What basics should every women own?

[Anantara]

On holiday in a pair of denim shorts I've had for 10 years, and thought what are the staple clothes that everyone should own, that are useful and classics? Such as a great pair of jeans, black ballet shoes, trench coat, denim shorts what are yours?

Statement shoes - or, outside planet fashion, ones that everyone laughs at. Even if they don't make the wearer walk like a drunken duck.

Dresses, lots of dresses for all different occasions and good quality suspender belts with 6 metal stocking clips.

I can't possibly say what other women need when even my own staples change. A couple of years ago, mine would have been a good quality tube skirt but now I'm obsessed with trousers.

But I do agree with Lexi about a decent weather proof coat if you live in the uk, although it's taken me my whole life to admit it.

Not getting the shirt live at all

*love

Me neither. I do love a silk shirt but they're too high maintenance to be a staple. And I don't like them white. Or crisp.

dresses you can just throw on, at least 6 (ideally 12 )

Some sleeveless, some with sleeves (short, 3/4 or long), some knee length some shorter. And all in cotton or silk or viscose (i.e. breathable) and of the type that can dry on a hanger and not need ironing.

Often get compliments on how I dress (ridiculous! I am not into dressings smart or anything, at all). I just throw on a dress. With trainers for casual, with heels for smart, with tights and boots for cold/wet, with a denim jacket in summer, a leather jacket in spring or autumn, and a long coat in winter.

fuck trousers ;) who needs them

I'm bored with dresses now.

@RubyWinterstorm where are you dresses from? Any links?

Thanks!

Pants. Definitely wear pants

Agree with the silk shirts. Impossible to keep from getting marked and totally impractical for my lifestyle with kids.

I was a huge fan of Trinny and Susannah (and still follow Trinny) but in hindsight (now that I have small kids) their 'life swap' wardrobe where they dressed women who had small children in heels, white or any clothes other than ones that be thrown into the washing machine at a high temp, was laughable. Then again they could hardly make a style programme with the reality of jeans and cotton tops.

I virtually never wear dresses or skirts, they are a very long way down my list. Certainly not essentials.

Well fitting bras. Most women need or do wear a bra everyday and an ill fitting one can really look hideous!

I've also never owned a white shirt, have never wanted to own one either!

Ruby I hear you re dresses. Any particular shops you recommend?

I have been surprisingly successful at Dorothy Perkins this year. Especially the "tall" range

And a nice denim dress from Fatface (the Angie I think?) which looks better on than on the pics (size down at least 1 size)

And a silk shift from eBay

In winter I like a knitted dress! Uniqlo did a few nice ones last year.

Have tried Boden, but dresses fell apart or shrunk badly

Have also got a few from Great Plains, which turned out to be good quality btw. Lots of choice. Wearable. Classics. Simple.

I bought a really nice jacket in Sainsbury today (I wasn't looking for one specifally but I had in the back of my mind that I'd like a jersey blazer).

Now, I need a pair of black jeans ................... that should be easier I reckon, my Go-To is the Next ones with the 2 buttons/zip , about £45 .

I have very few dresses, I was looking at one on TV yesterday but the fabric looked a bit synthetic (not good for menopausal flushes) so I didn't.
I wore some (M&S, Forever 21 , H&M) on holiday last year with sandles but they aren't really me

For me and my life:

Smart casual for work, a mix of dresses, skirts and trousers.

Comfortable shoes: Flattish knee boots, ankle boots, loafers, sandals (two or three), smart dress shoes 2 inch heel max.

Good winter jacket, smart winter coat, casual anorak warm and waterproof ones, smart summery coat.

Gardening clothes, holidays clothes and a few formal frocks for formal occasions.

Best thing I own is a velvet, simple knee length evening coat with satin buttons. Bought circa 2004.