You already have your classic cut black trousers, crisp white button up, black blazer and pencil skirt, staple black pump, camel trench, LBD and handful of great fitting jeans—or at least you know of their importance. Now it’s time to build on that.
Trends are fun, but they’re like teenage boys—they don’t last long. That’s the thing about the ephemeral, they visit, make us fall in love, and then they’re gone only to return in another decade refurbished and refreshed so they seem original. When it comes to having admirable style it’s not how much you have, but having a wardrobe complete with quality and versatile pieces that will seamlessly carry you from decade to decade, swiftly take you from day to night and effortlessly assemble into outfits that make you feel incredible.
The fundamentals kit is the collection of beautifully crafted, quality-made items that every woman needs to have as the foundation to her wardrobe. The idea behind the reloaded edition of the fundamentals kit is to provide you with a guide of brilliant basics to invest in that have more flair than the fundamentals, but still act as versatile, perennial pieces that allow your seasonal pieces act as chic accents.
Nude Flat (in place of the black flat)
The sandal stiletto-heeled version was big in the 70s, but then lost some of its popularity. Now it’s back and bigger than ever. Or shall we say flatter than ever. Less obvious than the black ballet flat, it’s one of the few things that can virtually go with anything hanging in your closet and will stay with you semester to semester.
For this fundamental piece of footwear a massive platform a la the infamous Christian Louboutin Lady Daf Mary Jane or sleek pointed toe with stiletto heel is essential to pair with brightly hued dresses, but what about everyday wear for on campus? Though heelless, a pair of flats that seamless match your skin tone will add visual inches to your leg line, which no matter where you rank vertically. That is always flattering and nonchalantly chic.
Odin patent pointed toe flats, KORS Michael Kors Shop
Leather pants/leggings (in place of black pants/leggings)
Come on, the feeling’s mutual: we all are tired of the black leggings tucked into Uggs worn with a fleece jacket. Easy update that are just as easy to pull on and pull off when in a rush for those annoying morning classes, your leather leggings will effortlessly add that rocker edge to any ensemble and it’s as simple as pairing it with a white tee and blazer!
It will be a steep investment, but if you want to talk about ROI, you’re talking about a major payoff. The girl’s will envy your audacity and the guys will be flocking like pigeons to a bread crumb. It’s a win-win situation! Besides, why not go faux if the budget is a factor (which it probably is!)
Low-rise, slim fit imitation leather pants, H&M Shop
Denim shirt (in place of white button-up)
It’s still a neutral and with a little creativity you’ll get just as much usage out of it. Tucked into the waistline of your black pencil skirt or pants from your fundamentals kit it adds an alluringly casual element to your outfit, but worn unbuttoned over a maxi dress or a coordinating separates ensemble as an alternative to a standard jacket is urban cool with a subtle hint to menswear. Also, if your shirt’s long enough it can double as a cute shirtdress that you can wear with bare legs or style with coquettish knee-highs.
Joe Chambray blouse, Ellery Shop
White blazer (in place of black blazer)
It’s harder to keep clean, but that’s about the only sour note about this ultra sleek garment. Though it’s only a shift in color (forgive the technicality) it says a much different statement than the black blazer. None of the truly stylish acknowledges the “no white after Labor Day” rule so this piece is a year-around chic addition to any fashion arsenal.
Betty white linen blazer, Alice + Oliva, Shop
Remember, these items in the fundamentals kit reloaded are pieces that you can anticipate to occupy space in your repertoire for decades so you’ll want to make sure you make them investments. That’s means you’ll have to shell out some cash or put a dent in your plastic, but trust, it will pay you back in more ways than imaginable.