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wardrobe essentials

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Here’s the deal: Fashion is fun and liberating because there are practically no rules involved. You can wear whatever you like and you don’t have to follow any expectations set forth by an outdated establishment. You can and should wear whatever makes you feel like the most you you.

That being said, if you’re looking to cultivate a classic, polished wardrobe that will withstand the test of time and surpass all of the trends fated to die within a season, there are a few tried and true pieces that will never let you down. Plus, they’re all so versatile, you can wear them again and again and they never feel old which extends their lifespan even more. Read on to discover the essential pieces you need in your closet throughout 2020 and beyond:

Updated White Button-Down

You probably already have one (or two or three) white button-down blouses in your wardrobe already and there’s a reason for that. Good for casual occasions when dressed down, and for impressing the boss when layered under a blazer, you can truly wear these babies anywhere. Plus, there are so many varieties in different shapes with different embellishments that you can find one to match your unique sense of style.

The Classic Little Black Dress

Yep, that thing Coco Chanel suggested is still true: every woman should have at least one little black dress in their style arsenal. They’re universally flattering and eternally on-trend, all while being the perfect choice of outfit for when you’re at a loss for what to wear. Never too formal, but elegant nonetheless, the LBD is your wardrobe superhero. Just accessorize and go.

Crisp Blazer

Looking put together is as easy as topping your outfit off with a blazer. Crisp, sharp, classic- a good blazer can take you anywhere, all while exuding an air of confidence and class. Plus, they come in practically every color and pattern under the sun, so you can impart your own flavor of cool onto this polished wardrobe necessity.

The Perfect Pullover Sweater

Colder weather definitely makes it more of a challenge to put together fashionable outfits when you just end up having to layer a coat on top anyways. You can still give it your best effort though, and you can never go wrong with a sweater that’s as comfortable as it is eye-catching. They look great with jeans and booties for an Instagram-worthy off-duty look, or layered over a blouse and slacks for chilly days at the office.

Chic Statement Sleeves

Statement sleeves have been an ongoing trend for what feels like forever, and I don’t anticipate them going anywhere anytime soon, which means that putting together a look with visual impact couldn’t be more effortless- just throw on a blouse with an interesting sleeve and you’re ready to go! Literally one piece is all you need. It’s beautiful.

Mind the Midi

I can’t think of a single situation where a midi skirt wouldn’t be a good decision. It’s one of those pieces that just looks chic and elevated on its own, making it a breeze to style. Pair them with pretty much any tucked in blouse, a pair of boots and a cardigan and you have yourself a timeless look that will make you feel like a style icon. Plus, the longer skirt length will elongate and slim your silhouette, so it’s a win win win situation.

A Lengthy Coat

Like the midi skirt, a long coat just looks luxe and will easily layer over literally anything and still be fashionable. I have so many, I don’t even know what to do with them all! But I’ve come to love them because they make the perfect finishing touch for any cold weather outfit, pulling the look together with sophistication and style.

Deluxe Dark Wash Denim

This one is obvious- denim is key in any modern wardrobe, so you probably already have this one covered, but let’s discuss it anyways! Dark washes are the most versatile and classic, so you can redress and reinvent your favorite pair of jeans every season without them feeling stale. Plus, the darker wash visually slims your figure, making them a flattering choice on everyone.

A Quality Tote (the Bigger the Better)

We have so much to carry around these days, it’s hard to keep it all together, but it doesn’t have to be. I’m a firm believer that a good enough tote can change your life (and keep you way more organized). The key is finding one that’s high quality enough to survive the trenches of everyday life, while looking sleek and being big enough to hold all of your necessities (think keys, wallet, phone, laptop, planner, makeup, etc.).

As I said before, these things are by no means required to build a wardrobe that looks good and makes you feel you’re best, they’re merely a few items I think are a worthy investment because you’ll get maximum use out of them for the longest amount of time. What do you think of my list? Is there anything you would add or remove? I’d love to hear your take!

The White Blouse is one of the most classic wardrobe staple. It’s been around forever, and shows no sign of disappearing anytime soon. To put it simply, it is versatile. The perfect base to build an outfit around. It never offends, matches nearly anything and never fails to elevate an outfit from casual to “they care about how they look.” And it happens to be something I have a bit of an addiction to.

Looking in my current wardrobe, I have 16 white blouses (five of which are thrifted) and I have another one on its way in the mail. I might have a bit of a problem. But honestly, who can blame me? You can never go wrong with a white blouse, so I get a ton of use out of them. Plus, vintage white blouses are any fashion-lover’s dream, so I pick them up anytime I come across a good one. 

Below are eight (!) of my favorite white blouses to encourage you to invest in this timeless wardrobe essential:

Pearls & Pastels

This thrifted, vintage blouse features pale, pastel floral embroidery on the chest and a lacy collar embellished with pearls and more gorgeous embroidery. I got this one at Savers for probably $5 or $6- THRIFT YOU GUYS. YOU WILL FIND SO MUCH GOOD STUFF.

Whimsical Collar

One of the newest additions to my white blouse obsession- I mean collection, I fell in love with the ornate, frilly collar. It’s so whimsical and fun! Any outfit that would have looked drab with a regular white blouse is instantly made a ton more memorable and even though it’s a statement piece, it still goes with everything!

Fun Floral Details

Another thrifted gem, I had to repair this vintage beauty by replacing a missing button (seriously- don’t let the fear of a little needed repair stop you from getting that dream thrifted piece!). The addition of the floral, cutout panels around the collar and over the shoulders just adds so much style to an otherwise-boring white blouse!

Frills and Chills

You might recognize this top from my “Dreamy Dolly” Halloween look that I recently posted- and what can I say? This sheer, frilly Forever 21 top makes an excellent layering piece and adds so much drama because of its high collar and bleated, bell sleeves. Wearing this shirt under a dress instantly adds so much interest, I will probably hold onto it forever!

Girly Gingham

While this blouse isn’t exclusively white, I thoought it still deserved a spot on the list because LOOK AT HOW DARN CUTE IT IS! I first picked this up in the thrift store to have a good laugh at how old-ladyish it was, but then it smacked me in the head with all of its adorable charm. Gingham hearts and all-over looping embroidery?  Come on, you can’t get more innocent and playful than that!

Layers of Drama

When I ordered this shirt from Nastygal, I honestly didn’t think I would like it as much as I do, but I DO. The pleated layers make for such a fun, textured look and are so voluminous, so this shirt is definitely a statement piece that dresses up any outfit. I even pair it with slacks for a fun workday look!

A Schoolgirl Fantasy

This incredible blous is YET ANOTHER vintage, thrifted piece. And these types of finds are why I thrift in the first place! I love the bib-like, square collar with lacy, embroidered edges. It gives me major schoolgirl vibes and feels so dreamy and sailor-esque! Plus the sleeves are loose around the arm for a little flow! 

Elegant Eyelet

loft white blouse layering jumpsuit fall fashion
Trying to escape the wrath of the sun on blue eyes.

This last blouse was a gift from my mom from Loft, which shows how well she knows me! Not only is it sleeveless, which is pretty much my favorite type of sleeve, it also features some eyelet frills over the shoulder, which add so much charm and girlishness to any look! And, if you have a dress with spaghetti straps, it makes an excellent layering piece!

At the end of the day, the white blouse is what you make it. It can be the building block of a good outfit as a simple layering piece, or it can make a statement with its vintage charm, or over-the-top details. There are no rules, and there are no ways to style it wrong. So go nuts and find some that you truly love!