This post is brought to you by a partnership with Responsival. All opinions are my own.
Over the last few years, my wardrobe has been a mess. I blame the pandemic for the start of the decline- when you don’t leave the house, it matters a lot less what you’re wearing. But those days are long behind us and yet I still found myself in need of some upgrades to my closet- but I didn’t want to spend the cash to completely start from scratch. So what did I do instead? I stocked up on basics!
Having some really good basics in all areas of your wardrobe- from your undergarments to your jewelry to your shoes- makes it so much easier to work with what you have as well as make any new additions to your closet go even further. So instead of clearing my closet out completely and starting all over, I got some items that will help breathe new life into my current- and new basic- clothes.
Here’s what I got!
Gold stud earrings: Even the more basic outfit- like a plain, black shirt and a pair of jeans- can be dressed up with the proper accessories. Gold stud earrings work with practically any outfit and this pair from Aurate is absolutely stunning!
Gold stud earrings are timeless so I don’t mind spending a little more on them- by buying from a brand like Aurate I know they’ll last more than a couple of seasons, which is good because they’ll be in style forever!
Properly fitting undergarments: My coziest bra was that cozy because it was stretched out and ill-fitting. While it was comfy, it wasn’t really doing it’s job. Well-fitted bras are important for more than just aesthetics- they’re meant to offer the support you need. And the extra boost of confidence from your clothes fitting better? That doesn’t hurt, either.
Cooling shorts: It is HOT here in the summer, so to give my legs a break from the heat I love to wear dresses the majority of the time. But since it’s hot, I’m also in danger of thigh chafing, so I wear shorts under my dresses. The only problem? The ones I was wearing were not doing me any favors with keeping the heat away, and they were adding a lot of bulk which I don’t mind appearance-wise but wasn’t into for comfort.
These cooling shorts have been an absolute game-changer. While they might look a little like the pantyhose that still haunt our nightmares, they do NOT feel like them. They’re so light I forget that I’m wearing them, and they really are cooling- perfect when it’s 110 degrees outside. And since they’re so thin, they don’t add any unnecessary bulk.
Neutral shoes: It’s important to have the right shoes for the occasion, which can get pricy fast. What I prefer to do is buy just one pair of each type of shoe in a neutral color, so they’ll go with any outfit. For example, I have black athletic shoes, white canvas summer wedges, black heels, etc.
A plain, good-sized bag: Look, I love rocking a Disney Loungefly backpack as much as the next girl and most days that’s what you’ll find me with. But some occasions call for a more neutral tone, so I grabbed a bag that was neutral and could hold all of my essentials, not just my phone.
Jeans: I know, I said I don’t like wearing hot clothes in the summer- but even though it sometimes feels like it when it’s way too hot outside, summer doesn’t last forever. A well-fitting pair of jeans in a wash that you love is an absolute must-have. I’m actually still on the hunt for my new favorite pair, but it’s definitely something I’m actively searching for!
Black dress: One of my new favorite items in my closet is my newest “little black dress”. {I got this one from Torrid.} It’s so simple but is both comfortable and flattering, and it’s super easy to dress up or down.
If I’m wanting to be a little more done up, I pair it with my Aurate Gold Stud Earrings and a colorful cardigan. If it’s a girls night, I can wear it as-is with some heels and a cute necklace. I love that just one piece of clothing can be so versatile!
By investing in these basics, I’ve created a foundation for my wardrobe that is functional, stylish, and so versatile. Being able to buy just a few key pieces that can extend my options broadly is such a smart investment in my closet, my time, and my confidence! These essentials aren’t just about looking trendy- they’re about being able to easily show up as myself wherever I am, one outfit at a time.
What are some essentials you can’t live without?
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