Five Items You Need To Make Any Outfit Work

Let’s just skip the lame “deserted island” question and get to the point: While there is no such thing as an article of clothing you couldn’t live without, the act of mentally distilling your possessions to the things you would rather not live without has its merits. Style is highly subjective, and no two closets are alike, but there are certain high-functioning items that everyone needs to make the whole getting-dressed process work more smoothly. Therefore: The top five list. Think of it in terms of sets and sub-sets. For example, a wide belt would be a set, and a silk obi, a macramé sash, or a woven leather safari number would be contained within that set. That said, here are five things no well-stocked wardrobe should be without.

1. One stylish, knee-length lightweight jacket or sweater: My friend Stacey has a Chinese silk coat that’s a showstopper. It has three-quarter length sleeves and is covered with colorful embroidery. She wears it with heels over a cocktail dress to weddings. She wears it with jeans and a t-shirt for drinks with friends. It works in the winter over a turtleneck and in the summer over a slip dress. And, every time, it’s a knockout. My version of this is a lightweight ivory cashmere cable-knit sweater, long-sleeved and also to the knee. It’s great over the slightest dress on chilly summer nights, on the plane when I feel like snuggling up to something, or as a layering staple in the winter—belted or hanging loose. Splurge on one of your own and you’ll never regret it.

2. A statement-making necklace: While she was pregnant with twins, my friend Cindy wore the same outfit for what seemed like weeks on end. Here’s the thing: Her stretchy black skirt and wrap top never looked as tired as she felt because of these fabulous Indian necklaces she’d wear. They weren’t expensive, but they were bold and beautiful, made of intricate almost lacey links, and they provided a great distraction from her same-old shirt. Whether it’s a triple strand of moonstones, mod plastic beads, or an over-sized locket you inherited from Great Aunt Betty, a show-stopping necklace is a great way to turn a t-shirt and jeans into a viable “look,” or give extra shelf life to that black dress you’ve worn since 1989.

3. Stand-by dress shoes: Once, I owned the perfect shoes—snakeskin Gucci pumps with a mid-height heel in a grayish/tan color.