From The Straits Times    |

If you have successfully Kon-Mari-ed your wardrobe, you might find your closet looking a little bare. Don’t worry, there’s no cause for concern because after this ruthless edit, what’s left should be the cream of the crop. 

The remaining items in your closet are the core elements of your personal style, something you might have difficulty displaying before. Now that you know what they are, you know what to look for the next time you go shopping. 

Here’s the next step — check your remaining items against this list to make sure that you fill in all the classic wardrobe gaps. These items are the building blocks to the perfect wardrobe. You can be rest assured that these key pieces will never go out of style. 

1. White T-shirt 

Sabrina crew neck t-shirt, $60, Sans Faff

It doesn’t get any more classic than a white T-shirt. This is the most versatile top that you can wear all the time, be it for work or play — with jeans, skirts, under blazers, you name it. The best ones are soft with a relaxed fit. A crew neck cut is an essential but you can also go for for a V-neck cut if you want to show a bit more skin. 

2. A white collared shirt 

Straight cotton-mix shirt, $137.15 (US$99), Cos

This would probably be the most overworked top in your closet. Nothing elevates a pair of trousers, a skirt or a suit like a sophisticated white button-down shirt. It also provides the best blank canvas to accessorise, giving you the opportunity to show off your necklaces or scarves.

3. A pair of jeans 

High-rise super wide jeans, $39.90, Uniqlo

I love this insanely versatile fabric. However, it’s difficult to find the one magical cut that will hug you in all the places and yet provides just the right amount of stretch. So when you finally land on a brand that works with your body, stick with it. A good pair of jeans can take you from work to a night out, a date, brunch, a trip to the supermarket — you get the drift.

4. Dress pants 

Pvara high waist dress pants, $53.90 (US$38.90), Love, Bonito

I know this is a fairly unpopular clothing of choice amongst the OLs (office ladies) because it might look dowdy and conservative when it’s not styled correctly. However, a pair of fitted pants come in really handy when you’d rather be wearing jeans but have to look a little more pulled together. A pair of pointed toe pumps will anchor the look. 

5. Pencil skirt 

Mid-length fitted tube-skirt, $108, Norma Kamali

A pencil skirt is one of those things that makes you feel classy and sexy at the same time. What’s more, it has moved out of the office-only territory into after-hour soirees if you style it with silk camisoles or T-shirts. I understand that it’s a bit more challenging for petite girls to find a flattering pair so here’s a tip: find one that barely covers your knees and hugs you perfectly (overly tight is not good) around your waist, hips, and thighs.

6. Blazer 

Essential structured blazer, $59.90, Mango

Don’t underestimate the power of a blazer as it offers endless style options. It works as a key item in completing a professional business look and also serves as a quick and easy way to make a casual ensemble look more polished and well put together. 

7. Cardigan 

Ribbon stitch scallop cardigan, $47.90, Warehouse

For some reasons, many of our offices here in Singapore have freezing temperatures. It’s hard to go by a day without the help of our trusty cardigan. Look out for materials like cashmere, durable cotton and wool as they can really keep you warm. 

8. Little black dress

Studded faux suede dress, $45.90, Zara

Of course, how can the little black dress not make it to the essentials list? This is item of clothing is a #diedie must-have for every woman. You can wear it over and over again without looking boring by switching things up with different accessories. It will be your saviour when it comes to impromptu invites or dates. A last-minute cocktail party with your ex-classmates? Check. Just got asked to attend a formal sit-down dinner with clients? Consider it done.

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