The Working Closet
with Susan Wagner
The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.
You can also catch Susan over at Friday Playdate.
The Fab 5 (Give or take a few.)
Categories: accessories, basics, beyond 9 to 5, bottoms, dresses, tops
I recently read an article in In Style magazine about The Fab 5 pieces every woman should have in their closet. I can’t disagree - they listed five classic, go-to items, but I think some could be open to interpretation.
Let’s interpret, shall we?
The five items listed were:
1. Little Black Dress
2. Cardigan
3. White Button-Front Shirt
4. Jeans
5. Black Suit
Do you have all five of these items in your closet? It’s true, with the right accessories, these articles of clothing can get you through almost everything, but I’d like to add some food for thought. Before we start, it’s important to point out that these are the types of items that you should expect to spend more of your fashion budget on due to their longevity in your closet.
1. A black dress. Indeed, a black dress is super versatile, but what about other neutral colors such as navy, gray or chocolate brown? These colors are just as versatile as black, but aren’t as expected. For example, this classic silhouette could easily take you from day to night.
I personally own this dress and I love it. You can throw it on with a pair of flat sandals for a casual look or dress it up with strappy heels as shown in the photo. It is made of a very forgiving jersey knit (which is a breeze to pack and care for), and I’ve seen it look fantastic on completely different body types.
2. A cardigan. Hoo boy, cardigans are a MUST, and not just for colder months. If you live in a cooler climate, cardigans can be a year-round staple, but are also a lifesaver in warmer climates when you are being sabotaged by freezing cold air conditioning during the summer months.
A great option for the current season is this elbow-sleeved sweater from The Gap. If you are the type that steers towards neutral colors, a cardigan is a great way to add a punch of color to your outfit. This particular cotton/cashmere blend sweater comes in several colors.
3. A white button-front shirt. I love the IDEA of a white button-front shirt, but I must admit, I do not own one for several reasons. First off, I don’t have the time to perfectly press a button-front shirt, and repeated trips to the dry cleaner usually make the white dingy over a relatively short period of time. Call me picky, but If I am going to wear a white shirt, it needs to be BRIGHT white. (Also, I HAVE A TODDLER. Potentially disastrous.)
Button-front shirts are a classic staple, but if you shy away from the maintenance of white, why not try a subtle pattern or color?
Brooks Brothers, several styles on sale (up to 50% off)
Pair this shirt with slacks for a classic and tailored look, or wear it with jeans, sandals and a chunky necklace for a more casual ensemble.
4. Jeans. I could write a thesis on jeans (I just might in the future) because this is the one item with the most mileage. Susan wrote an excellent jeans primer here. I strongly believe that a designer pair of jeans are a great investment - sure, they can be expensive, but they can last for years and years. Some fantastic brands of higher-end jeans are Joe’s Jeans and J Brand. Joe’s Jeans makes a great style called the Petite Provocateur for shorter women that usually don’t need to be hemmed, and J Brand is known for making your legs, hips and derriere look AMAZING.
However, Gap’s Long and Lean jeans are a fabulous, less expensive option.
Of course, finding the perfect pair of denim is a highly-personalized process which can mean hours in the dressing room. (I know, I know. Who has time for that?) It’s so worth it, though.
5. A black suit. I would love to know, how many of you are required to wear suits on a frequent basis? For those who must, I can’t say enough about J. Crew’s gabardine suit.
It’s appropriate for year-round and the classic lines will never go out of style. Sure, a $370 price tag might create a lump in your throat, but if you break down the cost in relation to the times worn, you might be surprised. (For me, it broke down to less than a dollar per wear.)
For less expensive suits, Ann Taylor Loft has some great options.
6. If I could make one addition to the list, it would be a piece of statement jewelry. Whether it be a delicate chain or a bright and chunky bracelet, the addition of an accessory or two really pulls an outfit together.
If you are on the lookout for reasonably priced jewelry, please check out Etsy. (Honestly, look at HOW MANY options are available when I search for “chunky necklace”.) And the best part about Etsy jewelry? They are handmade, unique items that you won’t see on on everyone else.
