There are just some things that every woman should have in her closet to make looking great easy. The first rule of dressing well is that you should make sure you have the essentials. These are the important wardrobe staples.


  • Jeans. Find the best jeans for your body. To find the best jeans for you be ready to try on lots of them. Do not get discouraged if you do not find the right jeans for you the first day you go out shopping for them. Make sure you look great from all angles front, back and side. My favorite jeans are Old Navy “The Flirt” Mid Rise.

  • A tailored coat. Make sure it is flattering for you figure. For more tips on the best coat for your body type check out the book Dress Your Best.

  • Basic Trousers. Like jeans be patient and try on a lot of trousers. Make sure they are not pleated in the front or that the waist is so low that your underwear pokes out easily. Keep the colors dark and neutral especially if you are heavy on the bottom.

  • Black, gray or brown skirt. Choose the color that blends in the best with most of your wardrobe.

  • White shirt and white tank tops. The white shirt is very versatile. It is also important to replace this item often when it looks too dingy or yellowing and washing it does not work.

  • Cardigan Sweater. You can be creative with the color but make it a somewhat muted color. Dusty blue, pale yellow, brown, cantaloupe orange, and olive green are all nice choices. My favorite cardigan is a dusty blue Lacoste men's cardigan. I stole it from my dad over seventeen years ago and he probably had it 10 years before that. It still looks like new! While you may not be able to find one exactly like mine try this one and it will probably last for ever. It is a men's cardigan but it looks great on women too. Do not get one that is to big for you.

  • Raincoat. Where I live I have little experience with raincoats but I rainier climates a good raincoat is essential. Look for a longer coat in a color that matches most of you clothing. Also consider getting an umbrella to match.

  • Pumps. The higher the heel the better you look from behind. Pumps look great with skirts, dresses, jeans and trousers. Invest in two colors. Make sure one pair is neutral like black brown or navy blue and then feel free to make the second pair a stand out color like red, pink, green or even purple.