style glossary: 10 basics to rebuild your wardrobe!

Does your closet need an overhaul? If so, I highly recommend these 10 items.

If you’ve had a change in your life like having a baby (or being done having babies), weight loss, a change or a pause in careers or you just opened your closet one day and thought “none of this feels like me anymore” I have 10 basics to rebuild your wardrobe. Or maybe you love your clothes but you feel like there are some missing pieces that could make putting together outfits and getting dressed easier. Whatever your life situation, these are 10 basics I recommend if you are rebuilding your closet.

A reader recently emailed me asking this question: How do I rebuild my wardrobe now that I’m done having kids? I have clothes in my closet but nothing I like wearing and I feel behind on the “trends” or what is good right now. I’m also about to turn 40 so I don’t want to look super trendy, just stylish and classic. Help!

This is such a great question and it’s one many women deal with at all different points in life. Whether you are changing from working in an office to working at home (like I did 16 years ago and started my blog to figure this out!) or you’ve had a major life event like babies or weight loss or you just looked in your closet and realized that nothing really truly reflects you anymore and it needs an overhaul. I hope these pieces become your new comfort pieces that you can depend on and look and feel amazing in!

These pieces are the ultimate in classic. They are simple and easy to wear, but also make a statement of confidence in their simplicity. I usually find that easier is better and if you are rebuilding a closet you will want to start with a strong foundation. Since I am writing this in May some pieces will skew towards warmer weather so perhaps I will revisit this concept come fall. But for now, these will be fantastic building blocks in your warm weather wardrobe for the next 5-ish months.

1. Great jeans. Denim is the absolute foundation of my wardrobe and living in the midwest I wear jeans probably 75% of the time even sometimes in the summer. I love dresses and shorts but our warm weather season is short here so denim is a must-have. These are 3 pairs I would suggest that are modern without being too trendy.

   • This white wide leg pair - one of my most worn style

   • This straight leg pair - under $100 and of the moment without being trendy

   • This crop flare pair - by far the most popular jeans I’ve ever posted about and universally flattering.

2. Great Linen. Linen is a closet staple for me this time of year. It’s refined but unfussy. The way it holds gentle wrinkles says it’s worn and loved. It’s also super lightweight and breathable for warmer days. It’s always a classic look! Here are 3 linen pieces that I highly recommend right now.

   • These linen pants. They are comfortable like pjs but look perfectly pulled together.

   • This linen top. Roll the sleeves up or keep them down, tuck it in or leave it untucked. This classic shirt works for casual office days, lunch with friends or errands!

   • This linen dress. I love a dress with sleeves and a belt. It’s such a flattering cut and a perfect way to dress up for everyday without feeling fussy.

3. Classic Sandals. I love a comfort shoe like a sneaker and Birkenstock and wear both a lot, but putting on a classic pair of sandals always feels so chic! They aren’t always practical for everyday but I’m kind of allergic to uncomfortable shoes so I can vouch for these! Here are 3 everyday sandals I’m loving right now to dress up your everyday looks.

   • These simple slides. I own these from 2-3 years ago and still wear them all the time. They seem to go with everything in my closet.

   • These investment sandals. These are definitely an investment but they are so beautiful and add a touch of sophistication to dresses, shorts and jeans. I love them so much.

   • Classic Jack Rogers with a twist. These classic Jack Rogers sandals with crochet details were a favorite purchase last year and I just love them so much. They definitely take some breaking in, but they are so pretty in person and go with everything!

4. Simple flats. Flats are definitely my most worn shoe style. I can’t even remember the last time I wore heels. I just love that heels aren’t trendy right now. Praise the Lord! Jeans, flats and sweaters are my go-to and here are 3 of the styles I wear the most.

   • The classic ballet flat. These are also an investment piece but so beautiful! I own them in black and brown.

   • This loafer/mule. I’ve owned these forever and still reach for them all the time. Another pair of shoes I own in both black and brown these are just easy and comfortable and instantly make any outfit look polished.

   • These Mary Janes. I own them in leopard, brown woven and just ordered them in the natural woven for spring and summer. They are super comfortable and so fun to wear!

5. Classic shorts. I’ve never been a person that absolutely loves shorts. But I’ve found a few options that I really love that I feel confident in. Here are 3 of my top recommendations for shorts.

