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The Starting Style from Scratch series is for women in midlife who are ready to make a major change in their closet. Change in body, change in life, change in mindset, change in spending habits... whatever it is, we're here to build a strong foundation for the woman you are right now. Today we're talking closet basics for us grown-ass women.
Who is this list of closet basics for?
This list of closet basics for a grown woman was created for a woman in midlife who is midsized, average height and ability. AKA, she doesn't struggle to find a pair of jeans at the Gap that fits (liking how they look on is another story). As someone who per the CDC has a pretty average American body but still struggles to find clothing that fits, I wanted to give this heads' up.
Those who don't live in such a body may find other basics a better choice and that choice can prove quite personal. However, the basics I share below are ones I either own or have owned at some point before finding through trial and error they aren't necessary for my unique style and lifestyle. Meaning, it can work for my 5'6" size 10 friend and they can work for my 5'3" size 14/16 self so there is some range.
There's a good chance in your closet is a big mix of what you know doesn't work but you for some reason or another haven't yet tossed, and things that you can rely on, even if you don't like them. Newsletter subscribers received my tips this past fall on how to edit a closet; I am not going into what to keep or toss in this article. In fact, I don't think you should perform such a closet edit for a while. Nudity is still illegal in most places.
January is a crappy time to shop when you don't know what you're looking for. Everything is either on clearance or out of stock as retailers prepare for annual inventory and a new season. The list of closet staples below likely can't be found right now, but having this list now helps you slowly go through what you own, determine what may actually fit in the list, so you don't shop willy-nilly.
Starting Style from Scratch: Closet Basics for Women in Midlife
Sorry folks, no list of links to immediately go and buy the exact things in this collage. Yes, some of them are available, and I will link them below, but the point of this collection is for you to start THINKING about your closet, not just hitting "click buy."
Closet Basics for Women in Midlife
These items I think in 2025 would make a good list of Starting Style from Scratch closet basics list for women in midlife. As a grown-ass woman, I know you own enough things right now to leave the house when necessary, though you may not find them the best choice. So the list is here for you to update, elevate, and assess.
1. Dark Wash Straight Leg Jeans
We've seen faded, acid washed, ringspun, and stonewashed. Bootcut, baby bootcut, flare, wide leg, skinny, jegging, sailor, stovepipe, and more. Over 20 years of Wardrobe Oxygen the jean that is most likely to go with a range of trends and be kept and pulled back out when the trend fades and returns is a pair of dark wash straight leg jeans.
- If you are starting from scratch, get a pair of dark wash denim, the kind with the hints of contrast stitching and rivets so it looks like a dark wash not just dark navy.
- Right now a lot of rises are in, so find the one that feels the most comfortable on you. A mid- to high-rise likely will be that, as it goes over the stomach and doesn't expose when you sit or bend over.
- No creative hems, no patch pockets on front or embellished pockets on the back, no tears or distressing or "whiskering" of the dark wash
A straight leg jean goes with sneakers, with dressy ankle boots, with hiking boots, with a glam sparkly heeled statement shoe, with a ballet flat, a pair of loafers, a pair of Birkenstock sandals. Love your wide legs, your barrel legs, your flares, and skinnies, but consider a pair of straight legs for classic versatile style.
2. Black Ponte Trousers
Ponte di Roma, better known as Ponte, is a very tightly woven refined knit that looks dressy enough for the boardroom or the cocktail party but feels like a pair of yoga pants. Ponte knit can be found everywhere from Walmart to Neiman Marcus. Some are thinner, some have a weird sheen, but I have not found price to equal better quality ponte knit.
I chose ponte knit for the black pants because we're grown ass women who deserve comfort, and ponte is comfortable. Ponte is also machine washable (though I do gentle cycle and line dry). Ponte is versatile. And ponte has been in style and available at a range of retailers for all 20 years I've been writing Wardrobe Oxygen so it's not going out of fashion any time soon and can be found via resale, thrifting, and the fabric can be sourced for at-home sewists.
