Does anyone else besides me feel overwhelmed when it comes to fashion? I know it’s important to fill your closet with wardrobe essentials, but I never seem to know what they are. And to make matters worse, I have some friends who always look so put together and stylish. It’s like they’ve cracked some secret code and know exactly what to put together to make a great outfit!
Since I feel a bit challenged in the fashion department, I enlisted my friend and personal stylist, Jinhye Edwards, to help me rebuild my closet with the proper wardrobe essentials. Originally from Seoul Korea, Jinhye has been living in the States for the past 5 years, and currently works as a personal stylist at Intermix’s Madison Avenue location, in New York City.
Jinhye wants her clients to feel confident, so her first piece of advice is to build a closet with 5 wardrobe essentials that never go out of style. “Trends are fun,” Jinhye says, “But the key to a solid wardrobe is timeless pieces you will wear again and again and can mix and match with trendier items in your closet.” Sounds good to me!
Each of the 5 wardrobe essentials Jinhye recommends is versatile pieces that you can dress up or down and enjoy for years to come. And if you consider how often you will wear these garments, they are worth the splurge!
The Must-Haves for Your Closet: 5 Wardrobe Essentials
1. A Crisp, White Button-Down Shirt
Jinhye loves the look of a crisp, white button-down top because it’s versatile and polished, and it’s a piece that can be worn in various ways. Layer it under a jacket or blazer, or wear it over a tank, unbuttoned, and tied at the waist, for a casual feel.
Jinhye even created a fashion-forward look by wearing her white button-down backward and off the shoulder. (This is why she’s a stylist and I am not!)
For fabric options, go with 100% cotton. It’s the easiest material to care for but still gives you that crisp look. Silk is also an option, but it’s a delicate fabric that isn’t easy to clean. If possible, avoid synthetic fabrics, like polyester, because the color of the garment will ultimately change after a few times in the wash.
For a twist on the classic white dress shirt, Jinhye recommends the brand Marni. If you want something a bit more fun, Helmut Lang always has great options.
2. A Tailored Blazer
There’s something about a tailored blazer or jacket that pulls a look together and completes an outfit. That’s why this garment is on Jinhye’s list of 5 wardrobe-essentials. For a more casual look, pair it with jeans and flats.
Need to get more dressed up? Throw it over a long, flowy dress with strappy heels.
However you pair it, Jinhye recommends getting a color other than black, which she considers a bit too proper and boring. Instead, go for navy, white or grey, colors that are neutral enough to match with most things but more interesting than basic black. The brands she recommends for good quality and style are Rag and Bone and Veronica Beard.
3. The Perfect Pant
To get your wardrobe started, Jinhye actually suggests two pairs of pants. She recommends purchasing a classic pair of trousers and a well-fitting pair of jeans. While both are versatile, you will most likely have occasions that call for dressier pants, in which case you’ll want those trousers.
The Classic Trouser
Jinhye loves a classic fit trouser with a flared hem because it’s flattering on all body types and gives you a lot of mileage. It works in a corporate setting but is also practical enough for active women and moms on-the-go. Depending on your mood, and where you are going, you can pair it with a heel or a sneaker, to dress it up or down.
Jinhye’s top pick for trousers is the Derek Lam 10 Crosby flare trouser. At $365 and almost 100% cotton, it’s a steal compared to many of the other designer brands. There’s also a chic style that comes in denim.
Jeans
With today’s more casual take on fashion, (Hello athleisure!) everyone needs one good pair of well-fitting jeans. For color, go with a dark wash or black, because they are more versatile.
The French label, L’Agence has a denim line called Margot, which is Jinhye’s go-to for all of her clients. The jean is cropped, which is great for shorter women, and the backside is well-tailored with a special seam line, which makes a woman’s bum look like the shape of a heart. And who doesn’t want that?!
4. A Pointed-Toe, Kitten Heel
Jinhye loves a classic kitten heel because it’s comfortable and sophisticated. It’s also a versatile shoe that you can wear with denim, trousers, a skirt, or a dress. Jinhye prefers a pointed toe because of its chic and creates a longer silhouette. (A round toe is considered more youthful and feminine.)
For your first pair, Jinhye recommends a neutral color like nude. In general, she likes a nude shoe because it also creates a longer silhouette, whereas a black shoe cuts a look at the ankle, creating a less cohesive look. Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik both have beautiful, classic options.
5. An Iconic Bag
It can be hard to justify spending a lot of money on a bag, especially when the price point can be as much as a month’s rent. But there’s an argument to be made that a classic bag will literally last you forever. My mom has Chanel bags that she bought over 30 years ago, and they are not only in beautiful condition, but they are still in style. So, if you consider that an icon bag is an investment you’re making over a very long period of time, it makes more sense.
If you are looking for one bag, Jinhye recommends a black leather, day-to-night option, from a classic brand like Chanel. A versatile, day-to-night bag works with so many looks, from jeans and flats, to a cocktail dress and heels. And a traditional pattern and color will never go out of style.
If you need a bigger carryall for during the day, Jinhye recommends the Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote. It’s practical, timeless, and stylish. (I must admit, I have this bag myself and I’m 100% obsessed with it.) Remember that you’ll still want to stick with a neutral or classic pattern, otherwise, a few years later, you might regret your trendy choice. As for material, avoid suede and calfskin, and stick with classic leather.
Spring 2018 Fashion Trends
While it’s smart to fill your closet with classic wardrobe essentials, you also want to have some fun, because that’s what fashion is about, right? Jinhye advises her clients to choose a few trendy pieces, as long as the clothing fits with their lifestyle and they feel comfortable. However, trends are not the pieces to splurge on, since you’ll likely only wear the pieces for a couple of seasons before tossing or donating them.
With that in mind, here are the biggest spring trends, according to Jinhye.
- Millennial Pink is here to stay
- Flower prints will be everywhere
- Men’s inspired shirts that are boxy with volume
- Unexpected cuts will still be popular (i.e. off-shoulder tops, one-shoulder dresses, and high/low hemlines on skirts)
Now that I’ve had this fashion tutorial with Jinhye, I’m ready for a wardrobe refresh! And remember, less is more when you’re going for quality. It’s better to purchase one well-made, classic garment, that will last for years to come, than 10 trendy and cheap pieces that won’t hold up over the long run.
Now I’d love to hear from you! What are your must-have pieces in your wardrobe? What pieces of clothing can you not live without? Which fashion trends do you love and hate? And what does personal style mean to you? Please share in the comments below!
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