The other day a client of mine asked me for a list of Wardrobe Basics to help her revamp her closet. While I’ve always had a mental list, I have never taken the time to write it out.

When I finished compiling this list for her, I decided to create one for men as well. Now that they’re both complete, I’d like to share them with you with the hope that they might be helpful on future shopping trips or in building a solid wardrobe.
While I have mentioned some colours in the list, I have refrained from assigning a colour to every single item. Some individuals might be most comfortable choosing blacks and whites for their basics, while others might chose navy blues and whites or browns and creams, etc. Colour choices are subjective and should be based on skin tones, preferences and comfort levels.
Please also note that these lists are merely a guide. Not every item will work for every individual, nor are they a complete list of everything someone should have in their closet. They are meant to be a tool and a starting point. (That said I can email a pdf file of the actual checklist to anyone that is interested.)

LADIES
Outerwear

Black Fitted Blazer
Trench Coat
Leather Jacket (real or faux)
Denim (dark wash or white)
Winter Coat

Tops
Tank
Camisole
Short Sleeve T
Long Sleeve T
Breton Shirt (long or ¾ sleeve)
Crisp White Button Down Shirt
Turtle Neck
Sweater (crew neck or v-neck)
Cardigan

Bottoms
Denim (dark wash)
Denim (casual/weekend)
Khaki/Chino
Black Trouser (straight or wide leg)
Black Pencil Skirt
Summer Skirt (casual)
Straight Leg Short
Summer Short (casual)

Dresses
Day Dress
Little Black Dress

Shoes
Ballet Flat or Loafer
Sensible Heel for Day
Evening Pump
Classic Tall Boot

Bags
Classic Shoulder or Handbag
Tote Bag
Evening Clutch
Belts
Casual
Dress

Winter Additions
Parka
Thick Sweater
Wool Trouser
Winter Boots

Summer Additions
Lightweight Printed Tops/Blouses
White Jean
Summer Dress
Sandals

GENTLEMEN
Outerwear
Sport Coat
Trench Coat
Leather Jacket (real or faux)
Winter Coat

Tops
Polo Shirt
White Short Sleeve T
Long Sleeve T
Breton Shirt (long or ¾ sleeve)
Crisp White Button Down Shirt
Crisp Blue Button Down Shirt
Turtle Neck
Sweater (crew neck or v-neck)

Bottoms
Denim (dark wash)
Denim (casual/weekend)
Khaki/Chino
Dress Pant
Straight Leg Short
Summer Short (casual)

Suits
Tailored Suit (single breasted)
Shoes
Loafer
Black Dress Shoe
Classic Sneaker
Belts
Casual
Black Dress

Winter Additions
Parka
Thick Sweater
Wool Trouser
Winter Boots

Summer Additions
Plaid Button Down Shirt
Deck Shoes
Summer Slides

Finally, one thing to consider when purchasing basics to complete a wardrobe is to purchase colours that work together so as to easily mix and match items. That way there’s no guess work as to which pieces work together.