When it comes to the style of these black ponte pants, you have some options, and your choice depends on your lifestyle and personal style.
- I like a wide-leg option with a proper waistband so I can wear tucked and untucked looks and I find the wider leg looks good with flatter and more solid of shoes.
- A straight leg style is classic; just be sure they look like pants and not ponte jeans and try not to have rivets and five-pocket design. Ensure they are loose enough that they will fit comfortably over a pair of ankle boots and it doesn't show the shape of your legs.
- If you like the way a baby or full bootcut pant looks on you, a ponte pant in this cut can work, but know it may go out of fashion in a couple of years. At that time you can decide if you have no f*cks left to give and still rock them with style, or have them tailored to a straighter leg opening.
These are full-length pants. They can be pull-on or have a proper waistband, but steer clear of split hems, kick flares, track stripes, shiny visible hardware, or any embellishment. Wash these on gentle, line dry, consider Woolite Blacks or another detergent to keep the black rich and saturated.
When you fold or hang them, grab the hems and match up seams, so when folded there will be a slight crease along the front of the leg. This will make them look more refined in dressier situations.
This is not a suiting jacket, this is what men call a sportcoat. It's a separate individual blazer made from an atypical suiting fabric. It is not meant to match any pants, it is a standalone piece. It may be wool, or twill, or tweed, or a heavyweight sweater knit; it even may be ponte. Its point is to elevate tops and add polish and architecture to an outfit.
I chose navy or black because these colors are classic and won't fall out of fashion anytime soon. They are also colors that transcend seasons, and go with a heckuva lot of other colors. And yes, you can wear a navy blazer with black pants, as long as the two are of different fabrics and the navy is blue enough to show contrast.
Right now I recommend a slightly oversized/boyfriend style of blazer or else a very classic "Captain" blazer that is double-breasted, usually with gold buttons. You'll get that Americana Chic vibe that is classic yet on trend, and it means a better chance of finding a good option used.
I prefer a lined proper blazer for a closet staple, but I know we're not all comfortable with such structure. If you desire a bit more flexibility, check out sweater blazers (Quince and J. Crew Factory usually have one) or a ponte blazer (Universal Standard is a great place for them).
But for those who don't like blazers because they don't seem to fit all of you, I'm going to give you a hard truth: style requires tailoring, and you're going to want to tailor your blazer. And that tailoring may cost as much or more than the blazer itself. But if you do this right, you'll have that blazer be your go-to blazer for the next decade+. Get the blazer to fit your bust and a tailor can fix the rest.
4. Cotton Shirtdress
A cotton shirtdress can be worn in Chicago in March and Savannah in August. It can be spot cleaned with a bar of Ivory soap in a hotel bathroom, hung up, and be ready to wear the next day. It can be dried on a line and steamed or ironed back to a crisp finish. It can be thrown on with flip flops to run to the grocery store, paired with sneakers and a sunhat for sightseeing, or dressed up with heels and a clutch for a daytime wedding. And it is such a classic you can have it in your closet for decades.
First of all, you want cotton, or at least a cotton blend. Linen is too casual, so is jersey, and synthetics will feel like Saran Wrap on a hot and humid day. This is not easy to find, but I'll have a post soon about where to find this and other items on the list.
Next, you want this dress to have a removable self-belt. A self-belt is the sash that comes with dresses that is in the same fabric. It is usually held on with thread loops; those loops can be snipped off so you can adjust where the belt lies, switch out the belt, or go without a belt.
The dress should have at least bracelet-length sleeves so you can roll them up in the heat and leave them down when it's cooler out. It should be knee to calf length so you have freedom of movement and coverage. And it should be in a color or print that brings joy. Unless it's your signature color, this is not a piece where you buy it in black. In fact, you'll a print or bright color will be less likely to show fading and wear with years of washing.
For reference, the dress in the collage is this one from Boden that is sadly out of stock in every size except 14. I own a past year version of this dress.
