My 10 Must-Haves

A while ago, In Style put together a list of “10 Things Every Woman Must Own” (view the original article here) which consists of the following:

Black blazer
Leopard print scarf
Red flats
Striped shirt
Statement necklace
Little black dress
Black opaque tights
Oversize watch
Classic trench
Flared jeans

I agree with the basic categories these items represent, but I don’t agree with all of the items themselves, so I thought I would propose my list of 10 “must-haves” based on the above list (because, really, I don’t think I could narrow it down to 10 items otherwise).

Black cardigan

The JCrew Jackie Cardigan

I have a few which I wear over almost everything, everywhere. During the summer I usually keep an extra in my purse or car in case I get cold when I head indoors.

Brightly colored pashmina

Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf

I’ve amassed quite a collection of these over the years and for good reason. During the spring or fall they look great paired with a tshirt and jeans and during the winter I tend to wear them instead of a wool scarf when I bundle up for the cold. When I dress up, I wear one as a shawl during a church wedding or in a cold restaurant. I recommend starting with solids and, once you have a few to match most of your outfits, branching out to prints.

Everyday flats

Tory Burch Reva Flats

Red, black, brown, blue, gold, silver, green… whatever color is up to you. Pick something you’re comfortable in! I’ve barely worn heels since I discovered Reva flats. Throughout the past few years I’ve branched out to a few other brands, but I always seem to find myself gravitating toward TB’s latest offerings.

Oxford Shirt

Ralph Lauren Skinny Oxford

I live in these… The Ralph Lauren ones last forever (I don’t think I’ve bought a new one in at least 4 years) and the Polo website offers make-your-own for those of you who are as obsessed with your monograms as I am with mine.

Pearl Necklace

Mikimoto 18” Strand

Mine was my grandmother’s, so I can’t offer any advice on where is best to procure one of these, but a single strand of pearls is a true staple.

Little Black Dress

Audrey Hepburn

I always think of Audrey Hepburn when I think of a little black dress (hence the photo above). I have several – some for work, some for play, some for summer, and some for cooler months – and think that every woman should have at least one LBD that she feels 100% confident in.

Black Opaque Tights

Source

I don’t know what I would do without these during the winter. They allow me to wear quite a few of my dresses and skirts through seasons I’d otherwise have to retire them for.

Cuff Bracelet

David Yurman 7mm Pearl Cable Classics Bracelet

I wear the Yurman Bracelet shown above 90% of the time I am awake. So do most of my friends. Sure, it’s ubiquitous to the point of being clichéd these days, but there’s a reason everyone wears theirs so often…

Classic Trench

Burberry Mid-Length Trenchcoat

I’ll jump on the bandwagon here. I was lucky enough to inherit a vintage Burberry trench (which I have yet to wear because I’ve been slacking on getting it altered, oops!) and love the look.

Straight Leg / Skinny Jeans

J Brand Pencil Leg Jeans

I must be the only person in the world who does not look better in flared jeans…but for some reason, my thighs look huge in them. I’m partial to J Brand pencil leg jeans (pictured) above, but no one pair fits everyone.
So there you have it – my list of “must haves.” What are some items you can’t live without?