How to Build the Perfect Wardrobe with Seven Fashion Staples

These pieces can be tweaked to match your personal style, but there's one thing they should all have in common: A perfect fit.

Step 1: Invest in a little black dress Invest in what fashionistas call the LBD, or Little Black Dress: A simple, elegant sheath.
TIP: Try a sheath dress in navy, brown, charcoal, or red, too. Just make sure it's a solid color.
Step 2: Find the perfect jeans Have a go-to pair of jeans that fit well and can be dressed up or down. That means no rips, studs, or fading – just a dark pair of plain jeans.
Step 3: Get a crisp white shirt Own at least one crisp, white, button-down shirt. Look for fitted ones that won't bunch around your hips when you tuck them in – but won't tug at the buttons, either.
TIP: Unless you can afford professional laundering, avoid 100 percent cotton in favor of a no-iron fabric.
Step 4: Have black dress pants Buy at least one pair of black, all-season pants in a basic cut that works just as well with a sweater or jacket as it does with a shirt or blouse.
Step 5: Stock up on white tees Stock up on white T-shirts – crew neck and V-neck, long-sleeved and short-sleeved.
Step 6: Get a good skirt Get a good black skirt. A knee-length, A-line skirt is universally flattering. But if you have the figure for a pencil skirt, go for it.
Step 7: Buy an all-weather trench coat Buy a classic, all-weather trench coat. Don't skimp on it; a well-made one will last you a decade or more.
FACT: Sixty-six percent of women own at least one "little black dress."