5. An NSLBD (not so little black dress)
So many capsule wardrobes recommend an LBD, AKA the Little Black Dress. But us grown women know there are more occasions in life where a not-so little black dress is a better choice. Work. Date. Wedding. Cocktail party. Funeral. Awards ceremony. Anniversary party. Bar Mitzvah. Celebratory dinner. Life happens, and it's a lot easier when you have the right thing to wear already in your closet.
This is a really basic-ass dress. You don't want a lot of embellishment because you want it to work for all the situations listed above. Sleeveless to bracelet-length sleeves, a length somewhere around your knee to shin, a neckline appropriate for day as well as night, and a super versatile fabric.
Above I share six common fabrics you will find for dresses that would work in this situation. Note there is no jersey knit, no cotton twill or poplin, no chiffon overlay, no stretchy shiny polyester, no wool, no denim. You want a fabric that can read day or night and work at least three seasons of the year. I show the fabrics in color so the texture is more visible, but this dress should be black, or at least a dark navy or plum to keep its versatility.
6. Bracelet Sleeve Breton Striped Top
It wouldn't be advice from Wardrobe Oxygen if it didn't include stripes! But stripes are so awesome! Screw those archaic style rules that said you can't wear them because they will make your shoulder, bust, or whatever look larger. A striped top is more interesting than a plain one, stripes play nice with other patterns, it looks more elevated than other patterns, and it is a pattern worn by all genders, all aesthetics, all income levels.
Bracelet sleeve means it isn't a full-length sleeve, but a couple of inches above it (enough to show off a bracelet). I suggest this length because it's multi-season and it adds an elegant style element.
As for color, I recommend going super classic: white ground with slim black or navy stripes. I prefer the all-over stripe to the style where the stripes start just above the bust and biceps as it then can peek out of the neckline of a jacket or sweater and doesn't create optical illusions with your body.
Not too tight, but not loose and sloppy. Have it hit mid-hip so you can wear it both untucked and tucked in (yes, in 2025 we're going to play with tucking in our tops).
For reference, the Breton top in the collage is the Galathee II from Saint James; I personally own this top.
7. A Pretty Color Sweater
You need one really nice refined sweater in your closet in a color you really like. This sweater should be a tight weave (you don't need a layering piece for modesty) and not too chunky. This isn't the time for fisherman sweaters and shaker knits.
As for the design, keep it very classic and free of any other colors or embellishments. A traditional crewneck or v-neck is a good option. This is a sweater you can wear with jeans and boots, with dressy trousers, with a sequined skirt, under a blazer, with a turtleneck or collared shirt underneath it.
Longevity will come from natural fabrics, but I know that in this day and age it can be tough to find natural fabrics, color, size, and design all in one garment. Check resale sites where you can find old seasons and higher-end brands for reasonable prices. Heck, this may already be in your closet.
Baby it, use a sweater shaver to keep it pill-free, fold it, don't hang it, and especially if it's a color that brings you joy, expect to enjoy it for many years to come.
8. Black Refined Top
You're going out with the girls for a night on the town. You're meeting your client/realtor/boss for coffee or drinks. The neighbors invited you over for a get-together. You want to look nice, but not too nice. You need a black refined top.
This is something that is nicer than a t-shirt but isn't a silk blouse or sequined shell. It can be worn with the ponte pants, or the jeans, or a pair of other pants already in your closet. It could possibly go under a suit jacket, but really it's meant to be there to grab when you're needing that in-between experience.
This could be a ruffled rayon peasant top, a padded-shoulder cashmere shell, a faux leather-front t-shirt, a chiffon short-sleeve blouse, an architectural wonder with cut-outs. Point is, it's not a t-shirt, it's not a sweater, it's not work clothes, it's not formalwear, and it's in your closet ready for that moment when none of the above is appropriate.
9. Hot Weather Bottom
Get your mind out of the gutter! I'm not talking about a cutie on the beach, I'm talking about a replacement for those jeans and ponte pants when the temps soar. Because grown-ass women don't swelter in denim on a beautiful summer day.