What about you though? Are there any pieces not mentioned that make your Fab 5? Do tell.
Subscribe to blog via RSS
[...] The Fab 5 items in your closet. [...]
Elsewhere : whoorl | August 1st, 2008 at 8:09 am
*phew* i have all of these! and for the white shirt - there are some great ‘no iron’ options from Eddie Bauer and Coldwater Creek which then always look clean and pressed and are even stain repellent! (i.e. toddler resistant! because nothing is toddler PROOF!)
now - can you do a fab 5 for SHOES? i need help with shoes…
Kate | August 1st, 2008 at 8:23 am
This is a great article - I completely agree with these 5 pieces, plus your 6th addition! I would have to add, though, a great pair of black pants. Also an investment that is totally worth it. Or, buy a pair on sale at the Gap and it’s not as much of an investment.
Other things I can’t live without: a great pair of black heels, a go-to, all-purpose bag, and a really great black, fitted turtleneck sweater. (It’s staple in my winter wardrobe, and can be dressed up or down, worn with skirts, slacks, or jeans).
Caitlin | August 1st, 2008 at 8:25 am
I own several Brooks Brothers shirts - I love them. They may be pricey, but they are worth it. The non-iron shirts are not necessarily non-iron, but are a breeze to iron. They also last a long time.
Keri | August 1st, 2008 at 8:31 am
Check on everything except the suit. I work at a decidedly casual company. Those who wear suits here are labeled with stranger-danger. So after 9 years, I finally just purged all of my suits.
Oh, and I am THE WORST at accessorizing. If I remember earrings it’s a miracle. And a necklace or bracelet? Forget it. But I admire those who can accessorize. *sigh*
Mom Ink | August 1st, 2008 at 8:48 am
Love the cardigan. Just love it.
http://www.simplestop.net - Stop postal junk mail, Protect the environment, Protect your identity.
Eileen123 | August 1st, 2008 at 9:00 am
Shame on me, I have never had the little black dress (and have missed one many times), my only suit is one size too big and not really black.
I need to go shopping.
(yay!)
Lullaby | August 1st, 2008 at 9:52 am
I have all the items, but almost never wear white shirts. Of the fab 5, I gravitate toward the black straight skirt from the suit and the cardigan.
One item not mentioned that I reach for most often is a printed silk skirt. They can be dressed up, dressed down and thrown into a suitcase with no harm done. I like Anne Klein for them (she always has one or two in her lineup) because they are so well made and always cut in a flattering shape.
rb | August 1st, 2008 at 11:50 am
This post shows me I clearly need to go shopping.
Also, I would add one pair of fun colored heels. Red, or pink, or purple, whatever- fun to put on when you’re wearing an otherwise boring and neutral outfit.
caleal | August 1st, 2008 at 11:52 am
I need a new LBD. Good thing I’m heading to Vancouver tomorrow…
Angella | August 1st, 2008 at 11:57 am
I’m with you on the J. few suit love; I have a gray one and a brown one from them. Banana Republic also makes great suit pieces that are cut beautifully.
I’d add to the list a black pencil skirt, a belted trench and a great pair of sunglasses. I call it the “covers a multitude of sins” trifecta; perfect for when you feel like crap, but still need to look put together.
metalia | August 1st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I’d also add that Joe’s Jeans have great curvy fits. I have a rather large bottom “pear”ed with a smallish waist so it can be hard to find a pair of jeans that doesn’t gap. I can’t say enough about Joe’s honey style.
jana | August 1st, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I saw a fabulous little black dress on sale that fit perfectly. But I’m a little over budget on clothing right now, and as I thought about it I couldn’t think of a single occasion in the last 5 years where I would’ve worn a little black dress, had I had one. Sadly, I guess I just don’t have a little black dress kind of lifestyle.
The black suit is problematic, as well. I purchased one on sale last winter, again because it was a fantastic deal. But the only occasion I will have to wear it is if I have a job interview, which happens about once every two or three years. (Even then, in my industry people often wear khaki’s and a button-down to an interview.) Between baby weight from the last pregnancy, hoping for a second baby, and then good intentions of getting back in shape, there’s less than a 50/50 chance that the suit will still fit right when I actually need it. I’m short and in a healthy weight range, and find that 5 pounds in either direction moves me up or down a size.
