Five Essential Wardrobe Items Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet
A Woman’s Guide to Making Any Outfit Work
Lauren M Hayes Originally Published in Modern Women Oct 1, 2023 4 min read
I’ve picked the following essential items because they work for me in this current rendition of my 40-something post-pregnancy body. My body is by no means perfect. I think twice before overindulging. I’ve got stretch marks in places I didn’t used to. And I’ve got the mom pooch. But so what? It just means I’ve lived. And I’m gonna keep on livin’ however I see fit. Taking these essential items with me on my journey.
The Black and/or White Tank Top
If you can only go with one color, I’d choose white. But preferably, you’ll want both a black and white tank top because who doesn’t want more options? Every woman has that one top that’s a little too low cut in the front. So what’s a girl to do when she doesn’t want to put her goodies on display? Enter the handy tank. Layering. Layering is our friend.
Now I’m not saying we need to hide our lovely lady lumps all the time. If you’ve got it and feel so inclined, by all means flaunt it. But we are also professional women, moms, church attendees, etc. And sometimes a little cleavage just isn’t appropriate in every setting. So grab your white (or black) tank. It will turn that party in the front top, to a hey, my eyes are up here top.
The T-shirt Dress
I have one that I loooove wearing in the summertime. It’s flowy, patterned, has pockets and I can even tie a knot in the bottom of it for a little added flair.
Here are some tips on picking out the right T-shirt dress for you. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. We don’t want strip club and we don’t want muumuu. We want to find something somewhere in the middle. Flattering and comfortable is what I’m all about these days. When we look good, we feel good.
The Black Leggings
Every woman should have a pair of black leggings. They go with everything. You can dress them up or down. You can wear them year round. Pair them with an oversized sweater and some winter boots in the fall/winter. Or rock them with one of your white tanks or a basic tee in the summer. So versatile! So comfortable! I love them. I live in them. And they really do wonders for the butt!
The Jeans
Ahh… jeans. Even though they’re blue, they still go with everything. I had a pair of jeans that I loved and wore so much that they eventually got ripped just below the butt cheek.
Now, for some, that might be considered a fashion statement. But for those of us over the age of 40 who aren’t J-Lo, that was a no-go for me, and I sadly had to give them away. But I’ve since replaced them with a pair I’ve grown fond of. Got them from Kohl’s. (You have to love Kohl’s.)
I know, jeans are kinda a no-brainer. I did say this list was all about the essentials though right?
The Jean Jacket
I know. I already mentioned we all need a favorite pair of jeans. Do we also need a jean jacket? Absolutely! Again, this is an item you can dress up or down. You can wear them year round. Plus, they look cool and I’m convinced they’re never going out of style. Win-win!
Bonus: I asked my husband for a list of essential items every man should have in his closet and here were his picks.
Sun shirt — Because men sweat.
Business casual collared shirt — Because men work.
Waterproof boots — Because men get dirty.
Cool Sunglasses — Because men look cool in them.
Pair of shoes to wear to the club —Because men dance.
What are your thoughts?
Thank you so much for reading.
*Please note that this article was first published on Modern Women, a Medium publication here.
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