However, this item is about comfort and joy. You need this item to experience joy in warm weather, but you need the comfort of it being on your terms. And if that means no shorts, or no linen, or no skirts, or no whatever, that is okay. In fact that is good, you know what you don't like which helps narrow down what to get.
For me, this is a pair of Talbots linen Nantucket shorts, a pull-on style that is long enough to prevent chafing and peek out from untucked tops, but short enough that I feel cute and modern. For another, it may be a pair of chino Bermudas, or linen drawstring trousers, or denim cutoffs. Point is, you need at least one hot weather bottom so you can get out and experience life with a bit of comfort and joy.
Go with a neutral. Chambray or denim, white or cream, tan or khaki, olive, navy... these kind of colors will go with a range of different colored tops and shoes. They also let whatever you're wearing on top, your hair, your face, and your personality take the spotlight.
No one sees the details you see when you look in the mirror. If someone is examining your knees or veins or spots or scars, they're the *sshole and they're the minority. What folks do see is a sad woman sitting in the shade, sweating through her pants, not comfortable enough to participate. Don't be that woman. Life is short, get yourself some hot weather bottoms.
For reference, the hot weather bottom in the collage are the Lakewashed Dock Shorts from L.L.Bean, which I personally own.
10. Warm Weather Bottom
Those dark jeans, black pants, and linen shorts aren't going to get you through spring and fall. Sure they may be worn, but you need something to lighten and brighten that Breton top, refined black top, and prettily colored sweater. It's the warm weather bottom.
This is a pair of lighter-weight jeans in a faded wash or in cream or ivory. It's a pair of chinos or cropped wide-leg twills or ankle pants in a soft neutral. Like everything else, these should be free of any sort of embellishment or pattern. No frayed or cut hem, no distressing, no embroidery.
However, you can have a bit more variety with the silhouette. Show your ankle bone, have a little swish of fuller legs, as long as it's not so much of a statement it's not as easy to style as your jeans. These pants should be able to be worn with shoes already in your closet (or this capsule collection).
11. Interesting Summer Top
I know, this is super vague but it's sort of the summer equivalent of the black refined top. This is something that is nicer than a t-shirt without being full-on dressy. A linen blouse with ruffles or pintucks. A gauzy peasant top with colorful embroidery. A cap-sleeve button-front poplin shirt decorated with sailboats or schnauzers or sunflowers. Something you can pair with your hot or warm weather bottoms.
A new friend invited you out to lunch. After a day at the beach, you're heading to a new restaurant on the boardwalk that gets rave reviews. Your niece is having a backyard baby shower. Your friend is getting remarried and you're all taking her to a winery to celebrate. It's nice to have that summer version of the refined black top at the ready to look polished but ready for some fun in the sun.
12. White Linen Big Shirt
You don't realize how awesome a white linen big shirt is until you own one. And once you own one, there's a good chance you're going to want a second one in another color.
- It's your swim coverup
- Wear it untucked with beat up jeans and Birks and a straw hat and your favorite jewelry
- Button a few and iie it at the waist and wear with your dark jeans, or your warm weather bottoms
- Wear it open over a white tank with your hot weather bottoms
- Don't button any, and tie at the smallest part of your torso to have sleeves over a summer dress
- Pair with leggings and wrap that big scarf you bought on vacation years ago around your neck and pile your hair up on top of your head and throw on some sunglasses and trendy sneakers and look purposefully artsy disheveled
You can spot clean it, you can shove it in a bag, you can get it wet, you can get sunscreen on it, you can tie it around your waist... just keep it white. Hang it outside and let the sun bleach it, wash it with whites, occasionally use oxygen bleach, and watch it just get softer and better with time.
13. Black Chico's Microfiber Tank
There is nothing on this list that needs to be bought from a specific retailer... but this tank from Chico's is the G.O.A.T. and if you don't get it, you should get something awfully similar.
