Essentials are… well, an essential part of anyone’s wardrobe (wow, we’re off to a good start today!) but when I look at all those blog posts and magazine articles about “The Wardrobe Essentials” not many of them actually live in my wardrobe, and if they do, they don’t actually get many outings.

The more I thought about it, the more there were other pieces in my wardrobe that have become my “essentials”, things you wouldn’t always think you would get great cost-per-wear from, but I really do!

So here are my 5 wardrobe essentials you NEVER knew you needed!

1. The Wrap Dress

If you want a feminine, flattering, classic style dress that will work for almost every occasion then this is your frock. A wrap dress is timeless, so it won’t date, making it a staple for your wardrobe. Great for work with a sensible shoe (or not!) and a blazer over the top, or pull out the killer heels and wear it to the races or a friends wedding.

If you find a good one, it will suit ANY body shape – look for one with quite a bit of drape and flow in the jersey, not one that feels like cardboard. Sacha Drake does the best wrap dress around in my opinion  but if you can afford it, A Diane Von Furstenberg wrap is a lust-have!

2. The Coloured Blazer

Black blazer? Check. But why not add a little colour to your life! A coloured blazer will add a little more interest to a basic white tee and jeans look, or over a little black dress for work. No prints or patterns required here just go for a block colour that really suits you. Make sure the quality and the fit are exceptional and this piece will last you years.

Like I said, make sure you pick a colour that works on you, not just one that is on trend. You want this piece to become a wardrobe staple so choose well!

3. The Statement Necklace

How to add some personality to a simple outfit in one easy step! A statement necklace can take an outfit from work to play, or take the focus away from the fact you are wearing the same dress you wore to the last two weddings you went to.

Again, choose a quality piece so you can get you wear out of it and choose something that is not too trend-driven (a bit harder with jewellery I know). Add some personality to your basics!

4. The Maxi Dress

Yes, there is a maxi dress out there to suit everyone! And you should all have at least one in your wardrobe! A maxi is THE perfect summer dress. Heading to the beach? Pop on your maxi. Going out for a sunset drink with friends? Pop on your maxi. Summertime picnic in the park? Pop on your maxi.

Just remember to find a style that suits you. Bigger bust? Find one with a thicker strap or a sleeve. Pear-shaped? An a-line shape is best to skim over your hips. Petite? A block colour maxi will work on you without making you look even tinier. I promise, there is a maxi out there with your name on it! (and the best bit? You don’t have to worry about the fake tan on half your body!)

5. Converse trainers

These have certainly been my go-to-shoe over here in Auckland (it’s still too cold for havianas) and I LOVE the versatility a pair of Converse trainers give you. They work well with jeans as the standard comfy, casual look – but where I really love chucking on a Chuck Taylor is with a pretty summer frock!

Converse trainers are a great way to dress down a pretty dress. Whether it’s a maxi and a straw hat, or with a short little frock, Converse give you a different look than the usual wedges or ballet flats plus they are SUPER comfy to walk around in all day! Start with white – they go with everything – then work your way through the colours. Ready? Go!

Do you agree with my 5 new essentials? Do you have any wardrobe essentials that aren’t the conventional ‘basics’? Tell me about them in the comments below!

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