Okay, initially, I want you to invest in basic styles in quality
fabrics. Don't dry clean your clothes too much—spot clean them; and
repair them as soon as you rip or tear them.

Check to see if you have these pieces already, if not I want you to
start incorporating them into your existing wardrobe. And remember this,
which applies to men and women and to any profession, obviously, though;
if you're a classic teacher your key pieces will look different from a
conservative attorney or a glamorous entertainer; it depends on your
lifestyle.

A Basic Wardrobe for Professional Women Can Include:

1. A basic matched three-piece suit (the jacket, skirt and slacks) in
your best dark color.

2. A great pair of classic, well fitting black pants.

3. A fabulous pair of blue or black jeans.

4. A dark tailored skirt in a lightweight wool or silk.

5. A second skirt in a shade that you love.

6. A pair of versatile khakis.

7. The white shirt is the classic staple. Buy as many as you can in
different styles, lengths, shapes and fabrics, however, a 100% crisply
starched cotton shirt looks fresh and classic all the time. You can
never have too many white shirts.

8. A blouse in a beautiful jewel tone or icy color in silk or cotton.

9. A long sleeved black or dark turtleneck or mock in either fine wool
or silk.

10. A short sleeved or sleeveless black or dark turtleneck or mock in
either fine wool or silk.

11. A blazer or cardigan.

12. A sweater in a beautiful jewel tone or icy color.

13. A little black dress for a work to evening look.

14. A black lace shell dresses up any jacket. Or wear it alone with a
dark camisole underneath.

15. Every woman must own a classic Black Hand bag. Be sure that the bag
is not too big.

16. A good quality black leather belt in a classic style.

17. Pearls add elegance to any ensemble. You can have fun by mixing
lengths, but stick to similar colors and sizes.

18. Add a great chocker necklace and the rest can stay simple.

19. A good quality basic black pump in leather.

20. A basic pair of good quality flats.

21. Fabulous sunglasses.

22. Necklace, earrings and bracelets in gold or silver.

23. Proper undergarments.

24. Great hair, nice nails and a beautiful smile

The Basic Wardrobe for Professional Men Can Include:

1. Two suits (dark-ish colors) make a great foundation – the core of
your wardrobe.

2. A pair of dress black pants in wool fabric.

3. A pair of dress gray pants in wool fabric.

4. A pair of blue, brown or black pants in a cotton fabric.

5. A pair of great fitting blue or black jeans.

6. 2 well-fitting jackets—depending on your profession, you can be as
fly or conservative as you like.

7. An earth tone tweed, single breasted, silk-blend sports coat.

8. Shirts and tops:
• White, cream, light blue button-down Oxford shirt.
• White, cream banded collar shirt.
• Black/white/blue striped Oxford shirt.
• Grey/black/blue or cream fine-gauge turtleneck
• White, cream, blue (all ranges), rust solid polo-styled shirt.

9. Ties (suggested number: 4)
• Geometric ties in cream/black/gray/white/burgundy/blue
combinations--black, gray, or taupe textured ties.

10. Sweaters—solid navy/ black/cream crew-neck sweater to coordinate
with pants. Crew or V neck to coordinate with pants

11. Belts (suggested number: 2) Black and brown or burgundy leather
belts.

12. Shoes (suggested number: 2 pair) Brown, black leather, woven
loafers.

13. Well fitting sneakers or sports shoes.

14. One stylish jogging suit.

15. Cufflinks.

16. A great watch.

17. Great sunglasses.

18. Great hair, nice nails and a beautiful smile.

When thinking about enhancing or creating your basic wardrobe it's
important to remember that your lifestyle and how you naturally flow.
With these key fashion pieces, you have a great foundation for the start
of a versatile professional wardrobe. Enjoy your authenticity.

Chloé Taylor Brown
Author of Getting Ready Chloé-Style: Perfecting Your Authentic Image
www.chloetaylorbrown.com