Welcome to the monthly edition of Match Made in Seven! We are an international group of fashion bloggers who meet virtually once a month. One of us chooses a theme each month, and that can be anything: a book, music, a color, a movie. And then we all style an outfit based on that theme.

This month’s theme was chosen by Darlene of Aquamarina Style and is “Seven Fashion Essentials Every Women Should Own.” See my post about the theme below…and be sure to take a look at my fellow bloggers to see how they have interpreted the theme this month.

Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style 

Debbie of Debbie Styles Life

Darlene of Aquamarina Style

Sonja of https://www.yustsome.nl/

Anna of Mutton Style

Emma of Style Splash

The theme for this month is, “Seven Fashion Essentials Every Women Should Own.” I did a similar post here and basically my stance on “items that every woman should own” or “things that should be in every wardrobe” is this: Everyone is Different. Everyone’s situation is different. Everyone’s clothing needs are different. I don’t believe there are seven things every woman should own.

I do, however, believe there are some clothing goals women should strive for when purchasing clothing items:

1. Clothes that make you feel confident. Does this item/outfit fit you well? Is it appropriate to your situation? Can you move around and sit comfortably?

I feel very comfortable in every item here and the outfit as a whole makes me feel pulled together and confident. J Crew Boiled Wool Coat, size 22. It comes in lots of colors and in straight and plus sizes. Cream American Eagle mockneck sweater, size 3x. Aerosoles Betunia Leopard Flats.

2. Clothes that fit you well. Is the item too snug or too loose so you’re having to keep adjusting it? Is it comfortable to move around and sit down in? Do the shoulders slip off or the bust gape open? You shouldn’t have to think about your clothing while you’re wearing it.

This is a good example of something that made me uncomfortable because it was poorly fitting. There was just SO much fabric! The elastic waist wouldn’t stay where I wanted it, the cap sleeves hit my arms at an awkward spot, and I didn’t even feel the color was “me.” This was a rental so fortunately, I was able to return it after one wearing.

3. Clothes that suit your lifestyle. Are you a teacher? Stay at home mom? Lawyer? Creative? Retired? Traveler? All these lifestyles call for different types of clothing. You may love the look of a certain type of item on others, but if it doesn’t allow you to do your job well, it’s probably not the best option for you.

I’m fortunate in that I work in a relatively casual office – and “relatively casual” is totally my jam. I can wear a dress and cardigan or jeans and sneakers. Sanctuary Curve Lenox Leopard Cardigan, size 2x.

4. Clothes that feel like you. Do you like the colors and fabric? Do you feel you’re being true to yourself when you wear this item? There’s something I always ask myself when I’m trying on something. While I might like it, I still ask, “do I look like the person I want to be in this?”

This is an example of an outfit that did NOT feel like “me.” Again, it was a rental, so I was able to return it.

5. Clothes that are easy for you to care for. Do you hate ironing? Linen may not be the best choice for you. Do you want to spend money on dry cleaning? Be sure to read the care label before buying.

I am that rare person that does not mind ironing. OR dry cleaning. I’m happy with those trade-offs to have and wear fabrics that I like.

6. Clothes that are appropriate to your climate. I’m talking to you, Bare Ankles in Freezing Temperatures!

While I much prefer the look of cropped or skinny jeans on my body, I go back to full-length jeans when the temperatures drop. White Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda Tapered Jeans, size 24W short.

7. Clothes that are within your budget. You don’t want to go into debt to have the latest and greatest trends. Consider carefully before purchasing: will you really get your money’s worth out of this particular item? Will it last you a long time or will you need to replace it within a year?

This cardigan was at the higher end of my budget, but it was well-made and I felt I would get a lot of use out of it and it would last a long time. A year-and-a-half later I still reach for it very often and I’m always glad it’s part of my wardrobe.

All that said, if I really had to choose some actual things that every woman should have, I would say:

  • Comfortable, supportive shoes. No shoe, no matter how cute, is worth having sore feet at the end of the day. And once you’ve damaged your feet by wearing thin-soled, non-supportive shoes, that pain is for life!
  • Well-fitting, supportive undergarments. These will help your posture, your back, and make your clothes look better!

It’s so fun looking at “The French Wardrobe Basics List,” or “How to Build a Classic Capsule Wardrobe.” The graphics are fun, the palettes are pleasing, it looks so simple to create 365 outfits out of 12 items. But…are those items what you need in your life? On your figure??

Style starts with YOU. You need a closetful of items that work for YOU, whatever those might be.

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