The Essential Wardrobe List for Women Who Frequently Wear Skirts

So as part of my fall cleaning project and to finally unpack and sort all of my clothes, I have decided to do a massive closet purging down to only the essentials. One problem... As a regular pioneer as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I spend about 6 days a week in skirts. No women's essential wardrobe list is designed for women who actually dress up that much so I had to use about 7 different lists on the internet to come up with the following list. This is what I will be using tomorrow to organize and sort all my clothes.



Tops

4-6 Basic Tanks or Camis for layering

These are great for raising the neckline on low-cut tops and making see-through options actually wearable. Try to stick to 100% cotton in neutral shades like black, white, grey, and navy. One or two bold colors are perfectly acceptable as well. It also never hurts to have more than one black tank since this is the most versatile option.

5-7 Cardigans

Try to keep these chic and avoid oversized granny styles. You can probably get away with fewer but I usually carry one with me every day of the year so I like to have options. Stock at least a couple neutral colors like black or grey but this is also a great way to add a splash of color to your wardrobe. Again stick to cotton so that you can just throw these in the wash.

5 Blouses or Dressy Tops

I like to look for loser fitting blouses or button-ups. Longer empire waist tops/tunics are great for hiding a belly pooch but be careful to avoid the maternity look.

1 White Button Down Blouse

Something with a  little stretch is best and make sure you don't have any pulling at the bust buttons. Avoid anything too boxy but shoot for a nice tailored look. I personally like to go for the tuxedo blouse since I think it looks especially cute when paired with cardigans.

3-5 Sweaters

These are great for layering or wearing alone in the fall and winter. Solid colors are best since they tend to stay in style much longer than patterns or stripes.

3 Long Sleeve Shirts

I personally love Old Navy's v-necks for the fall and winter months.

10 Tees (3 Graphic, 3-5 Solid, & 2-4 Patterned or Embellished)

By the time you hit your 20's, you want to start toning down the graphic tees and focus on more versatile solids and embellished shirts that can be cutely paired with pants or skirts.

1-2 Zipper Hoodies

These are great for casual winter days but stick to the zip-up kind which tend to be more tailored and eliminate the bulk of the pull-over versions.

3 Work Shirts

I like to stick to long plain graphic-free shirts that will still cover my back when I bend over. Also, watch out for loose neckline that may show too much of your chest when leaning forward.

1 Work Hoodie or Long-sleeve Button-Up Shirt

This will keep you warm for when you first get started and haven't worked up a sweat yet.

Bottoms

2-3 Pairs of Jeans (Dark wash, light wash, and dressy - avoid anything too trendy)

These need to fit the body you have now and not be too trendy so that they can last several seasons. It never hurts to stick to a dark wash that can be dressed up but one pair of light wash is ok for casual settings. Consider a more dressy pair for night's out.

1 Pair of Nice Dress Pants (Black or Grey)

These need to be a well fitting trouser that will be appropriate for a wide range of occasions. The length should be appropriate for heels but not dragging on the ground.

2-3 Pairs of Loungewear Pants

I like to have a couple pairs of super comfy stretchy or sweat pants that I wear around the house. These are usually the comfiest things I own and I will wear them almost every day. These are never ever allowed to be worn outside the home.

7 Skirts (1-3 Summer Fabrics, 1-3 Winter Fabrics, and 3-5 Seasonless Fabrics)

Your best bang for your buck is selecting seasonless fabrics that can be worn year round. The same goes for solid colors like black, brown, grey, and khaki. Try to maintain a versatile selection with at least 3 tea-length A-line skirts, a longer skirt (possibly a maxi or broomstick style) and a fitted pencil skirt or two. Of course, fun floral prints in lightweight fabrics are great with solid tees in the summer.

1-2 Pairs of Work Jeans

These are crucial if you are a member of the LDC or like to do a lot of painting, gardening, or other misc. messy housework. Make sure you find a pair that doesn't let your bum fall out when you squat or sit down.

2-3 Summer Capris (Khaki or Denim)

If you are like me and don't have the thighs for shorts than capris are what you need to be wearing in the summer.

