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Six Fashion Staples To Build A Lifelong Wardrobe

Every artist needs a base! - by Faye Couros
  • 28 Jul 2021

A wearable and functional wardrobe always starts with well-made staples before any statement pieces are purchased.

WATCH: Australian Fashion Week First Nations fashion shows.

You will avoid over shopping, over consuming, and feeling like you have nothing to wear by doing this.  

It's almost like setting the foundations for a house before you decorate it as you please.

While the white walls of your new home don't excite you, its décor can be sourced at your whim, and you can transform your space into a '70s glam aesthetic or a minimalist Dutch abode.

This same idea can be applied to a wardrobe stocked with simple but classic pieces that will never go out of style.

It's recommended that these items are of the best quality possible, which may mean spending a pretty penny, but consider it an investment into your sartorial future.

Another optional but practical choice is to tailor the clothes after you buy them, so they fit you perfectly – this is an incredibly underrated decision that will elevate your style to high fashion heights.

Here are six pieces that are essential foundations for an incredibly creative wardrobe.

Tailored denim jeans

Denim jeans are the most versatile item thats popularity has yet to wane in the 21st century. That is because they go with everything and suit most day-to-day occasions.

It doesn’t matter if you opt for skinny, mum, straight leg, flared or boyfriend jeans as long as you get them tailored (of course, if they miraculously fit perfectly in-store, then skip this step).

By tailoring your jeans, they will look superior to any pants you’ve ever brought because there is an untouchable allure to a perfect fit.

f
The Iconic

Shop Riot High-Rise Mum Jeans, $54.95 from The Iconic here. 

e
Naomi Murrell

Shop Forever Jeans in Organic Denim, $250 from Naomi Murrell here.

r
Zara

Shop Straight Ankle Length Jeans, $59.95 from Zara here. 

A leather jacket

Some may argue a denim jacket is a superior choice, but they would be mistaken.

There is a reason leather jackets are the model’s choice and that’s because when taken care of, they can last decades.

The aesthetic also works for every seasonal outfit, and it won’t clash with your denim jeans - because denim on denim isn’t a risk you want to take every day. 

Hot tip: Shop in the men’s section for your lifelong leather jacket. Men’s jackets offer more room around the shoulders, so you can pack more layers underneath in winter.

g
Asos

Shop Barneys Originals Full Zip Leather Biker Jacket, $190.00 from Asos here. 

f
Universal Store

Shop Common Need Faux Leather Biker Jacket, $130 from Universal Store here. 

f
Zara

Shop Faux Leather Oversize Jascket, $139 from Zara here. 

White T-shirt

A pristine, clean-lined, well-fitting (yes, we recommended more tailoring), high-quality white T-shirt is a more powerful addition to your wardrobe than the little black dress. Yeah, we said it, sorry Coco Chanel!

It’s a great base for so many outfits, and even pairing it with jeans will look incredibly chic – it can’t get simpler than that!

g
The Iconic

Shop Visca T-Shirt, $24.95 from The Iconic here. 

f
Zara

Shop Faded Rubbed T-Shirt, $19.95 from Zara here. 

g
The Iconic

Shop Amor T-Shirt, $74.50 from The Iconic here. 

Blazer

A great blazer can take you from day to night with ease and is appropriate for brunch and job interviews.

While there are plenty of incredible patterns and fun colours on the market, it’s best to opt for neutral tones like white, black, brown, tan, or grey for a staple blazer.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, for optimum style, enlist a tailor. 

f
Dissh

Shop Paige Beige Boyfriend Blazer, $99.99 from Dissh here. 

f
The Iconic

Shop Fitted Essential Blazer, $79.95 from The Iconic here. 

f
Zara

Shop Basic Blazer, $69.95 from Zara here. 

An A-line midi dress

The reason it’s specifically an A-line midi dress is because super tight clothes aren’t eternal as they can be uncomfortable. In contrast, no matter how bloated you are or feel, an A-line cut will always be comfortable.

As for midi dresses, they are a versatile item that you can dress up and down, which gives them endless wearability.

If you’re a keen stylist, it’s even possible to dress it up enough so it’s acceptable wedding attire.

f
Born In August

Shop Flora Midi Dress Mari Check Print, $239 from Born in August here. 

r
The Iconic

Shop Endless Sun Floral Midi Dress, $89.99 from The Iconic here. 

r
Forever New

Shop Clover Check Midi Dress, $139.99 from Forever New here. 

Turtleneck

A black turtleneck offers boundlessly elegant and fashionable outfits with minimal effort. This is why fashion influencers basically live in them during winter.

Turtlenecks are also super easy to layer and will keep you warm throughout the colder months.

r
Zara

Shop Soft Top, $29.95 from Zara here.

r
Kookai

Shop Lola Knit Top, $90 from Kookai here. 

r
Zara

Shop Soft Top, $29.95 from Zara here. 

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