When many hear microfiber they think of a rubbery fabric that is great for cleaning. I promise you, this tank top is not at all like that. This is a tightly woven synthetic knit that has a subtle sheen to it. It covers a standard bra, it is quite fitted so some may wish to size up.
But it's a refined tank you could wear to work under a suit, you could pair with ripstop shorts and wear kayaking, you can style with a boho peasant skirt and hoop earrings, you can use for opacity under a loose weave sweater or chiffon blouse, you can pair with white jeans and sandals for a nice summer evening event. It is by far the most versatile item in my closet and the black one I own is several years old and still going strong.
Chico's isn't size-inclusive, and some may wish to patronize other retailers or have a natural fabric option. I have yet to find an equivalent elsewhere, but look for something that is stretchy, opaque, not too low cut, and has a bit of a sheen. It may not work for kayaking, but you may get one to work for other situations.
14. Black Leather Ankle Boots
Black, because it will go with everything else here and it's easy to find and doesn't go out of fashion. Leather because it can be polished and maintained for a lifetime and usually means the shoe is quality enough to be reheeled and resoled each year. And ankle boot and not bootie because this is NOT a bootie.
This is a boot that hits above your ankle bone. It may pull on, it may have a zipper, but it is a boot that will go up under your jeans and pants. It is not a shootie, it is not a Chelsea, it does not have laces or buckles or glaze or contrast stitching and it is all of the same leather. The sole is also black.
The heel height is up to you. It can be flat or it can be stiletto, but it should be a height that you can wear and walk in for an entire day. This is not a boot you wear to shovel snow, this is a boot you polish on the regular and care for so it looks nice with jeans and a t-shirt but also elegant trousers and a blouse and even a dress and tights.
Don't worry about trends for this one, worry about quality, comfort, and being free of adornments. If you need a wide toebox, or a comfort sole, or whatever, get it, but take your time so you can find quality and a classic enough style that it won't detract from your look.
15. Low-Contrast Trendy Sneaker
There are sneakers for athletics, there are sneakers for sightseeing and jobs where you're on your feet all day, there are sneakers for gardening and dirty chores. And then there are trendy sneakers. These are sneakers without any special features or treatments, they're just cute casual shoes for when black leather ankle boots aren't right nor are your running shoes.
Low-contrast means the color isn't a major contrast from your skintone. While that doesn't mean your shoes need to be a shade of beige or brown, it shouldn't be a color that creates a harsh line from ankle to laces. This means blush pink, soft olive, gray, metallics, white, terracotta, cream, khaki, chocolate, plum, etc. The key is that when you are wearing these with bare legs or ankles they don't cut you off at the shoe and let your outfit sing.
A lot of tennis shoes are designed with removable insoles. Go on ahead and switch them out for a more supportive pair. If you need it, get the comfort sneakers that keep your feet happy, but stick to this low-contrast concept. In a future post I will share some of my favorite styles of trendy sneakers that work for my fussy feet. But in the meantime, see if you have a pair already in your closet.
For reference, the trendy sneakers in the collage are the Veja Campo.
16. Low-Contrast Dress Shoes
Now that you know what low-contrast means, let's find a pair of dressy shoes that do the same thing. And when it comes to what is a dressy shoe... that depends on you and your life.
20 years ago when I created my staples for every woman's wardrobe, I was the age where it seemed all my friends were getting married and all my cousins were turning 13, 16, or graduating from some level of education. At least once a month I had a need for formal shoes and a cocktail dress. At this age, dressy situations aren't as common and it is far more acceptable to wear shoes that are comfortable.
I love a metallic shoe because the finish feels dressy and festive and it will go with any color of outfit and any season of the year. In this capsule, I used a silver ballet flat with a very subtle heel. The heel and sole gives the shoe structure, which adds to formality but the low height still keeps it comfortable.
