10+ Pieces - Clothing Every Woman Should Own

'Mix and Match' Items that make up my 10 must have list
These are items from my closet. 

This is not my first post on "Must Have Feminine Fashion Items".  I am in the process of  downsizing and looking to bring my wardrobe into a manageable status by considering what is essential. How many winter sweaters do I really need in Florida?  A good example - I have beautiful shoes from 30 years ago that are either out of style, or no longer fit. Now is a good time to consider when and where I will ever wear many of these items again. 

Please comment and offer your suggestions on what you consider essential in your wardrobe.

1. TROUSERS THAT FIT AND FLATTER
   If there is to be one, let it be white if you live in warm climates or black for everywhere else.
2. A TAKE EVERY WHERE DAY BAG for your essentials
   A neutral handbag is an essential in any season. Invest in a high quality handbag, one that serves you every day.  In the morning you can grab it, confident it has all of your supplies, and go. Your every-day-purse can be tote, cross-body or shoulder bag. Add as needed, a dress clutch bag for the  evening out.
3. A PAIR OF JEANS THAT GOES WITH EVERY PAIR OF SHOES
   Jeans in a classic wash that are not super flair or skinny. Be wary of overly trendy jeans such as those with rips, cuts or weird dyes as they may look outdated after just a season. Your basic NYDJ, Lee, JAG or Levi are good choices. Make sure they flatter your height and figure. These will be your everyday (fit-in with the crowd) errands / mall, go-to-look. Cheap jeans will not hold their shape and are overall not worth it.
4. A BLAZER THAT CAN BE WORN CASUALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY
   it is amazing how an item stolen from men's wear can look so feminine when paired properly. Roll-up the sleeves for casual / jeans or wear it open with black pants/skirt. You can wear it over a blouse and slacks, over a tee and a mini, or you can wear it over a cocktail dress. Choose your shoes carefully as to not look masculine. A super look here is with a short skirt and heels.
5. TOPS  - BLOUSE / T-SHIRT / SWEATER  (SCOOP, BOAT, V NECK, DRAPE)
   Choose a neckline that flatters but more importantly consider how it falls on your body. Tight will either enhance a long slim figure or make you look heavy; blousy conceals. Length is important if you wear it draped and not tucked in. A well chosen t-shirt can hide large hips or can give no-hips a desirable elongated look. More than one here is acceptable. Again, your everyday (fit in with the crowd) errands / mall, go-to look.
6. DRESS SHOES - HIGH HEELS (Pumps) YOU CAN WEAR FOR AT LEAST A FEW HOURS
   I love shoes! With that said, I do have many more than needed and I am in the process of cleaning out. Two pairs are an absolute necessity. If you are going to have only one pair, let it be basic black pumps. The second choice is nude/tan pumps. Four and five inch heels are sexy, but impractical. Choose a heel height that you can manage for walking from your car to restaurant table. Practice and master the skill of heel-toe. If you cannot walk gracefully in heels or cannot master the high heel walking gait, high heels are not for you. Walking flat-footed in heels will undo all of you best feminine efforts.
7. CASUAL SHOES – SEVERAL PAIRS OF CUTE / COMFORTABLE SHOES.
   These should be either flats of the ballet variety, cute sneakers or sandals. I have listed these as a separate item simply because the are so different from high heels; a completely different message. Sandals are a must for summer / warm climates and can have a small (kitten) heel for causal  dress. If you don't have cute casual shoes you are missing opportunities to assimilate into the general population. These are great for travel (flying), lunches out, or sight seeing (museums).  Casual shoes do not make you less feminine. They communicate "stylishly fashionable" and that you are practical. Choose well.
8. A WOMEN’S CUT WINTER OR UNISEX TRENCH COAT
   If you live/travel to wet or winter regions these are a must. Women's winter coats in the past few years have become very stylish and, dare I say, feminine. Shop wisely and these are items that can be purchased off- season very reasonably. A great look - short pea coat, with leggings and heeled boots.  A best choice for climates where it does not get super cold - London Fog Double-Breasted Water Resistant Hooded Trench Coat.
9. A BLACK LEATHER OR QUALITY WOOL PENCIL SKIRT
   Sad to say that skirts have become optional and not a complete necessity. A black leather skirt is a statement piece. It is a great look for winter. Choose real leather! The stretch knock-off vegan leather feels cheap and will make you look cheap. A real leather skirt will last for years. A good wool pencil skirt is always good choice in black. Having a tan/camel-hair skirt will always provide the pulled-together look. In choosing length for a skirt think age appropriate and when in doubt, ask a trusted friend; "Is this skirt too short?" Never spandex - One size fits all - fits no one.
10. A DRESS YOU ABSOLUTELY LOVE.There are times when a dress is an absolute necessity; be it a job interview, business meeting, or cocktail reception. A sleeveless, cap or short sleeve LBD always looks great. Make sure it flatters your figure and all of the age appropriate length rules apply here. Also the neckline should fit the occasion. There are so many different styles so finding a good look for you should be achievable. For this type of shopping take a trusted friend who will give you good input. This item you can consider to be an investment piece so don't go cheep. Although a necessity, you need not go overboard on having many dresses - there are just not that many practical opportunities.