A Perfect Ten

How many times have you looked into your closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear.” If you hear yourself uttering this statement more often than not, you have a dysfunctional closet. It is probably missing several key pieces that allow you to easily transition from one outfit to the next. It’s time to stop the insanity and get a functional closet.

Dress Pants - Although it doesn't say black, this is probably what you want to look for. Black is flattering on all figures and goes with everything. Make sure their made of a lightweight, seasonless material like gabardine or rayon and contains a small amount of lycra to ensure a quality fit. Try the Stretch Herringbone Pant from Billy Blues for a wide-waist style.
White Dress Shirt - This is an important closet staple and can be both trendy (wear underneath your favorite t-shirt) and classic (wear with a business suit). The Ivy Luxe Blouse from Theory is a classic example.
Plain Black Pumps - Make sure your closet has at least one pair of 1- to 2-inch plain black pumps that takes you from the office to dinner. The Skye Pump from Dolce Vita has a sophisticated silhouette.
A Pair of Great Fitting Jeans - Everyone has a pair of jeans, but does everyone have a pair of jeans that make them look great? The wider leg, low-rise jean style has been popular (and still is) but a narrower leg is coming back along with a higher waist, which eliminates the unflattering "muffin top" look. Karmel & Alden's Kate Wide Flare Jean are a flattering dark wash with a decorative back pocket.
Black Dress - This advice has become a cliché only because it is so true. A well-fitting dress of good quality can be worn to nearly any occasion. It should be made of a sturdy but lightweight fabric like a cotton/rayon blend. Try Kensie's Criss Cross Dress.
Three Basic T-shirts - Purchase three cotton/spandex shirts in the following colors: black, white, and another, brighter color (that suits you well). These shirts help stretch your closet and are perfect for layering as well as wearing alone. Velvet, Splendid, and Michael Stars offer a variety of basics in a variety of colors.
Tote Bag - These bags serve double duty as a briefcase during the week and a shopping bag on the weekend. The Juicy Couture Houndstooth Z.J.N. Satchel has room to pack your entire day.
Sneakers - You’ll need one pair of sneakers that can be worn both for workouts and casual activities like shopping. The Klub Nico Linen Trainers have flashy flare.
Trench Coat/All-Weather Coat - A classic trench coat can be worn as an all-weather coat and a dress. Look for coats with a removable lining to increase usage. The Tulle Pleated Trench is a great all-weather style.
Khakis/Brown Pants - A weekend staple, chino-style pants add diversity to your outfits. Try the Billy Blues High Waist Full Leg Pant.