wardrobe must-haves!

In EVERY wardrobe, there are must-have items. With these few pieces you can mix, match, and come up with several different looks that make up an entire wardrobe. You don't have to spend a fortune for these items, although SOME pieces are worth spending some extra money on, to ensure that they last-especially, if you're a wear and tear kinda girl.

1. A nice, crisp, white shirt. Can tuck it into skirts, jeans, or trousers; Can also be worn untucked, under a blazer or cardigan.

($60 Ann Taylor)

A little spin on the crisp, white shirt is this ruffled version. One of each?

($54 J. Crew)

2. Straight leg, aka-pencil jeans are very in right now. Wear them with flats, boots, OR heels.

($89 J. Crew)

3. Everyone needs a blazer. For the most use, I would suggest all black, but I love this navy one with white trim, especially for summer and fall.

($69 J. Crew)

4. Black pumps really are a must. There are many different versions, but I thought these were lovely, although I would not pay the sticker price.

                                            

($175 Ann Taylor)

Here is a fall/winter suede version with once again, ruffles:)

($89 J. Crew)

5. A vest is a great buy. They come in many colors. I would suggest black or gray, again, for the most usage. I have a black and a brown and have worn them so much-over graphic tees, button-ups, tanks, under jackets, etc.

                                                         

($44 Express)

6. We all need a pencil skirt. With or without nylons/tights, and a hot pair of heels.

($78 Ann Taylor)

7. V-neck cardigans are the greatest. They provide that perfect punch of color. Yellow is very hot for spring and summer. Wrap a skinny belt around your waist for a more tailored effect.

                                               

($49 on sale at Ann Taylor)

8. Here's the skinny belt that comes in handy. Pull it through your belt loops, or just wrap it around for a waist-cinching experience:)

($30 Ann Taylor)

9. The little black dress that gets so much use. Weddings, funerals (oh boy), dinner parties, dates, etc. This is one I've been admiring from lulus.

($56 lulus.com)

10. A funky dress to dress up- or dress down. Animal print is a good choice. Perfect for a girls' night out, birthday, or holiday party. Layer it up with the blazer or cardigan. And these can be found much cheaper than the one pictured. I just loved the pattern.

($158 Ann Taylor)

11. Now to add color to any wardrobe: fun, fresh, colored tanks and camis--with or without ruffles!

($29.50 Gap)

Don't forget to accessorize with bags, scarfs, and jewelry!!