Dresses

3-5 Dresses

These should be appropriate for service or meetings.

1-2 Formal/Cocktail Dresses

Think little black dress. This is what you will be wearing to weddings or dressier parties.

Underthings

6 Correctly Sized Bras in the following styles:

2-3 Basic Underwire or Wireless T-shirt Bras - these are the kinds with no cup seams so that they will look smooth under whatever you wear.

1-2 High Support Sports Bras depending on your usual amount of physical activity.

1 Backless or Adhesive Bra - It's nice to have this on hand so that you don't wind up like me that one Memorial where I had to rush out to Walmart to try to find something that would work. Unfortunately, most strapless bras just don't ride low enough in the back for a lot of dresses or halter tops.)

10-15 Pairs of Knickers

I like to keep a few pairs of both low and high rise depending on what I am wearing and a pair of control top for fitted bottoms. Also, it is essential to have at least a couple pairs of white or nude color panties for when you are wearing lighter colors.

2 Slips (short and medium-long with side slits) or Bike Shorts (if your thighs rub together)

1  Spanx or the equivalent

You never know when you might need that extra little help with "sucking it in".

5 Pairs Padded Crop or Ankle Socks

These will be your go-to for sneakers.

2 Pairs Peds

This is what you will be wearing with your ballet flats.

2-3 Tights (Black opaque is a must)

Having run-free tights is a big deal in the winter and can be a great way to liven up an outfit with fun patterns or texture.

1-2 Pairs of Knee Socks

These work great as boot liners paired with skirts.

2-3 Pairs Nude Pantyhose

Make sure you always have a couple pairs of run-free skin color pantyhose on hand.

Outerwear

1 Leather Jacket

This will be your go-to choice for cool nights out.

1 Trendy Jacket or Blazer

You will need something lightweight for those brisk Spring/Fall days that just aren't cold enough for a heavier option.

1 Wool Coat

Shoot for something mid-thigh to knee length. That way you can not only wear it with skirts but pants too.

1 Trench Coat

This is what you will wear on rainy days but try to find something chic and fun like a bold color or large buttons for a trendy look or a tan one for a timeless staple.

1 Casual Winter Coat

If you live in a snowy climate then this is what you will wear on ski trips and casual events.

Shoes

2-3 Ballet Flats

Shoot for black, brown, and a bold colored pair as well.

2-3 Flat Sandals

I like to always have a super comfy pair of black and brown sandals for service and a trendy pair of flip flops for everyday use.

1 Pair or Exercise Appropriate Sneakers

I personally like the trendy styles of Sketchers or Puma.

1 Pair of Casual Sneakers

I like the slip-on styles of brands like Rocketdog. Converse would fall under this category too.

1 Pair of Winter Boots (Black or Brown)

Look for something warm with a low to no heel. I love styles that feature fur edging and laces but anything service appropriate will do.

1 Pair of Dressy Boots

This is where you can look for something heeled and fun.

1 Pair of Black Pumps

Whatever style you like best as long as it's not too trendy and can be worn with a variety of outfits. You should be able to wear these for more than 5 hours. In fact, that should be a rule for all your shoes.

1 Pair of Metallic High-Heeled Dress Shoes

These are what you will wear to formal events.

2-4 Pairs Other Heels

These can be closed toe or sandals and in whatever colors best suit your overall wardrobe.

Misc. Items

1 Large Purse for everyday use

1 Clutch for special occasions

3 Pajama Sets (Spring/Fall, Summer, Winter)

While the average American woman owns 7 pairs you really only need 3. Choose sets according to seasonal temperatures. For instance: Summer = tank & shorts; Spring/Fall = 3/4 sleeve t-shirt & capri sweats; and Winter = long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt & pajama pants.

1 Pashmina Scarf

This is not only perfect for wearing tucked under the collar of a coat on a cold day but it is also great for covering your legs when cold at a meeting.

1 Pair of Knit or Leather Gloves

1 Pair of Sunglasses

Shop around to find the frame that best suits your face.

1-2 Swimsuits

Choose your style depending on the amount of time you actually anticipate spending in the water.