wear heels again…I know it’s a definite possibility.

One that’s not totally necessary but I enjoy having some options of…is a hat.

A hat instantly takes your outfit to the next level with literally zero effort (unless you consider the action of putting the hat on your head effort). It’s also ideal for bad hair days…or when you thought you could get away with just one more day of not washing your hair but you were totally wrong and dry shampoo isn’t cutting it. Trust me. I’ve been there for it all. Which is why I love a chic hat.

And my newest must-have would have to be a day-to-night bag.

I never thought I cared about things I can wear for both day and night until more recently. I think I’m just now drawn to things that are neither casual nor dressy (or they’re both?) so I can wear them for multiple occasions. This goes for really everything in this post — I’d wear all of these items any time of day. I had mentioned last week when featuring M2MALLETIER that one of the main selling points of these bags is that they’re really the ideal day-to-night bag (as well as the PS11 Tiny, pictured here). Many times I’m out all day and have to go straight to an event so if I can avoid carrying huge tote at night or a little clutch during the day, I will. It’s these versatile bags that really complete an outfit…again, why it’s one of my must-haves.

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So there you [must] have it. If you think we’re on the same page when it comes to this topic, here’s a few things you should look into.

If not, now it’s your turn. Tell me…what are your closet staples? Do you think these fashion must-haves are universal or depend on taste / lifestyle?

Closet images via Pinterest