Gotta Know Online

There comes a time in our lives when we have to finally build an adult wardrobe. While people shouldn’t judge others by their appearance, they do.  This means you have to get some essential wardrobe items so you can start building a professional looking wardrobe. Once you have these essential wardrobe items, you can build from there.

Some of you have already begun filling your closet with these essential wardrobe items. However, others may only have a few items. That’s okay. While I was building my wardrobe, I just bought a piece here and there as I could afford it. My wardrobe has grown far beyond this list, but this is where I started.

Here is the list of essential wardrobe items for men and women, along with examples.

Women’s Essential Wardrobe Items

3 pairs of Jeans – These should be nice jeans. No holes or tears and no graffiti (yes, I used to own graffiti jeans). Another bit of advice: Just say no to crack. Leave the low-rise, ultra low-rise, and mega super ultra low-rise at the store. Nobody is going to take you seriously if your butt and your gut are hanging out.

3 pairs of Dress Slacks – For when you shouldn’t wear jeans and you don’t want to wear a skirt.

2 pairs of Shorts – Don’t go too short. Shorts don’t have to be to your knees, but shorts that are too short will just make you look cheap.

1 Dress Shirt – Pair this with either jeans or dress slacks. You can wear this on a job interview or on a date.

Several T-shirts (long or short sleeved) – Yes, you can own T-shirts. Just pick some that don’t have an image of someone flipping the bird (or whatever those young wipper snappers are wearing these days). Go for solid colors.

1 Sweater or Cardigan – Stay warm and look great! Sweaters can be casual or dressy, so they’re very versatile. You can wear one with jeans, dress pants, or a skirt.

1 Dress – Every woman needs at least one dress. Even if you don’t have to dress up for work, you will still run into occasions when you need to wear a dress.

1 pair of Athletic Shoes

1 pair of High Heels – Yes, I know most women have more than one pair, but you can get by with one pair of basic black heels.

1 Jacket – Baby, it’s cold outside!

1 Coat – For when the jacket ain’t cutting it anymore.

Men’s Essential Wardrobe Items

3 pairs of Jeans – Please, make sure they don’t fall off your rear end!

2 pairs of Dress Slacks – It’s amazing how something as simple as wearing slacks instead of jeans will make you look more professional.

2 pairs of Shorts – They should be fairly long.

1 Button Down Shirt – Pair this with either jeans or dress slacks.

Several T-shirts (long or short sleeved)

1 Tie – Every man needs a tie! Oh, and no cartoon characters.

1 pair of Athletic Shoes

1 pair of Dress Shoes

1 Jacket – Look cool when you’re cool.

1 Coat – For when the jacket ain’t cutting it anymore.

These essential wardrobe items will get you on the right track. You can express your style by choosing different colors and patterns to make up your wardrobe. If you don’t want to spend a ton of money, try to stick with items you can mix and match by buying solid colors.