what are staple pieces?
Staple pieces are neutral color and style pieces that are more like a canvas than anything they help keep you from going overboard without taking away from the rest of the outfit. Personally I also consider any solid color top or any neutral based graphic tee to be a staple piece. Jeans are definitely a staple piece. You should have pants tops jackets and shoes that meet this criteria. Here we will be exploring the purpose of staple pieces, which ones work best for you and your wardrobe and where to find them at a good price, so that your wardrobe isn't overwhelmed by loud pieces and nothing to wear with them. Now that you've grasped the concept itself here is a list of bare necessities staples to make sure you have in your wardrobe:
bottoms
- a few good pairs of jeans
- a pair of slacks
- a pair of khakis
- a skirt
- tights
- a pair of sweatpants
tops
- a plain white tee
- a plain black tee
- a plain blouse
- long sleeve
- a sweater
- a simple cardigan a blazer
- a heavy coat
dresses
- a little black dress
- a sundress
- a comfortable dress
shoes
- an ankle boot
- a dress shoe
- a sneaker
- slides or sandal
accessories
- a beanie
- sunhat
- a scarf
- gloves or mittens
- simple jewelry
- a good pair of sunglasses
Choosing your colors
An important thing to keep in mind with neutrals is your personal color scheme. What colors do you like to wear often? What is a good background for those colors? For example do you like pinks, purples and reds to stand out? Then black and white might be the predominant colors for your staple pieces along with some good denim. Do you prefer more muted tones? Creamy and brown tones might be your main background then. If you are still figuring out the basics of what colors look best on you lets go over a very quick lesson in Color Theory, Color Analysis, "the Seasons", and color palettes.
color theory and you
To save us both some time, because I'm a visual/kinesthetic learner I'm gonna drop some links to color theory that have a wonderful explanation of how it is used in art in general. Although we are talking about fashion and color theory, a basic understanding of the color wheel, primary colors, secondary colors, tertiary colors and color harmony are and how they are used in art forms outside of fashion to apply it to your wardrobes palette or palettes.
So what does this have to do with staple pieces if staple pieces are supposed to be neutral? Applying color theory to pick your neutrals marries your staple pieces to your statement pieces and your features. Making your wardrobe harmonious is the first step to making it work for you instead of you working for it! Your neutrals are definitely a background but you want them to match rather than clash with your more eye catching pieces.
Harmonious neutrals
When building your staple wardrobe you want to be able to make cohesive outfits rather than something that just looks thrown together. Neutrals bring balance and cohesion to an outfit, so you aren't cluttered by color.
So what are neutrals? Neutrals are usually thought of as black, white, cream, brown, and navy; however those aren't the only ones! Many muted brown based tones of the colors on the color wheel are also considered neutral, like terracotta, mauve, olive and blush. Most of these make for great staples especially when you consider your personal undertones, hair color and eye color with something called color analysis.
color analysis
Do you ever notice how much certain colors enhance your natural beauty while others fully wash you out? Do you notice gold looks better than silver on your vice versa? Color analysis looks at the tones and undertones in your hair, eyes, and skin and assists you in deciding what colors look best on you using color palettes broken down by season then again by tonality. And while you more than likely aren't going to pay hundreds of dollars for a professional analysis, more than likely you can try testing the colors out in natural light and take a picture and decide for yourself.
So how does color analysis help you choose your neutrals? Being aware and mindful of the tones that are already on your body helps you determine what will look best as a base for your outfits.
For a great article on the basics of seasons click here
for one on determining your season click here
for an article that shows the best neutrals for each season click here
shapes and sizes
Another thing to keep in mind when it comes to staple pieces is how you want the clothing to sit on your body. Do you prefer your clothes to be fitted or oversized or to flare in certain places? Do you like simple cuts or different shapes? Are the materials you wear usually thick or thin? Although the staple piece are more of a canvas you can still have fun with them.
Check out my Pinterest board silhouettes to get a good idea of what shapes and silhouettes clothes usually have.
different frame of mind
Although I'm a firm believer in anyone can wear anything I also believe you should dress however you're most confident dressing. That being said, here is a diagram of different body frames and features and what kibble styles may compliment them most. Kibbe body types take into account masculine v. feminine features based on bone structure and facial and bodily flesh.
For more information about Kibbe body types check out this article.
The main frame to consider is the framing of your clothes. There are many different cuts and styles of every type of garment. Which ones are your favorite?
aesthetics
Lastly, yet most important is your style. What do you like in general? This is your wardrobe, you should have clothes that you actually want to wear not just clothes that mesh with your other clothes. think of what you will actually wear out of the house. What's your vibe and how does that translate in the sense of fashion? It couldn't hurt to hop on Pinterest and create a board of looks you'd like to replicate o garments you'd like to make your staple pieces.
acquire your canvas
bulk buying
I find it easier to order staple pieces in multipacks, especially after a major closet clean out or when I'm doing a full "rebrand". I do suggest testing the style and fit before ordering however, even if that means just trying on similar silhouettes at other stores in person and knowing your own measurements. When you're ordering in bulk you want to make sure it's actually going to be worn and make you feel confident. Here are the best options I found in 3 different price ranges where you can order your staple pieces in bulk
Real Essentials
denim
Everyone, even those of us who occasionally hate them knows you need at least one good pair of jeans. next to a plain white tee a good pair of jeans can be one of the most versatile pieces of an outfit. So what's the trick to finding the right pair at a good quality? As someone who is eerily familiar with thigh rippage I want the Ford F150 of denim to be used on my jeans. The lower the quality the shorter their lifespan. Along side material strength I'm looking for a good fit. I want certain parts to be hugged without putting my stomach under a spotlight having to jump multiple times to put them on. So where do I find these wonder jeans? here are some styles I'm currently loving from brands I trust.
Personally, I like to save my high spending for my statement pieces but if getting thick has taught me anything its that investing in a good pair of jeans is worth it.
accessories
The right accessories can effortlessly complete any outfit. A minimalist necklace with a delicate charm or a sleek watch can add the perfect finishing touch. Incorporating simple yet elegant jewelry into your wardrobe is a timeless way to elevate your style.
putting the pieces together
When you finally have your staple pieces together what will you do? Let me know which staples you have decided to add to your wardrobe!
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