Clothes That Make Your Wardrobe Work

If your goal is to look your most stylish, you can't ask for much more than a closet full of clothes that make your wardrobe work. At face value, this is quite self-explanatory, but actually applying yourself to the task of building a functional wardrobe can be a bit of a challenge!

Jeans and a black top are foolproof wardrobe additions.

Consider it a pet project of sorts. A working wardrobe consists of more than just your office outfits! In fact, a wardrobe that truly works includes those and so much more. In a fully functional wardrobe, there is always something to wear and never a reason to feel that anything is missing. There are key pieces, complementary accents and necessary accessories.

A functional wardrobe might best be defined as classic, but in truth there are numerous possibilities for trendy, of-the-moment pieces to make an appearance. The beauty of wardrobes that work is they actually aren't defined by any particular characteristic; in short, they work for you. However, the key pieces that drive the bulk of the wardrobe are important. They are what the other items in your closet work around and complement. It's important to start with a solid foundation of apparel that will see you through everything from a day at the office to a trek through the mall.

Once that has been accomplished, it's time to inject some playfulness into the mix. There's no need to shy away from popular pieces, but there's also no need to spend an arm and a leg on something that is clearly fleeting and certain to be a memory within months. Have fun with trends, but don't expect long-term commitments. In that respect, it's helpful to shop for more fashion-conscious items at designer discount stores, such as Loehmann's and Filene's Basement.

A wardrobe that works also contains items that serve you well for longer than just a few months. Items that you can rely on are important; therefore, it's helpful to shop for well-made pieces constructed of high-quality materials. These "forever" pieces are the ones you want to spend more money on, so don't be afraid to shop labels you might otherwise rule out. Brands such as Jones New York, Calvin Klein and Theory are excellent starting points; you'll find myriad choices at reasonable, mid-range price points. Do be prepared to spend, but don't expect to break the bank; these items will more than pay for themselves over time.

A white blouse and sleek trousers are classic.

Miniskirts, leggings and lacy tunics are all fun and fabulous, but they aren't necessarily the components of a fully functional wardrobe. There are a few key clothes that make your wardrobe work. These are the pieces you wear regularly, whether to the office or to dinner with friends or that special someone. You may notice that, at first glance, this list reads suspiciously like the perfect work wardrobe might, but that's the beauty behind it – each piece integrates perfectly into nearly every situation with ease.

• Black Dress: It doesn't have to be little, but a black dress is a wardrobe essential that can be counted on as foolproof. Whatever you may opt for lengthwise, ensure that the dress fits you properly. It should be slightly form-fitted for the most polished finish, with a slight A-line for bottom-heavy shapes.

• Dress Pants: Dress pants are foolproof simply because they go with just about anything. A smart pair of tailored trousers in a neutral shade will serve you well for years.

• White Shirts: The white button-down shirt is one of the most classic wardrobe essentials in women's fashion. It's available in a number of styles, but the key is to find a tailored, crisp cut that doesn't err on the trendy side but does look feminine.

• Sweater Sets: Ask anyone who's worn it: the sweater set is simply a must. Consisting of a shell and matching cardigan, a sweater set makes life especially easy when time is of the essence. Simply throw it on and go.

• Jeans: Opt for a pair with a little stretch for the most flattering fit. Dark washes are infinitely more versatile than lighter ones.

• Skirts: A figure-flattering skirt in black or gray is a sound investment. Knee-length styles are best; they make the work-to-play transition flawless and pair well with anything.

• Pumps and Flats: Your wardrobe will work whether you love to wear heels or not. If you do enjoy a little height, achieve it with a classic pump in a neutral color. If not, opt for a pair of stylish flats.

• T-shirts: Believe it or not, t-shirts are emblematic of a wardrobe that really works. They work when that crisp white blouse doesn't, and they come in handy when you need something to slip under a sweater. Black, white and red shades are smart choices.

• Handbag: Your handbag will bear your burden all day long, so make sure you choose something spacious enough to handle it. A handbag is definitely an investment piece, so consider pieces made of thick, sturdy leather.

The extras are those exciting flashes of color that will peek through and add excitement to your basic wardrobe. If you love pinks and reds, wear a berry scarf against a gray sheath dress for the perfect pop of color. If you're a fan of turquoise, slip on a bold cocktail ring with a basic denim and white blouse combination. The result is low-key yet completely fashionable. The basic idea is to develop a system that allows you to mix and match with ease, resulting in a number of fabulous outfits.

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