by Erin Weatherhogg

Created on: August 06, 2009

Ladies, want to know what the easiest and, in the long run, least expensive way is to stay stylish? For women of any age, shape, size, or style, it's as easy as stocking your wardrobe with some timeless, ageless, and always in-fashion essentials. Here I'll give you a head-to-toe rundown of what those items should be and why:

Head and hair:

*Great hair starts with a great anti-static/anti-frizz hairbrush. These can run a little more than your generic brush, but they don't have to be expensive, and they can be found in any drug or department store.

*Hair bands (NOT rubber bands), a claw clip, and bobby pins - With these, you can create any classic style ponytails, buns, braids, etc. quickly and easily and always look pulled together. Just make sure the size of the bands and clip is appropriate for your hair; those with longer or thicker hair will need a larger size, for example.

*Finishing spray and/or a smoothing gel - You don't need both, but you'll at least need one to keep your hair in place and keep flyaways and frizz under control.

*A hat or two - This isn't necessarily a must (I for one almost never wear a hat); it really depends on your individual style and personality. At the very least though, consider a summer hat that's light in color and has a fairly substantial brim to keep the sun off your head and face.

Upper body:

*Pea coat or trench coat - in a classic cut. You may also want to invest in more trendy variations, but the classic cuts never go out of style and work well for a variety of occasions, from the office to a chilly day at the zoo to a night on the town.

*Tailored blazer - Color can depend on what colors show up most often in the rest of your arsenal, but in general, black or navy blue tend to be the most versatile.

*White short-sleeve tee, not too tight, but not baggy. These can be worn over jeans, under blazers, with skirts or trousers. They can be dressed up for work or dressed down for weekend errands it all depends on how you accessorize.

*Feminine blouse - This can be your classic white or a bold color to contrast with a neutral colored skirt or suit. It can be fairly plain or adorned with ruffles or lace, just as long as it's not too trendy or frou-frou.

*Sleeveless top for warmer days, to go under the blazer on your power suit or along with a skirt or pants.

*Black or white turtleneck - Another very versatile piece that can be worn either casually with jeans or with a skirt or slacks for dressier occasions

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