SoftwareMom | August 1st, 2008 at 1:23 pm
I am with Metalia on the great pair of sunglasses- and a cute hat/cap. Who knew it’d be so simple to leave the house sans shower? Erm, not that it ever happens.
Also the J brand jeans? If they come with that male model, I’ll take 2!
glamgranola | August 1st, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I’ve been looking for a black or neutral suitjacket. When I find one that’s just the right fit, I might just buy it in all the other colors, too! It’s tough for a busty short woman to find a dressy casual suitcoat.
Daisy | August 1st, 2008 at 6:22 pm
I’ve never figured out how to wear button-down shirts and be comfortable. I own some, but just don’t wear them. So for me tops that can go under blazers are a staple — nice long sleeve or short sleeve tshirts, mostly. (If you have favorites in that dept, I can’t wait to read that post — I live in long-sleeve tshirts and am always on the lookout for something interesting.)
Nataly | August 1st, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I agree with the 5 fab’s… but I have an issue with the button-down white shirt… I don’t know how to wear it with a suit! the neck always seem to go on the wrong side and I’m never completely satisfied with the looks…
Magali | August 1st, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I have a deep, deep love for the sweater vest.
I love your twists to the basic list. I prefer it.
Loralee | August 1st, 2008 at 9:09 pm
i totally agree on the jersey dress - i have several and they are so easy to pack and no ironing involved. plus they breathe! i also like the idea of a little non-black dress. i have a chocolate brown one from banana republic that pleases my southern mother who can’t stand the thought of black at a wedding.
kat | August 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 am
Half way down the list, I started hoping for a future Fab 5 accessories list, so thanks for #6, but please consider helping out some of us who feel accessories challenged with a few staples…
I agree with the jeans 150%. I prefer something a little more structured than a cardigan, because I have a little baby weight that I’m sensitive about, so I would prefer a little jacket like http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-624861954923021134&id=813562&parentid=APP_OUTERWEAR_JACKETS&pushId=APP_OUTERWEAR_JACKETS&popId=APPAREL&sortProperties=&navCount=2&navAction=jump&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=blu
and I’m with Nataly, never figured out how to be comfortable in a button down. But I live in blouses like http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1&_dynSessConf=-624861954923021134&id=813262&parentid=APP_TOPS_SOLID&pushId=APP_TOPS_SOLID&popId=APP_TOPS&sortProperties=&navCount=13&navAction=poppush&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=moc because it’s just easier for me to figure out than the clean lines of the tailored button down. My work is casual, so I never *need* a suit, but I love the way they look.
I love your #6 suggestion. I need more staples. Caitlin mentioned an all-purpose bag. For those of us who aren’t needing a laptop bag daily, could you also consider a post about bags?
Giana | August 2nd, 2008 at 10:12 am
Love the list! But the button down is my problem too–got boobs? Difficult to wear a button down successfully. And then there is the “to tuck or not to tuck?”
Rather than cardigans, which make me look huge on top (see button down shirt problem), I like little jackets.
Comment on the attached linked jacket, pls! Cute or terrible??
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/itempage.aspx?item=H278886&PFID=211&BID=S20081921854459D693573863442FFBB2500&h=P&sk=P
spacegeek | August 2nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Just wanted to say that women with large busts, who also carry their weight around the middle (i.e., an “apple”) do not generally look good in button-down shirts. Even when they are tailored. That’s the basic problem with “Must have” lists; they do not fit everyone’s body shape issues all of the time.
Now, of course, I understand what InStyle is going for here, but it would be much more helpful if they said, “Five Must-Have Pieces for Pear Shaped Women”, etc. That way it is tailored to the shape of the woman and shows her the types of silhouettes she can wear and still look fab.
Ariella | August 3rd, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Since you mention Brooks Brothers as a shirt option, did you not know they have a no-iron cotton shirt? It rocks! You don’t have to send it to the cleaners and it comes out of the dryer pressed.
