Sarah Seymour Style: 10 Things I Love About Your Wardrobe

Trends come and go, but there are some items that never go out of style. These “classics” earn their place in a wardrobe by being reliable, effortless, and forever-chic.

The Fitted Blazer – this item is great on many levels. It can instantly dress up trousers, a dress, or skirt ensemble to make it more “business” appropriate in a pinch. It also looks great on weekends with a pair of jeans and a tank or tee. Be sure to invest in a good one and find a tailor if necessary, because this item will be useful through many seasons.

The Perfect Dress – some lists might tell you that an LBD “Little Black Dress” is a key component to a wardrobe. But I disagree. They can be great for some, but not for others. Dresses are ideal for dates, parties, events, but they don’t need to be black. What’s important is the fit and style that ultimately flatters most. Black isn’t always the most slimming. Sometimes a bold pattern or color makes someone look far better. I'm also loving the LWD "Little White Dress" trend happening right now. It’s all about your personality. Find a dress that fits you on all levels and you’ll be wearing it to more than just the occasional wedding reception.

Kate Spade Amy Dress

The Best Jeans – some magazines try to tell us what’s “in” with denim each season. But what’s really “in” is finding a pair that flatters your body and is timeless. Jeans are hard to shop for as it is, there’s no reason to go out every season to match the latest trends. Besides, those come and go so quickly that they’re usually out by the time they hit Milwaukee. Stick to what flatters you. Not everyone was built for skinny jeans or jeggings – a cross between denim and leggings. I know I wasn’t. A long-torsoed woman can rock a pair of high-waisted ones, but for their petite counterparts, perhaps a straight fit would be better. When in doubt, try the universally-flattering boot cut in a dark, clean wash. Make sure they’re tight (but that you can still zip them up) in the fitting room, because any jean with spandex in them will stretch.

The Nude Pump – you can argue that Uggs and flip flops go with everything – but they don’t. I love a nude colored heel because it matches everything (just be sure it goes with your skin tone). If you have a wide variety of color in your wardrobe – or are on a shoe budget – these can take you far. Bonus – they make your legs look miles longer than they actually are! Whether you prefer a kitten heel or stiletto, you will get plenty of use out of these.

AK Anne Klein Pump

The Winter Coat – if you’re living in subzero temperatures like we do in Wisconsin, a winter coat is a must. Unfortunately, we spend half the year covering up our cute outfits with them. That’s why it’s important to have a coat you love to look at just as much as it keeps you warm. It’s the first thing people notice about you when you’re walking outside – or back inside. Coats are pricey and best if they can take you through many seasons and storms. I love my bright blue one from J. Crew (found it brand new on Ebay at a fraction of the original price). It’s a classic, timeless fit but with an unexpected color. I can’t go a day without getting complimented on it.

J.Crew Carlin Coat

A Cozy Cardigan – this is one item to not live without. It can be used anywhere from an air conditioned office to a chilly fall evening when a coat is just too much. There are so many options to choose from. Black cashmere. Bright cotton. A dressy one with fancy buttons and pretty trim. Whatever look you’re going for, there’s a cardigan out there for it. Use a basic one on the weekends, or a fancy one to take a tee to a whole new level.

J.Crew Jackie Cardigan

A Great Handbag (or a few) – last week my Mom and I were at the Coach Outlet store, where I saw numerous women holding many purses in their arms. They might have thought they were getting a great deal and had to stock up, but the jokes on them. A great handbag doesn’t need to be followed up. Just add a few other styles to the mix and you have yourself a full purse wardrobe. No need for an entire closet full. I love a nice sized handbag for daytime. Something roomy enough to hold your necessities (wallet, hairbrush, lip gloss, cell phone, etc.), but not so large that it will send you to the chiropractor. In the evenings, clutches are ideal. You don’t need to truck all your stuff along with you. Maybe just your lipstick, phone, ID, and some cash. On the weekends, totes are great to have for the unexpected trip to the store, a gym carry along, or to hold a snack or two.

Kate Spade Sugar Hill Seraphine Bag

A Leather Belt – the right belt can add the perfect touch to an outfit. I’m not an advocate of the “belt around a t-shirt” look, but I do love one that creates a waistline over a dress or blazer. The options really are limitless. Just try to get one that’s simple enough not to distract from the outfit. I like a brown, leather, woven belt. Avoid pleather ones with enormous buckles. Those just look weird.

A Stunning Pair of Studs – I’m sure I’m not the only woman with a box full of costume jewelry I’ve tired of or tangled up. I get sick of certain items and forget about them after awhile. Not the case with my pearl stud earrings. My husband, Matt, got them for me last October for our anniversary, and I’m pretty sure I’ve worn them about a hundred times since then. They go with everything. They’re light and comfortable. I love them and I know I’ll be wearing them for years to come. How do I know? They have their own jewelry dish that sits far, far away from the costume jewelry box.

A “For Fun” Item – sometimes you come across that one item while shopping that you love but have no idea when you’d really wear it. It’s not advised to succumb to all of these finds, but when there’s one you truly adore and can’t stop thinking about, go for it! I have a polka dot Kate Spade skirt I found on clearance that isn’t practical at all for my office or normal everyday life, but I love it. Just seeing it hanging in my closet makes me smile. And when there is finally a night to wear it out, it makes the occasion that much more special! Find your fun item and it just might become the showpiece of your wardrobe.