   • These relaxed linen shorts. These are so comfortable and the perfect combo of relaxed and pulled together.

   • These longer pleated shorts. These are casual but feel more refined with the pleats. I love wearing these.

   • These denim shorts. This is a pair I have owned for years and years and each year enjoy wearing again. Perfect mom on the go piece for warm days. I’ve tried so many denim shorts and these always fit the best.

6. Everyday sneakers. I have a full post on everyday sneakers here. The perfect everyday sneaker works with both leggings and fitness looks and with jeans, shorts and maybe even dresses. These are the 3 styles I wear the most.

   • Golden Goose. I know, I know! You either love them or hate them - but I happen to love them and after all these years I truly do still wear them and love them!

   • New Balance 327. These are so popular and maybe a touch cliche as a “mom shoe” at this point but the reason being is because they are so comfortable and look adorable with jeans. I wear these a lot of kids activities like sports, tailgating, visiting campus, etc. And at under $100 you can’t beat the price.

   • DV Notice sneaker. The actual MOST comfortable “fashion” sneaker ever invented. I can’t imagine a more comfortable shoe for walking. I own them in two colors they are so good.

7. Logo free handbag. In the past I’ve lusted for designer bags but I kind of think they are just going out of style a bit. With inflated prices on luxury bags and a strong resale market I think the luxury bag industry is changing (that’s probably another story for another day). If you own them and love them then definitely hang on to them! I have some Chloe bags I still just adore and will never get rid of. But these days I don’t think you need a designer bag in your closet if you don’t want one. There are so many gorgeous bags that are NOT designer that I actually love more in my closet!

   • This bucket tote. I own it in a few colors (which I rarely do) but it just gets SO much use and it’s so classic. It holds a ton of things including my laptop and looks effortlessly chic!

   • A straw tote. This one is super practical and cute but there are so many cute options this time of year. It’s a fun way to add a pop of “summer” to any outfit.

   • This woven tote. I have used this SO much and really it’s a fantastic bag for the price. I have the dark brown but they just launched some new colors. The perfect carryall.

8. Seasonless cashmere. With such affordable cashmere options these days this is semi-investment piece that I really love having in my closet. It’s lightweight but warm so it works for most of the year (maybe except July & August) for cool spring and summer evenings even if it’s just over the shoulders and all fall and winter long. Here are 3 cashmere pieces at great prices that I highly recommend. (and if you are worried about pilling - I gently use a sweater shaver on any pills that pop up!)

   • This cashmere crewneck. It’s available in a million colors - even some fun trendy colors! And you can go with your usual size or size up for a more oversized fit. You can beat this classic piece!

   • This cashmere tee. Perfect for cool spring days under a jacket or layered with a blazer or on its own with jeans. This is a classic piece for a great price in tons of colors!

   • This oversized boxy sweater. This sweater feels like an amazing hug! I love it with jeans and flats pretty much when there is any hint of cool in the air.

9. Cotton sweaters. There is nothing like a truly seasonless basic like a cotton sweater. You can wear these winter or spring or fall and they always look and feel great. I always make sure to wash on delicate and hang to dry so they stay looking brand new. Here are 3 of my favorites.

   • This striped sweater. I’ve owned this for a while and never get sick of wearing it. It’s an amazing price and such a classic.

   • This boyfriend sweater. Perfectly oversized while still being super flattering. It’s available in a million colors and an amazing price.

   • This chunky sweater. If you love a classic chunky sweater (who doesn’t) this one is is perfection.

10. Classic costume jewelry. I always feel extra pulled together when I’ve got a few pieces of jewelry on and whether you love keepsakes as your everyday jewelry (I talk about all my everyday jewelry here) or you mix in a few pieces of costume jewelry these pieces always feel so pretty to wear.

    • This gold cuff. Bold jewelry is making a comeback and I just got this cuff and find myself reaching for it often. What a pretty piece!

    • This tennis bracelet. For the money this tennis bracelet is gorgeous in person. I enjoy wearing it alongside the tennis bracelet my husband gifted me.

    • This tennis necklace. I wear this almost everyday and it’s held up amazing. It’s SO pretty too!

What would you add to this list? I would love to know!