Wardrobe Basics Checklist (Foundations for your dream wardrobe!)

This wardrobe basics checklist has been created to help get you started on creating the wardrobe of your dreams. These items are classic, timeless pieces that can easily be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe.

But this is not just any ordinary checklist, this is actually going to be really helpful. I’m not just going to tell you to buy a white t-shirt and we’re done. No. I’m going to give you questions to ask yourself to figure out exactly what t-shirt would best suit you, as well as sharing what I use myself that has helped me create my own dream wardrobe.

Foundations of a Stylish Wardrobe

Why are wardrobe basics so important? And why start here?

If you don’t curate a solid collection of wardrobe basics, you will likely run into a lot of trouble when styling everyday looks. If your wardrobe consists more of trendy, statement items, it can feel overwhelming when putting an outfit together. It may even lead to that dreaded statement “I have nothing to wear!”

Trust me, I get it. I’ve been in this exact situation and I want to help you out of it. Creating a foundation of great wardrobe basics is your answer. That way, when you are really struggling, there truly always will be something to wear.

Beautiful basics can be styled in so many different ways, with a little bit of creativity and some great accessories, basics are honestly all you really need.

Once you have those basics sorted, and a colour palette that suits you, you can then start to curate your more trendy or statement pieces. So, are you ready to unlock you true style potential? Let’s get started.

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The Wardrobe Basics Checklist

I’m going to split this up into categories, tops, bottoms, outerwear, shoes, bags etc. I’ll be using the colour ‘neutral’ a lot, this gives you the opportunity to choose what colour best suits you and your skintone. I personally think black and white are the easiest neutrals to work with, but you may want to explore browns, beiges, or greys as well.

Neutrals are the easiest way to build your wardrobe foundation, however that doesn’t mean you can’t add in colour later.

At the end of this post, I will share a graphic of my own personal wardrobe basics checklist, however as we go through these items together, you will start creating your own personalised checklist. (Because we’re all different right?!) So grab a pen and paper so you can make notes. Let’s go!

Tops

Short-Sleeve & Long Sleeve T-shirt (fitted &/or loose)

When choosing your basic t-shirts, you want to think about colour, fit and fabric. I included short sleeve and long-sleeve t-shirts, to accomodate different seasons of the year.

I personally love to wear a fitted long sleeve t-shirt in winter under my jumpers. I prefer fitted so it’s easy to layer, and it feels tight/cosy against my skin to keep me warm. I have one in black and one in white and I choose what colour to wear depending on my sweater colour. (If I’m wearing a white sweater, it helps to have a white long-sleeve t-shirt underneath).

I prefer a high-ish neckline with a round neck. What neckline do you prefer? Write this down.

In summer, I like to have the option of a fitted and a loose short-sleeve t-shirt. I can then choose what I prefer to wear on the day. I don’t mind what neckline I have in summer. I have a few t-shirts with varying necklines and fits.

Vest Top

Nowadays, a basic ribbed vest top comes in very handy, and can be the perfect starting point for an outfit. I prefer a vest top that is ribbed, therefore it brings in some texture and intrigue into the outfit. Once again, you need to decide on what neckline and fabric you prefer? Do you like the ribbed affect, or would you prefer a smooth fabric? Write this down.

I have black and white vest tops with varying necklines. They are all fitted, because that’s what I prefer. Some have high necklines and some lower necklines.

Button Up Shirts

It took me a while to love shirts, but I’ve recently worked out what details I love in a shirt, and now I am a big shirt wearer!

For me personally, I don’t like my shirts too fitted and I don’t like the fabric to be too thick. I have a short sleeve white shirt for summer, and a long sleeve white and blue shirt that I also enjoy wearing as an over-shirt. It’s the perfect light layer in spring or summer.

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Bottoms

Denim Jeans

I know jeans are not for everyone, so if this isn’t for you simply skip to the next section.

Jeans are a big topic. And I don’t want to overcomplicate things here, but I do want to give a few helpful tips. The questions you want to ask yourself in terms of jeans are, what waistline do I prefer? (high, medium, low) What colour do I prefer? (dark blue, medium blue, light blue, black or white) What fit do I prefer? (straight leg, skinny leg, wide leg, loose fit etc).

My most worn jeans are:
– white high-waist straight leg jeans
– medium wash blue high-waist straight leg jeans
– black high-waist relaxed loose jeans

Having 3 different colours gives me a good variety when putting together outfits, and the shape and fit is consistent to my personal preferences right now. So ask yourself, without being swayed by trends, what do you prefer?

Trousers

Having a comfortable pair of trousers is a must, especially if you’re not into wearing jeans. I personally love a high-waisted pleated trouser, in a light and dark wash. I think that’s all that is needed for my wardrobe basics.

However, once again you need to ask yourself what fit you prefer. Do you like high, medium or low waist? Would you like them loose at the thighs or more fitted? Write this down.

Shorts

I went for years thinking I needed every colour of every denim short, only to realise that I really didn’t wear denim shorts that often! So now I only have one pair, and that’s what works for me. So get honest with yourself while you’re creating your own personalised list, what do you actually like to wear?

I now have a pair of white, beige and black tailored shorts, plus my one pair of denim shorts. That’s all and it’s the perfect variety for me.

Skirts

Do you like wearing skirts? If so, what length and fit (mini, midi, maxi? fitted, or A-line?) I personally don’t love wearing mini-skirts, so I know that I don’t need to have these on my own wardrobe basics checklist.

I love a comfortable fitted maxi skirt. I have this one in black from Indigo Luna, which can also be worn as a dress.

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Dresses

Throw-On-Dress

Dresses can vary so much from person to person. So I like to suggest finding your perfect throw on dress. This is a dress that is comfortable, and easy to “throw on” if you’re in a rush. If you like wearing dresses, I would suggest finding your own summer and winter throw-on-dress.

