Five items every woman needs

Posted Dec 17th 2006 at 12:45PM by Anne Metz (Subscribe to Anne Metz's posts)

Filed under: CELEBRITY STYLE, Fashion, Celebrity, Best of the Season

Minimalism is my mantra. That having been said, there are a few basic garments that every woman should have in her closet no matter what. Like staples in the kitchen, a few highly versatile pieces can really fill out your wardrobe without actually having to fill up your closet.

1. A basic white blouse: Ever since Sharon Stone started wearing crisp white blouses to award shows, I've become more and more convinced that a good white shirt is not just a nice asset, it's an essential. As I've mentioned before, ironing isn't my thing, so I tend to go for wrinkle-free blouses. If you're not opposed to dry cleaning or ironing, 100 percent cotton or a slight Lycra/cotton blend is still the best way to go.

2. A pair of black pants: If you were to look in the closet of any sorority girl in America, I guarantee that you would find at least one pair of black pants. Now, I'm not one to credit coeds with considerable wisdom, but on this topic they definitely deserve my props. Black pants are slimming, sophisticated and short of a formal party they're always occasion-appropriate.

3. Flattering jeans: Denim trends will come and go, but "flattering jeans" are here to stay. For most of us, "flattering" means jeans with a slight boot-cut in a darker denim. (Ixnay on the skinny-jeans-ay.) With new high-tech fabrics and washes, there is a perfect pair of jeans for every body.

4. Black shoes: Are you noticing a trend here? Black and white is a major part of my list, and it's for good reason, particularly when it comes to shoes. Many people believe that brown shoes are a more practical choice, but for my money, I'll always side with black. Obviously, depending on your preference, these black shoes could either be flats or heels, in leather or satin.

5. A great bra: Nothing ruins an outfit faster than bra lines and boob lumps. Many say that good bras cost a lot of money, and there is probably some truth to that statement. But if you don't have a lot of money to spend, there are some sub-$30 bras that will enhance what your momma gave you. Just be sure to try them on underneath your most form-fitting top -- not all bras are created equal, and just because it worked for Oprah doesn't mean it will work for you.

Source

Tags: basic, black pants, BlackPants, bra, denim, wardrobe essentials, WardrobeEssentials, white shirt, WhiteShirt

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 10)

Sabrina 12-20-2006 @ 8:08PM

A lady only need 3 lipsticks- one pink/rose - second terracota/peach and a bold deep berry/merlot for night time. Check out this Chanel Holiday 3 lipsticks collection. Limited Edition.
It is the perfect match for any occasion including an every day or evening look.
Love them. Contact me if you need any tips.

Beth 12-20-2006 @ 8:57PM

*YES*Send me the bag.....I love all the comments I get on my bags at work.....This one would be worth the all the hater comments.....Thanks : )

Dorothy Merritt 12-22-2006 @ 6:46PM

Common sense is all that's needed and common sense is not common

MARLENE SMITH 12-20-2006 @ 8:36PM

I NOTICE YOU DIDNOT MENTION A BLACK BLAZER THATS A MUST

MARLENE SMITH 12-20-2006 @ 8:37PM

THANKS

Kristy 12-20-2006 @ 8:43PM

I always thought you needed that perfect little black dress.

Jennie 12-20-2006 @ 8:44PM

I AGREE with all that.
Especially #1. White blouses / tanktops / beaters go with (or under) everything.

Dee 12-20-2006 @ 8:53PM

And don't forget that ever lasting, comfortably broken in, jean jacket. Goes from playing with the kids on the playground, to the evening out by adding a sparkly pin or two.

LoriAnn 12-20-2006 @ 9:11PM

Jeans jacket. Maybe where you live that is the hot thing with some sparkle. Little black dresses are so out. A nice black jacket purchased someplace othet than Walmart is a good idea.
How about a nice watch.

Paige 12-20-2006 @ 9:21PM

I'm 25, intelligent, have my doctorate, very attractive and don't let Hollywood types or Gay clothing designers having anything to do with my style of dress. Ask any doctor on the planet and they will tell you that pantyhose, thigh highs or stockings are excellant for your legs. They also are an attractive accessory to our legs. Women in general are so lame when it comes to chosing chothing styles. Women today like to think that they are independent, but they are not. Especially when they're forced to wear and not wear certain items of clothing just because someone says it's not in. I took a personal poll of all of the women I know. The ones I work with, friends, family and just plain strangers. The majority of the poll had women saying that they would rather wear leg accessories than not. But they said because leg accessories are not in style, they chose to be in style. Now isn't that the lamest reason in the world. So, what I'm saying is, is that women also can't do without pantyhose, thigh highs or stocking. They're are like a right of passage. Just like our bras and the first time we wear sometthing other than white panties and purchased them ourselves instead of our mothers.

