I got an email from a reader asking what are the things I must have in my wardrobe – especially for someone who is starting out their career. I am sure it’s different for everyone but I wanted to share the top things I believe are staples that every petite woman must have in their wardrobe.
#1. The first is a nice, well tailored pant/skirt suit. I much prefer skirt suits. I had to dig into my blog archives to pull up some old photos so sorry if they are not great
The first is my infamous Theory Gratian Lecture Tweed skirt suit that I almost had a heart attack finding! I had to get the entire suit tailored because it was a 0- the 00’s were sold out right away. I can only wear this in Fall/Winter but nonetheless- love it! The second suit is a Bebe gray pinstripe skirt suit that I literally had to hunt down the 00. I got it last winter and love it so much and wear it often. It fits so perfectly with NO alterations and I got the entire suit for about $125 on sale. Love the fact that I can wear this year-round making this a great investment for me!#2. The second must have in your closet is a nice pair of high quality black pumps. I used to buy tons of cheapie pumps (Aldo etc.) but this year I spurlged and got myself a pair of Christian Louboutin’s!
Another cheaper yet still high quality are Ann Taylor Perfect Elle pumps. I have 2 pairs from AT which run a bit big for a small size 5 foot but still love them. And if you get it on sale, it’s 1/5 of the price of the Christian Louboutin’s!
#3. A Chanel Classic Flap Purse is a true MUST have in every woman’s wardrobe! I prefer black only because it goes with everything but any color Chanel would suffice:) I have 2 Chanel purses and use them everyday!! I have the Chanel Grand Shopper Tote as well as the medium classic flap purse.
#4. A classic black sheath dress. This will never go out of style and you can dress up or down and it literally goes with everything.
This dress is from H & M- size 2. I have gotten so much use out of this dress- I definitely got my money’s worth out of $34.95!! I can wear it alone, belt it, or throw a blazer over it. It’s not only versatile but it makes you look long and lean! There are ton’s of options when it comes to a simple LBD! Banana Republic usually has a black sheath dress , Ann Taylor Sheath dress or you can opt to spend a little more and get the Theory Betty Sheath dress!
#5. A nice pearl necklace is something I cannot live without. What is an outfit without accessories? I love love pearls and I think every woman needs a nice pearl necklace. I love them in all colors but the staple piece is a white pearl necklace.
Most readers know I wear different pearls with most of my outfits. It’s classy, classic and just gorgeous! I know there are several more petite staples we girls must have but then this post would have been way too long. Another staple everyone should have is a pair of nude/neutral pumps. I have several in my shoe collection and they really are a must! My fav is Ann Taylor Porcini Pumps. A black pencil skirt is another staple I didn’t talk about but is essential for the work place. And a nice pair of jeans (which I don’t have) is a no brainer. But for petites, jeans are very difficult to find (at least for me).
What do you think is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe?
I love your staples! I have such a hard time finding a sheath dress that fits well, but your H&M one looks absolutely gorgeous on you! And of course, who can resist the Louboutins and Chanel flap?!? Staples for me include a pair of diamond (or CZ) studs and a Burberry check scarf.
i love all your picks! you have really nice classic pieces. i need a nice suit and a chanel bag! i would add a nice coat and a pair of shades!
Your five picks are exactly what I would choose if I can only have five things in my closet. I couldn't agree with you more. I am still envious about your Theory Gratian skirt suit but that Bebe set looks incredible on you as well!
you're so classy! this is a great post 🙂 i hope to someday own a great fitted complete suit as i have been collecting lots of blazers but only have none to one pairs of dress pants that fit well
I think these are staples for any woman! Sigh, not sure when I'll have the great shoes and the great bag!
I love everything you mentioned. You look unbelievable in every picture! YOUR legs are amazing!!!
If I had to pick only 1, I'd say handbag! It can totally spruce up a tee+jeans outfit. The H&M dress looks so expensive and fits you like a dream!
