You Only Need 10 Neutral Staples to Create an Endless Wardrobe
How to Cut Through Closet Chaos
Download my FREE 10 Neutral Staples worksheet here
The reason why women feel like their closets are a disjointed collection of prints, patterns and color rather than a functional wardrobe is because they don't own enough neutral staples.
Neutral staples are the skeleton of a functional wardrobe, these garments connect your prints, accents colors and textures to create endless outfit combinations.
If you've put the wardrobe cart before the horse, no worries! You only need 10 core neutral staples to connect all of the other garments in your closet and immediately expand your outfit options.
Quality vs. Quantity
When shopping for your neutral staples it is prudent to source the best quality of each that you can afford. The goal is to replace these items only every 5 -10 years. Even if the rest of your closet is filled with fun and funky fast fashion, investing in a quality collection of core garments will elevate your total look.
Download my FREE 10 Neutral Staples worksheet here
Neutral Staple #1: Camisole or Tank Top
Why?
Wear alone or as base layer under blouses, sweaters, cardigans or jackets
Dress it up with accessories for date night
Suggestions
Silk adds texture, is versatile and season-less
Style of tank should reflect your personal style
May require a sticky bra, strapless or bralette
Neutral Staple #2: Tee Shirt
Why?
Easy to wear, easy to layer
Wear alone or as base layer under cardigans, sweaters and jackets
Dress up or down with accessories
Pair with print skirts or bottoms
Suggestions
Spend or save
Consider details like asymmetry or texture
Short sleeve for warm months, long sleeve for cold
Neutral Staple #3: Blouse
Why?
Expands outfit options - dresses up denim, essential for office over skirts and dress pants
Wear alone or layer under sweaters and cardigans
Suggestions
Style of blouse should reflect your personal style
Chambray - wear open like a cardigan, casual
Classic White - timeless and versatile
Silk - luxurious feel and upkeep
Neutral Staple #4: Sweater
Why?
Layering, cold weather essential
Layer over blouses, tanks and tees
Pair with colorful print blouses or skirts
Suggestions
Wool or thick cashmere for cold months
Linen or featherweight cashmere for warm months
Invest in fabric and feel, there's nothing worse than a too thick, too itchy sweater
Neutral Staple #5: Cardigan
Why?
Because: Air Conditioning
Layering and travel essential
Foundation of business casual outfit formula - pair with print tank and neutral skirt or neutral tank and print skirt
Suggestions
Wool or thick cashmere for cold months
Linen or featherweight cashmere for warm months
Invest in fabric and feel
Should be light enough to layer under jacket
Neutral Staple #6: Skirt
Why?
Casual as you may be, there will be a day you go to court or a job interview (I wouldn't suggest the skirt to the left for either)
Your neutral skirt should coordinate in style (not necessarily color) with your neutral jacket to create an suit-like outfit formula
Pair with any top in your closet
Suggestions
Pencil and A-Line most versatile
Black jersey or modal looks structured, feels comfy
Leather, while edgy, is classic and lasts forever
Neutral Staple #7: Dress Pant
Why?
Special occasions, office, court or job interview
Your neutral pant should coordinate in style (not necessarily color) with your neutral jacket to create an suit-like outfit formula
Pair with any top in your closet
Suggestions
Go dark: Black or charcoal
Tailoring is everything, make sure the fit is impeccable
Neutral Staple #8: Fave Jeans
Why?
Because: Weekend, Casual Friday
Really? Everyone needs jeans.
Great jeans pair with a blazer and heels or tee shirt and sneakers
Suggestions
Bootcut or straight leg are classics
Petite ladies - hem to work with shoe heel height or consider ankle length
Budget denim is thin, tends to lose its shape as day goes on. Shop sales for premium brands at more affordable price points
Neutral Staple #9: Versatile Dress
Why?
One day you will need to go to a funeral (opt for classic black, minus the cut outs)
Pair under jackets, layer over blouses
Suggestions
Black, navy or charcoal are most versatile
Black jersey or modal look structured, feel comfy
Neutral Staple #10: Classic Jacket
Why?
Cool weather staple
A classic jacket is practical and can pull a polished look together instantly
Trench, blazer or leather bomber - go with your personal style and career requirements
Suggestions
Invest! A well crafted jacket can last decades
Shop consignment stores in wealthy neighborhoods
Watch this video about my neutral staples!
Your Turn!
Let me see your neutral staples! Join the MappCraft | Tiny Closet Survival Guide FB group for daily outfit shares, live videos and lots of capsule chatter and fashion inspo.
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