You can go with a strappy heeled sandal, a kitten heel slingback, a retro t-strap style, the current trend of Mary Janes (heeled or flat), or a range of other styles. Choose something you can actually wear and walk in, and I recommend choosing one that can work for multiple seasons, look nice with dressy pants as well as skirts, and survive if you have to walk a bit in grass or gravel.
For reference, the shoes in the collage are these from Stuart Weitzman.
17. Leather Sandals
Keep your Crocs and flip flops, but invest in a pair of leather sandals that you maintain and keep clean and scuff-free. These can be worn with dresses, with linen pants and a blouse, with jeans and that linen big shirt.
I am a big fan of Birkenstock and last summer my go-to leather sandal was the Arizona in ecru glossy leather with an oversized gold buckle (the same shoes in the collage above). But in past years, I have rocked gold leather gladiators, tan leather huraches, and brown leather slides.
Get something that offers enough support that you can walk more than a block or two in them. Again, a low-contrast color will get you the most mileage. And keep the flip flops and the Crocs for the beach and pool.
18. Black Leather Dress Belt
There's a good chance you don't own a nice black leather belt. It has been a while since they were an expected outfit accessory. When I started Wardrobe Oxygen, belts were either super skinny or huge and stretchy, and a la Michelle Obama, were worn over clothes, not inside belt loops.
But styles have become more classic again, and a quick way to look really pulled together is to add a real belt through those empty belt loops. Sometimes also called trouser belts, this belt is wider than a skinny belt, but not as thick as the hearty leather numbers designed for jeans and cool buckles. The leather is glossy and smooth, the hardware simple but shiny.
Black will match your ankle boots for a nice elegant effect. These days, there's no need to have all your metals match; unless you are a solely silver kind of gal I recommend a shiny gold buckle because it will read dressier than silver. A belt like this can dress up jeans and a sweater, elevate ponte pants, look crisp with your warm weather pants, and even create a new effect for your cotton shirtdress.
19. Interesting Earrings
I wrote about 2025 earring trends recently and I do think an interesting metal earring can elevate a whole look and also make you look like you know what you're doing with style. White t-shirt and jeans? Bland. Add a really interesting metal earring? Now it seems like you have style.
An interesting earring doesn't have to be big. The earrings in the collage are these ear jackets from Jenny Bird, a Canadian woman designer I have been shopping for many years. On the site model, you can see these aren't terribly large earrings but they are unique and will have folks taking a second look. They're artsy and modern and will have folks feel you know what's up and are making an effort.
Twenty years ago we rocked bubble necklaces and arm parties. Now, a single piece of unique, artistic jewelry is all that is necessary to look finished and cool. And earrings are an easy way to achieve this effect.
20. Clutch Purse
You need one purse that makes it clear you're at a dressy occasion. A clutch purse (even with an optional delicate shoulder strap) is key. Clutches aren't the tiny little boxes they used to be; now you can find ones big enough for your phone, your keys, a card holder, your meds, your reading glasses, and more.
I chose this one from Banana Republic because it looks super modern and cool and like it's from a fancy designer label but it's not super trendy. This could look cool in a decade. It may be leather, but you can carry this to a formal event. You can also carry it with a sweater and pants just to dress up a look. And though it's black, you can use it all season long.
Now, if you already have a clutch purse, you don't need another. I keep telling myself because I really like this bag for me but I just don't need it. But if you don't own a clutch purse, get one. Don't be the person at the wedding with her everyday pocketbook (or worse, one of those satin-covered cardboard numbers with the silky rope strap that was sold at the register at Payless during prom season).
21. Tote-Style Purse
We live in the time of reusable bags. And sure, you can throw that plastic woven tote from your grocery store or car dealership over your shoulder, toss in your keys, and get to shopping. But I have found ease and elegance in a tote-style purse. A pouch for my purse stuff, and plenty of space for my purchases.