Amy in StL | August 4th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Totally agree with your list! Ah, you know how I feel about the almighty cardigan and jeans. Love, love, love… pretty much wear some flavor of each one every day.
I also vote for an accessories list!
Rebecca/Bearca | August 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Oh how I love this post.
I second all that you said. Although I have yet to make the plunge into a pair of designer jeans. I’m currently loving the dark washed jeans from Ann Taylor Loft. And for the sale price of $19.99, you can’t beat it.
I’ve taken to making my own chunky jewelry. It’s cheaper and I can custom make necklaces for my wardrobe. It’s also fun. (And surprisingly easy. Really.)
I’m not sure if I should admit this, but I think another staple is a good jean jacket. I love how they make my work slacks a little more casual and add a little “somethin’, somethin’” to a cute (jersey!) dress. I wear my jean jacket a lot (but NEVER with jeans).
I also love blazers and would call them one of my top “staples”. I don’t have to wear suits at work, but I love to pair a nice pair of black slacks with a sassy red blazer. I’m especially loving shirt sleeved blazers right now.
Every lady should also have a good pair of pointy-toed black heels. They go with everything (jeans, slacks, shorts, and dresses). I have a pair from BP that I will mourn when they finally die. (They are on their 2nd heel.)
(You didn’t mention purses. But dude, I need to stop typing and get some work done…so we’ll leave purses for another day!)
Isabel | August 5th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Ah, another Etsy lover! I love the sheer amount of talent and skill on there! Love all the pieces you listed, and of course, your variations as well. Cardigans are a definite must-have for my fall wardrobe, especially those in punchy colors. They work perfectly with a white button-down shirt, too!
Sandhya | August 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
great list, and great suggestions. Another possible addition: the handbag!
Katie | August 5th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Great list and I totally agree. The only items I would add are some really great fitting t-shirts (in white, black and maybe chocolate and/or gray). We are on the lookout for some to add to our site and I’d love to hear what brands people love. My personal favorites are from Three Dots.
Also, owning an accessories business (www.flirtyfinds.com) I am partial to number 6 on your list! If you invest in great staples (1-5) all you need to complete your wardrobe are accessories that allow you to change up your look and keep it fresh and interesting. In addition to jewelry, I would add a belt and a bag - maybe with some color or interesting hardware to jazz up the basic foundations of your outfit.
We also love one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry and are adding some great pieces to our site. It is great to have jewelry that you know you won’t see at the mall or on anyone else. And, we love to support other entrepreneurs and artisans (and moms!) by giving them a venue to sell their work.
Beth | August 8th, 2008 at 5:46 am
I’m hunting for a navy cardigan with a *full* sleeve. For some reason, that color is hard to find (or it’s 1/2 or 3/4 sleeve). And I don’t want one that looks home-knitted (with apologies to knitters out there); I want something sleek looking. Also looking for shirts in solid colors that are really gorgeous but not screaming loud. I’m tired of the blah-pinks, blah-blues, etc. How about…silver, or a vibrant light green?
Hi Pam! It took some searching, but what about this?
http://www.landsend.com/pp/FineGaugeCottonCardigan~128991_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::SPB&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000000084&origin=index
Paula | August 8th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Great list. I’m all set (more so with black suits - you can’t have too many lengths and styles).
But about those button down shirts - I have them but I never wear them. I have breasts! So they sit in my closet, nicely pressed but unused and baleful. I should give them away. As a replacement for the button down shirt, may I suggest a simple off-white shell? Cotton or silk knit. Looks especially good if the neckline is high but wide (not quite boatnecked).
Red Flashlight | August 11th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Great list and comments! I have a question to all the mom shoppers; How important is “wrinkle free” in your shopping decisions?
http://www.zoicamatei.com
Zoica | September 12th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
[...] am slowly growing my closet in the direction of what whoorl/stacy/clinton/tim gunn believe that every woman should have in their [...]
good thing i’m getting paid this week. « dancing kitchen | November 9th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
wrinkle-free…yes! Machine washable…definitely! I’m also anti-shirt, but mostly because I hate having a collar tickling my chin and they seem to make me look frumpy.
Violet | November 12th, 2008 at 1:41 am