Mother Goose 12-21-2006 @ 5:21AM

Dearest "Dr." Paige,

My dear, if you have a doctorate, I am Mother Goose. ANYONE with a doctorate certainly knows that "excellent" has NEVER been spelled "excellant". Also, your posting is an alarming crucifixion of the king's English, capitalizing primarily on sentence fragments. Chothing styles? Furthermore, panty hose are NOT "excellant" for anyone. Ask any diabetic about the possible harmful results from wearing nylons, or anything restrictive, for that matter.

If you have a comment to make about the topic at hand, do not fabricate things such as "I am intelligent" (but can't spell on a third grade level) and "I have conducted scientific polls among countless hordes of people".... just make your point. Anyone that actually HAS a doctorate knows the years of study that entails---ask me how I KNOW? Four years of college, two/three in graduate school, then several more for a PhD---and you are twenty five? My dear, you are maudlin. The fact you are barely literate makes no difference when we are discussing wardrobe choices.

Being intelligent is like being beautiful. If you actually are, you won't have to tell everyone. They will already know.

Feel free to form an opinion and have confidence it in without cluttering it with ridiculous tales of imagined academic or personal achievement.

Love,
Mother Goose

Sarah 12-20-2006 @ 9:48PM

Women can't do without pantyhose. thigh highs, and stockings? Oh yes, they can! Depends on where you live! I threw mine out seven years ago when I moved to Texas, and I have only worn them twice (both on trips out of state) since then. So set yourself free of nylon-clad legs! A pox on "fashion"!

(And, hey -- Paige with doctorate -- didn't they teach you to spell at your university? Guess not, huh?)

Mamma 12-20-2006 @ 9:59PM

Amen to the Oprah bra bit! I spent way too much on those stupid le mystere bras. What a waste of money. Fantasie bras are the ones that fit bigger busted gals all the way. They cost more, but they're definitely worth it. Oh, and the little black dress is a must, too. Happy holidays to you all.

Jo Anne 12-20-2006 @ 10:01PM

HA HA HA! Paige!

I havent wore a pair of panty hose in ages! EWWWW!!

I agree with the black shoes, sandals, boots...gotta have em....actually, I have a sandal fetish....My favorite white blouse is my wrinkle resistant Eddie Bauer. Worth the $$ you can almost wear them right out of the dryer!

Amy 12-20-2006 @ 10:05PM

I'm a professional working mom who did away with hose years ago -- not because they were or weren't in style. In fact, I think I beat the trend. I was pregnant with #3 and could not tolerate the restriction anymore. After #3's arrival, I just couldn't go back! Now tights only come out to keep my legs warm in the winter. Speaking of warmth -- a good pair of sleek leather boots are a must for winter! You can even wear cozy socks with them and no one knows!

Angee 12-20-2006 @ 10:16PM

Right on Mother Goose! All I have to say is that Paige is retarded. WTF is wrong with you? Still, your comment gave me a good laugh. Oh and I don't wear pantyhose.

Terri 12-20-2006 @ 10:53PM

I hate panty hose, but for some reason, this winter, I LOVE tights! I don't mind wearing those. I hope this trend stays around.

hose me up 12-20-2006 @ 10:22PM

thanks for the LAUGH!!! what a knee slapper, whoowee!
Seriously... style is decided by aging of the body... anyone over 50 has come to the realization. You have to see what works for YOU... that the individualizing of the beast.
Sometimes you just get tired. That will dictate style.
As for aging... I grimace when I see women trying to look half their age. Cringe! You want to walk them over to a mirror and ask, "What do you see that I'm missing??" Look stylish, dammit, or at least try! You maybe can shave a few years, but when you stretch for a decade... you are lying to yourself!
I quit: ironing, wearing hose, wearing confining clothing... in fact; I told my husband tonight, after seeing a Christmas play... HEY, I WANT TO MAKE ROBES THE STYLISH STATEMENT OF THE NEW YEAR!! Yeah, get back to what we nearly got going back in the 60's - 70s!

Gwen 12-20-2006 @ 10:44PM

Every woman needs black, navy blue, (I like brown-neutral) in their wardrobe. You can dress up or down with the basic colors. For casual, jeans seem to get you almost anywhere, a complimentary jacket always looks good, not to forget boots! However, it is not all about clothes, you can wear anything if you wear a smile on your face, a twinkle in your eyes, look clean and fresh with a good hair style and some know-how in applying make-up, for daytime & nighttime-big difference-walk with pride, attitude is everything! Happy people atract positive people, unhappy people attract negative people. Trust me, I know. I have been on both sidies of the coin!

JasonUAL-FA 12-26-2006 @ 2:17PM

I may be the only guy in the group, but I just had to get in my two-cents-worth and applaud Mother Goose for turning Dr Paige over her knee! Way to go Mom! Incidentally, Doc also mentioned that not only was she attractive, but "VERY" attractive! I thought this topic was regarding fashion, not a personals column! LOL!