Clothing Basics Checklist: Timeless All-Season Wardrobe
Often, the clothing basics checklist 's that you see on Pinterest are very short. They're modelled after the 10-piece French wardrobe, a minimalist's closet, or a capsule wardrobe. In certain climates, having a closet with only 20 pieces is really difficult.
Up here in Canada, we get all four seasons in full force. After failing to find a closet checklist with some of my most essential items, I felt inspired to create my own.
Much of this list are things that I own, wear, and love already. While I do sway from the list from time to time, I know my dollars are most valuably spent on these items. They are pieces I tend to invest in because I know that I'll have them for years to come.
Your list will look different from mine based on climate and personal taste. For example, I have winter AND summer maxi and midi dresses on my list. I feel most comfortable in these pieces. You might be inclined to swap those items out for mini dresses, or a jean skirt and shorts, or even just more pants.
I've starred some items and written about why I chose them or what they are and added images for greater elaboration. The explanations are down below.
So without further ado, here is my
Clothing Basics Checklist
Shoes:
Cooler Weather
- Winter boots
- Rain boots
- Ankle boots
- Sock boots*
- Hiking boots
- OTK boots*
- Formal winter heel
- Heeled bootie
- Warm slipper
Warmer Weather
- Classic sneaker*
- Loafer
- Leather flat*
- Neutral heel
- Neutral flat
- Running shoe*
- Fancy heel
- Leather strappy sandal*
- Leather heeled sandal
- Slides*
- Woven flat*
- Formal strappy heel
- Summer slipper*
Bottoms
- Dark skinny jeans
- Casual jeans
- High-waisted skirt (summer)
- High-waisted skirt (winter)
- Non-denim pants**
- Opaque tights
- Leggings
- Summer pants**
Tops
- Neutral tee
- Neutral long-sleeve
- Button down**
- Cream sweater
- Cardigan
- Cashmere sweater
- Sleeveless top
- Silk camisole
- Long sleeve blouse
- Thick wool sweater
- Turtleneck
Dresses/Jumpsuits
- Maxi dress (winter)***
- Maxi dress (summer)***
- Midi dress (winter)***
- Midi dress (summer)***
- Formal neutral dress***
- Jumpsuit (winter)***
- Jumpsuit (summer)***
- Flowy sundress
Outerwear
- Rain coat
- Denim jacket
- Leather jacket
- Blazer (oversized)
- Blazer (fitted)
- Trench
- Long wool coat****
- Pea coat
- Dressy coat
- Toque***
- Mittens***
Accessories
- Neutral handbag
- Crossbody bag
- Formal handbag
- Beret
- Winter hat****
- Sun hat
- Simple necklace
- Simple stud earrings
- Watch
- Leather belt
- Waist belt
- Statement earrings
- Statement ring
- Neck scarf****
- Wool scarf
- Gloves
- Tote bag
- Classic sunglasses
- Fun sunglasses
- Summer handbag
- Sarong****
Others
- Bathing suit
- Snowsuit
- PJ set
- Rain coat
- Umbrella
- Wool socks
- Perfume
- Gym top
- Sports bra
- Gym bottoms
- Gym sweater
- Loungewear set
- Long underwear
- Socks
- Underwear (black, nude, fancy)
- Bras (black, nude, fancy)
- Shapewear (black & nude)
- Backpack
- Luggage set
So there you have my 100 clothing basics checklist. Yes, you read that right, 100 items! Now imagine adding trendy pieces on top of that. Ugh, having four seasons is hard.
*Explaining the clothing basics checklist (shoes):
I've divided the shoes between warmer and cooler weather, rather than summer/winter, because some shoes I tend to wear year round. They're really more weather dependent than seasonal.
Sock boots are on the list lately with wide-legged pants dominating trends, because you really can't pull them off in the winter without a tight-fitting boot.
OTK (or Over The Knee) boots are more flattering on me than boots that hit just below my knee, but that's a personal preference. A tall boot of any kind works well in their place.
A classic sneaker, for me, is anything from an Adidas to a converse, whatever fits with your style; a running shoe is something you might wear to the gym.
I chose a leather strappy sandal instead of flip-flops (I never wear flip-flops). Slides I've been on the fence about, not sure if I'd consider them a basic yet. A woven flat could be any breathable shoe that's covered, but summer appropriate.
A lighter pair of slippers (or house shoes) are great for traveling. My heavy winter sheepskin pair is a bit much for summer weather, but sometimes having your feet covered is nice.
I wanted to note that while I have specified leather on my list, it doesn't mean you have to. I prefer leather because it's breathable and wears well. Nowadays, there are some amazing vegan alternatives to leather that aren't very expensive.
**Explaining the clothing basics checklist (bottoms & tops):
Non-denim pants are great to have; they are traditionally a business-appropriate option. Other benefits: are more comfortable than jeans, perfect for traveling. I really enjoy having a pair of summer pants, made of something lightweight like linen. Usually another great item for traveling: linen pants can be a modest alternative to shorts.
In my first draft, I had two different button-downs: winter and summer. I prefer button-downs to tee's because I think they look more put together, but that's probably just me. Give me one in every colour!
***Explaining the clothing basics checklist (dresses):
If you scrolled here to figure out why I basically starred every item in this category, I just wanted to remind you: you have options! I just don't find mini lengths flattering on me, but you do you.
The neutral formal dress IS basically a LBD (little black dress), but I didn't want you to think you should limit yourself to one colour. It's 2019 after all. Why not have a LRD (little red dress) or a MND (mid-length navy dress) or even a PPS (pink pantsuit)?!
Personally I could LIVE in a jumpsuit. So having a heavier winter one and a lighter summer one is useful to me. Some great fabrics to consider: velvet vs linen, wool vs cotton, corduroy vs silk.
****Explaining the clothing basics checklist (outerwear & accessories) :
A long wool coat could be replaced with a puffer jacket or another equivalent. The idea is to stay as warm as possible while still looking and feeling your best! I wrote a post on how to stay warm in the winter without having to own a ridiculously large winter jacket, check it out here.
I've added a toque and mittens to the outerwear category because I didn't feel they are an accessory, but rather an extension to a coat.
This winter hat is not a toque or a beanie, think sun hat but in felt fabric.
You know those neck scarves that flight attendants traditionally wore? That's what I'm talking about. They're really great for tying up your hair, adding a pop of colour to a handbag, or creating a bracelet when you don't have one!
Sarong's are lightweight, can double as scarves OR towels when necessary. Basically one of the only clothing items you need when on a beach vacation. Felt this item needed it's own spotlight.
Final Remarks
My clothing basics checklist is something that I put together for my own reference. I keep it handy on my phone, so that whenever I'm out shopping I can stay on track and not buy anything unnecessary or that I already have. Keeping the list to a nice even number, 100, is just a fun bonus.
I hope you find this list valuable. Remember that it's just a guideline, and it can change to suit your needs.
It might seem wasteful or excessive to have 100 things in your closet, but I challenge you to count up the amount of items that you have right now. I guarantee the number will be a lot higher than you think. This list is a mindful way to control the number of things you buy, and actually create less waste in the long run by purchasing quality items that you can have forever. By putting thought into each item you purchase and knowing it will have a place in your closet, you will never run out of things to wear and you will love every item in your wardrobe.
Do you have any additions, changes, or ideas for this list? Anything that surprised you? Let me know in the comments!
