Watching the entertainment channel three weeks ago, I was very impressed when they featured about the essentials that every woman should have in their collections. These are the items that will carry you through season after season and never let you down.

They are the classic must-haves that will serve as the backbone of your wardrobe. Trends will come and go, but these are the items that will loyally serve you year after year;

The Little Black Dress

This timeless piece can take you from the office to an evening on the town with the switch of a few chosen accessories. A simple, yet sophisticated black dress will also serve as the perfect backdrop to a killer pair of colourful stilettos or a statement piece of jewellery.

It can be worn just the way it is in the evenings, or throw a jacket on top to complete the office look.

Cardigan

A basic necessity for chilly restaurants and an evening out

Ballet Flats

I love my high heeled stilettos, but it’s my ballet flats that I turn to time and time again for ease, comfort and weekend casual. There’s certain insouciance to the ballet flat that says, "Clearly I know my way around the fashion block, but I just don’t have to try so hard to look fabulous.”

Classic white shirt

This perennial favourite will never go out of style. Paired with jeans or slim pencil skirt, the button-down white shirt exudes elegance.

Jeans

A well fitting pair of jeans flatters most body shapes and can easily be dressed up or down depending on one’s mood. A great pair of jeans can be accessorized a million and one ways with what you already have in your closet.
 
High Heel Pumps – Whether peep-toe or classic, stiletto or chunky heel, a high heel pump in a neutral colour (black, brown, navy or gray) will work well with all of your other wardrobe essentials.

Pencil Skirt – this item will take you from the boardroom to cocktails in style. Easily paired with a classic white shirt or cashmere crew neck

Black Pants – Look for a slim fit and make sure the hem falls just an inch or so above the floor. You don’t want your pants dragging along the floor as you walk. And unless you are tall and very thin, avoid too many pleats or pockets, as these tend to add bulk where we really don’t need it.

Blazer – Find one with a proper, fitted shape. Your jacket should follow the silhouette of your body and accent the hourglass curve at your waist. It is also a perfect piece to pair with the pencil skirt, black pants and white shirt. Or make it casual with a pair of jeans.

Trench Coat – This is one of the classic pieces that also seems to always be on trend. The trench coat has come to the rescue of many a "bad wardrobe” day. It can be worn out any bad rainy day, or on its own as wrap round outfit- perfect for any occasion.

Great style is having the discipline to invest in just a couple of beautiful statement pieces each season and then mix these in with your ten wardrobe essentials. As Coco Chanel so eloquently said, "Elegance is refusal.”

It’s not about constant acquisition; it’s about working with what you have in a confident and creative way. Only keep those pieces that make you feel really good.

Play to your strengths: If you have great legs, wear skirts. If you have an hourglass figure, cinch your waist with fabulous belts. If you have beautiful skin and piercing brown eyes, wear accessories that draw attention to your face and you will feel good all the way through!

Ends