Great post! Only if I can Afford to buy some Christian Louboutins and Chanel. I lvoe your style. So classy!! 😀
you're so sophisticated and stylish with your Chanel and Louboutins…you lucky girl 🙂
your style is so elegant and classy! I love it!
Love this post. I have to agree with those choices, classic and never go out of style. I believe in high quality items too for the fact that they last years after years and it is a good investment but I haven't owned any at this point. Perhaps I will one day when I have enough courage to spend some $$.
I completely agree with your staples- classic pieces you can wear for years 🙂
Totally agreed! Though the Loubies and Chanel can be substituted for other quality, yet wallet-friendly labels. 🙂
For the ladies in colder climates, I would also add a quality wool overcoat.
You really do have classy outfits and your staples can really make or break an outfit. Now if I can stretch my funds into buying a Chanel purse and a pair of Louboutins but I might die when that finally happens. LOL!
I agree with every one of your picks! Elegant, feminine, and timeless. I think I have every one except for the black sheath, but I have been trying to look for one! Will check out your suggestions the next time I'm at the mall =)
I definitely agree with the LBD and the black pumps!
xx The Little Dust Princess
I definitely need to go get myself pearl necklace! for me a must have is a cardigan..I swear I have one on for work everyday 🙂
Love these staples, great post! Btw, I just sent you an e-mail!
besos,
Win a Banana Republic Statement Necklace at:
20 YORK STREET
What a lucky girl! 2 Chanel purses and Christian Louboutin shoes 🙂
I have that black sheath dress from H&M and absolutely love it! It's my go to outfit
I love your blog! You’re a little smaller than I am (I’m 5’0, 105 lbs, size 25 pant, 5 shoe) which inspires me, because if you’re able to find well-made, fitted clothes, I’m pretty sure I can as well. You’re pictures are stunning, too!
As a staple, I have two Michael Kors watches, one rose gold and the other silver, and they seem to go with everything. Nude pumps also seem to be a must. I also have a black leather moto-like jacket, classic tan trench, and white button-down collared shirt. I found your blog when searching for what to wear with the Halogen heather boots from Nordstroms. I used to buy a lot of cheap clothes (Forever 21, Cathy Jean, H&M, Kohls) and they were wear very quickly. I figured it was better to “invest” in good pieces that would last longer. I still buy the occasional “cheap” thing, but to mix in with better pieces. I’ll keep checking your pics to get inspritation.
And thanks for all the details you add, like the brands, the links, and the sized. Very useful!
I love your blog! You're a little smaller than I am (I'm 5'0, 105 lbs, size 25 pant, 5 shoe) which inspires me, because if you're able to find well-made, fitted clothes, I'm pretty sure I can as well. You're pictures are stunning, too!
As a staple, I have two Michael Kors watches, one rose gold and the other silver, and they seem to go with everything. Nude pumps also seem to be a must. I also have a black leather moto-like jacket, classic tan trench, and white button-down collared shirt. I found your blog when searching for what to wear with the Halogen heather boots from Nordstroms. I used to buy a lot of cheap clothes (Forever 21, Cathy Jean, H&M, Kohls) and they were wear very quickly. I figured it was better to "invest" in good pieces that would last longer. I still buy the occasional "cheap" thing, but to mix in with better pieces. I'll keep checking your pics to get inspritation.
And thanks for all the details you add, like the brands, the links, and the sized. Very useful!
I am a frequent visitor of your site now. I am 5’2″ and a petite, but I always like to dress for the occassion. I am new to USA and hence needed somebody to guide me about the clothes so that I wont feel like I am an alien here. Your site helps me a lot !! I get good points about what colors to mix and match… Thank you..
Thank you 🙂
http://www.StylishPetite.com
My must have is a good jacket / blazer. I have a black Jaeger that I’ve had for years and always looks immaculate and classy. I wear it formally for work and leave it open and roll up the sleeves and wear with jeans for a casual look.