I love my black slip dress, as it’s a basic piece that can be dressed up or down for winter and summer. Another great throw on dress is a wrap dress. I really love this one from Daughters of India below.

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Jumpers/Sweaters

This category is of course dependant on your climate. For me, where I live in Sydney, Australia, I don’t need heavy wool jumpers anymore, I can get by with cotton and I prefer how that feels against my skin. I still hold onto a few thin wool jumpers. But when putting together your own list, you will need to think about your climate and preferences.

Thin Jumper/Sweater (wool &/or cotton)

Having thin sweaters that can act as layering pieces is essential in the cooler months. A crew neck cashmere sweater can be a great basic piece for layering. I personally avoid polyesters for environmental reasons, but also because it doesn’t let my skin breathe.

Thick Jumper/Sweater (wool &/or cotton)

I think a thicker knit sweater is a great basic piece, can be worn alone in autumn winter, or have a coat put on-top. A chunky knit gives a great texture which helps give your outfit interest. If you are looking for ethically made knits, look no further than The Knotty Ones. I have this sweater in blue and it’s beautifully made. (below)

Cardigan (short &/or long)

Having a cardigan definitely depends on personal style. The reason I love cardigans is because they are versatile, just like shirts, they can be worn done up or undone, giving you more opportunity to wear them.

I love my cropped beige knitted cardigan, and my black vintage cashmere cardigan. Both have been used tirelessly in my wardrobe for years.

Turtle Neck/Mock Neck Sweater

This is another item that is dependent on personal style. I love a turtle neck and I personally use a very old black ribbed turtleneck, similar to this one. It’s not too thick and it’s a breathable material. If you don’t like turtle necks, mock neck is also another option. A mock neck sweater is high like a turtle neck, but it doesn’t fold over.

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Outerwear

Waterproof Jacket/Coat

Depending on your lifestyle and climate, something you can wear in the rain is a handy piece to have. I like my short trench coat style jacket with a hood, which I got second-hand. I also love my long trench coat, however it’s not technically water proof. I am saving up for a waterproof trench coat, so I would suggest also eventually finding one that is waterproof if you tend to wear trench coats often.

Short Jacket

This can come in many different shapes and materials depending on your personal style. Some suggestions might be a denim jacket, a bomber jacket, a leather jacket, and/or a shearling jacket.

For my personal style, I love denim jackets for summer and shearling jackets for winter.

Blazer

This is another item that is dependant on your personal style. If your lifestyle and style suits a blazer, getting one in a black, cotton/wool one for winter and/or a light coloured, cotton/linen one for spring could be a good starting point.

It depends what style and cut you like, I prefer one that isn’t super fitted, but is also not too oversized. I prefer a mid-length blazer as opposed to a cropped blazer. What do you prefer? Write it down.

Long Coat

It’s not often I pull out my long winter coats anymore, living in Sydney! But as I used to live in London, I am still holding onto a few beautiful pieces.

I would personally stick to a neutral colour for your long coat, to ensure it matches over most outfits. A long black coat is always timeless and investing in a piece like this with a classic fit should stand the test of time in your wardrobe. I also love a camel coat or a beige coat for a lighter option.

I personally like to leave a little bit of room under my coats, so that I have room to layer items underneath, so I make sure they’t not too fitted.

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Shoes

Shoes will vary for everyone, but I will share my favourites and what I believe to be timeless pieces.

Sandals/Flats

A black or brown comfortable sandal for summer is essential. I personally have a beige slip on sandal that goes with dark or light outfits. I then have a chunky black sandal and a flip flop style black sandal, both of these styles are currently on trend, so they may not necessarily be the most timeless options, but they work for me and my personal style.

Ballet flats are classic, so if you like them and they fit with your style they are a great option. I recently added a strap to my ballet flats, to upgrade them and turn them into Mary-Janes. (see video below!)

Boots

I personally am passed the days of wearing high heeled boots, but I do like a very low heel. I prefer a rounded/square toe as opposed to a pointed toe. I think a rounded toe is probably the most timeless look and will always be in style. Black and brown are the easiest colour options and will match with more outfits.

Dress Shoe

Now that I’m out of my partying days and into my motherhood era, I have two dressy shoes. One black strappy sandal with a low thick block heel. I find this handy to smarten up an outfit, but not dress up too much. And then I have a pair of nude strappy heels for weddings.

Trainers/Sneakers

You can’t really go wrong with a comfortable white sneaker. I love my Veja ones in the tennis shoe style and my Veja ones in a more chunky style.

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Bags

Tote Bag

I personally have a black and beige tote bag, and find that I use both of these depending on what outfit I am wearing. I find a tote bag really handy as a mum. But maybe you don’t need one. Would your lifestyle suit a tote bag? Or could you do with something smaller?

Small, crossbody/side bag

A crossbody/side bag is almost a must in most wardrobes. They’re just so handy! I have one that I use for dressy occasions like weddings, and another I use for more casual situations, like popping to the shops and everyday life activities.

Once again, if it suits your style, having both a black and beige/brown option can be useful to know that you have a bag that will likely match all outfits.

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My Own Wardrobe Basics Checklist (image below)

Below I’m sharing an image of my own wardrobe basics checklist that works for me and my current lifestyle. You can use this to create your own.

Remember, that you don’t need everything on this list. And you also don’t need anything more than basics to have a wardrobe that you love.

My biggest tip for creating a wardrobe that you love is to take your time. Slow fashion and conscious consumption are great concept to start practicing, not just for ethical reasons but also for helping us create intentional style that isn’t mismatched and confused.

So if you want more tips in this area, please be sure to continue to follow my blog, where I share as much helpful information as possible.

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