When I travel I take my iPad with some TV series downloaded onto it to watch, on the plane, waiting for a plane, whenever I am bored. Not having cable TV (I figure with blogging and work, if there isn’t anything I want to watch on free-to-air TV I should be doing something else with my time), so I missed out on seeing Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style and notice that he’s got a list of 10 essential items he thinks every woman should own.
Here is Tim Gun’s List
- Basic Black Dress
- Trench Coat
- Dress Pants
- Classic White Shirt
- Jeans
- Any Occasion Top
- Skirt
- Day Dress
- Jacket
- Sweatsuit Alternative
It’s a very classic list of items, and definitely is trying to help you have a range of items so that you can create an outfit for any occasions. In the TV show he asks his participants to show him outfits that represent their life:
- Going out to dinner with partner
- G0ing to work – dressy
- Going to work – casual
- Out with friends
- Comfortable around the house
- Special occasion
These are a fair representation of situations that many of us have in our lives, and this list certainly doesn’t cover every aspect of our lives, but it’s a reasonable list to be able to dress for appropriately. You may also think about adding in any wardrobe requirements for special hobbies, and of course clothes for the day to day needs of the school run or shopping.
When I do a wardrobe audit I’m asking my client how they spend their time, what they do with their life, their clothing requirements and needs. Then I’ll ask about what they most enjoy wearing. Jeans may be a staple item in some people’s wardrobe, but never worn in others. I don’t think that you can insist that these exact items be the ones that you really need (I can’t remember the last time I work a classic white shirt, it just doesn’t fit with my personal style or lifestyle).
These lists are useful as far as giving you an idea of where to start, but I wouldn’t be following them to the letter.
I do like his Sweatsuit Alternative idea though – particularly if it’s something that is not to do exercise in but more to run errands in. Basically it comes down to something that you find comfortable that is easy to throw on, but still looks stylish. For me it’s either jeans, a knit top and funky jacket, or it’s a dress in warmer months.
Imogen’s List:
- Basic Black Dress - Basic dress that you can dress up or down, in a dark colour that suits you – aubergine, navy, deep teal, burgundy, brown etc.
- Trench Coat – A leather jacket or coat in a fairly classic cut that isn’t too heavy or light so is more tran-seasonal. A trench may work, but so may a different style.
- Dress Pants – I agree – a good pair in a great dark neutral can work day or night.
- Classic White Shirt – A shirt if you’re classic, a blouse in a softer fabric if you’re more feminine – and not in white, but a colour that really suits you.
- Jeans – Dark Wash Denim in a cut that suits you – unless you hate jeans
- Any Occasion Top - A Smart top in your eye enhancing colour that is something you could wear to work, or put on with a pair of jeans.
- Skirt – Happy to keep this one in – Find a shape that suits you. But if you just don’t wear skirts, go for an extra pair of dress pants in a different neutral or with a pinstripe.
- Day Dress – Love this – a dress is so versatile. But if you have great difficultly buying dresses because of your shape, opt instead for a skirt and top that work together.
- Jacket- a Jacket that you can dress up or down in a great neutral that goes with lots in your wardrobe. Wear it with jeans, wear it over a dress, wear it with dress pants…
- Sweatsuit Alternative – it may be a dress, or jeans, it’s up to you and your lifestyle. But make it something you’d want to be caught in by an ex-lover.
- Handbag – something of quality, what you carry is important as the rest of your outfit
What’s on your essential wardobe list?
I like that – “something you’d want to be caught in by an ex-lover”
) I read Tim Gunn’s list and majority of it does not apply to my life. I don’t think I have ever owned a white shirt or needed one. But I can’t live a week without wearing smart jeans though!
Lena Merrin recently posted..“Don’t be skinny” ads
Lena, I see so many “just ducking to the supermarket” or I only wear it at home” outfits that are terrible that I think people need to create some standards for themselves. So the ex test is a good way of working out whether you should ever wear it!
I fully agree with you Imogen! This is a well done, very useful post! Thank you for your great help and smart advices!
Imogen, I love your version of the Basic “Ten”. Often stylists create a Basic Ten list that is really only applicable if you work in an office and have a classic style personality — neither suits my lifestyle or personality. Your suggestion for selecting a top in an eye-enhancing colour instead of a classic white blouse is much more versatile as many women (especially those with a large bust) are not flattered by a classic white shirt. I’m still searching for my LBD (little basic dress) in my best neutral — navy or charcoal grey — instead of the often recommended black. The statement bag in a pop of colour is another great suggestion. I bought a beautiful bag in a mid-value plum that goes with everything in my wardrobe and gives my entire look more personality (I’m a summer with a creative-romantic style personality).
Hello
You have covered everything I find essential but for myself would have to add tees, white and black, and I would likely substitute a cardigan for the jacket. Great post!
sanda
I was tossing up between jacket and cardigan!
Imogen,
I’m not sure if this is the place to ask, but I have a question. My style is and has always classic, (think Jackie or Audrey-esque) but I’m struggling with feeling like it’s boring. I am longing for a very stylish vibe while maintaining a classy and timeless style overall. I am a pastors wife and a SAH/homeschooling mom of 5. On any given day you will find me wearing a 3/4 sleeve cardigan with a skirts (no pants), or maybe a boring tee, ballet flats or low heels and basic jewelry (pearls, diamond studs, watch, rings). Do you have any suggestions? Thanks so much, I love your blog!
I have a friend who is a ‘classic’ dresser but she buys some really bold jewellery- a necklace with a big flower on it, or some beads with sparkly bits in. It makes her look les boring and more eye catching.
The jewellery doesn’t need to cost a lot.
Personally I do it with scarves because I can’t wear big jewellery. My friend is small though.