Photo: tochis / Flickr

We’ve written about building a wardrobe with a few good quality outfits and accessorising from there by using scarves, jewellery, handbags and belts. But what are the basic items that every woman should have? To start with, a well dressed wardrobe should include a basic cardigan that you can carry around anytime. Add some simple blouses and camisoles to flesh it out, some well fitting pants and a great pair of boots. Buy quality and they’ll last for years.

What’s in a cardigan?

According to a well-known, well-dressed French author, Mireille Guiliano, ‘there is nothing like a basic cardigan to carry you through late winter and into Spring, and I find myself wearing mine all year. However, a good one is sometimes hard to find.’

Mireille favours cardigans that have a soft feel and a thick knit. She says that she prefers to wear cardigans that are tailored around the waist. Length and necklines are also considerations. A longer one may work well over pants, while a shorter one may fit better with a skirt.

Keep an eye on the bargain racks for a cashmere cardigan. Don’t take your cardigan to the drycleaners, rather wash it by hand. Also never hang it up to dry. Rather leave it to dry on a flat surface.

Blouses and camisoles

Buy a few good blouses. That doesn’t mean they have to be designer-wear. Good quality simple blouses can be accessorised in all manner of ways over the years. Your blouses could last you forever if you buy classics and take good care of them.

A camisole can be dressed up or down so think of buying some camisoles to act as alternatives for blouses or t-shirts. You can even wear a camisole with a business suit to add a touch of soft femininity.

A great pair of classic boots

As for boots, a pair of classic boots can last for a very long time. Buy leather and perhaps consider buying two pairs (or more!). You can’t go wrong with a pair of black and brown boots. They’re also quite adaptable, depending on the style you choose.

Tags: fashion, Fashion trends