I have this leather tote from Able that I used in the collage. It looks so basic and nondescript, but it has become a favorite. It looks better with each scratch and ding. It's so strong, I can put in an 8-pack of flavored seltzer and a bag of dogfood in there and not worry about anything stretching or failing. It fits my needs for the gym, and for my job, it's a favorite for carrying items I need to shoot or change into between shoots. And when it's empty, it still looks chic.
It can go under the plane seat, be thrown in the back seat, hang on the bathroom stall hook, be carried on the shoulder or the crook of the elbow or the hand. Get one with at least one pocket so essentials are in easy reach. With a tote like this you'll never be stuck buying bags at checkout.
22. Everyday Bag
This, you likely already have. But what kind of condition is it in? They say you can judge a man by his shoes; how are folks judging you by your bag? Is it bulging, stretched out, threads going loose and a pen stain on the bottom? Are all the zippers and snaps still functioning? Do you even like it?
Before you run out and buy a new bag, give your current one a spa day. Use your favorite search engine to find the best methods for cleaning the textile/s, finish, and color. Use cuticle or embroidery scissors to snip those little white threads that may pop out of straps and trim. Empty and vacuum and then ball up some tape and press along the inside to get out all crumbs. Maybe all your current bag needed was some TLC.
But each season, assess your bag situation. You don't need multiple bags, you just need to care for the one you have. If it's constantly bulging, maybe you need a bigger one. If it's hurting your shoulder, maybe you need to make some hard decisions about what you feel you need to carry on the daily or the kind of bag you carry.
Consider different color and texture pouches to organize contents. One for meds and health, one for makeup and handcare, one for writing and notes, etc. This way, you can choose which pouches you need for different scenarios, you can easily find what you're looking for, you keep the interior of your bag in good condition, and you're less likely to overstuff and overtax your shoulder.
For reference, the everyday purse in the collage is this one from Quince. I picked it because it looks stylish without trying to "dupe" any designer bag, the strap converts from shoulder to hand to crossbody, and it looks roomy enough for daily basics. I've had good luck with Quince leather bags.
23. Sunglasses
I am a klutz, I have ADHD, I am a lifelong messy person who loses things but once I turned 40, I somehow was able to keep track of and not break my sunglasses. I upgraded from my cheapy sunglasses to a pair of Ray-Ban aviators and never looked back. Even when I had to wear glasses again, I got a pair of prescription Ray-Ban aviators. Trends come and go, and I know my sunglasses still look cool and timeless.
You don't need Ray-Ban aviators but you need a good pair of glasses. They aren't bent or broken or scratched all up. They have UV protection, and personally I also like having polarization. They fit well and are comfortable, and are a style you don't even have to think about if they "go" because they go with everything.
Safe bets are metal aviators, black plastic oversized frames with dark lenses, Wayfarers, and round tortoise keyhole frames. These styles have been fashionable for decades and can be found at most any pricepoint.
24. Beige/Tan/Straw Sun Hat
Even I, a lifelong sun lover, knows I need protection from it. Luckily hats are cool again and can be worn beyond the pool and beach. Get yourself one and make it a habit and a part of your sunny weather personal style.
A beige, tan, or straw-colored hat is light enough to reflect sun and keep you cool, but a color that can handle sweat and day-to-day grime. Once it's hat season, I put a Toptote on my bag so I can clip my hat when I go indoors (though these days, no one blinks at a person in a straw hat in the aisle of Whole Foods).
For reference, the hat in the collage is the "Johvan" from American Hat Makers.
Next Step for Starting Style from Scratch
The next step is head into your closet and see what you already own. Questions to ask yourself as you peruse this checklist: Do I already have it? If so, does it need repair or care? If so does it need to be replaced, and why? If I don't own it, why have I never bought something like this? To help you, I've created a free printable you can use to check off what you have and remind you that you don't need to buy all of the things above.
And stay tuned, we'll discuss how to care for these items, how to style them, where to buy them, and much more here on Wardrobe Oxygen. For additional assistance with updating your closet and exclusive content not found on Wardrobe Oxygen, also consider subscribing to my newsletter!
