by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: March 02, 2013

Outerwear is an important part of every woman’s wardrobe. While most woman have a lot more than five pieces of outerwear, there are some pieces that are the basic building blocks to creating a wardrobe that works in a lot of different situations. Once you have all the basics, you can feel free to fill in with the hot new items that come up every year, knowing that you have a solid foundation.

Jean jacket

While it doesn’t have to be blue, there is something iconic about a classic denim jacket. It can be worn with jeans for casual weekend attire or dressed up a bit with a cute floral dress or skirt or the classic denim skirt. Once you have the basic blue, adding black or white and floral gives you a jean jacket that is one you will go to again and again. Denim is an almost indestructible material and it can take a lot of washing and wearing and even if it gets distressed, that just adds to the appeal.

Leather jacket

The classic leather jacket is the bomber style, usually in a shade of brown. If you are not a brown person, black is another classic. If you like something less classic, there are leather jackets in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Classic trench

Trench coats are not just for spies and Jackie O anymore, they are something that belongs in every woman’s wardrobe. A quick look at any fashion magazine will show you that celebs have embraced this trend wholeheartedly. You can opt for the classic trench with a belt or go with one of the many modern styles that are offered. While variations of tan are still highly prized, a trench can be found in just about any color under the sun. Single breast or double, belted or flyaway, they are all good.

Pea coat 

A pea coat has been a classic for years, and obviously they are versatile and durable since they have been keeping sailors warm practically forever. With the basic color of black or navy and the double-breasted front, the classic pea coat can be dressed up or down and is perfect for women and men.

Basic black cardigan

If there is a must-have piece of outerwear, it is the basic black cardigan. Style changes, materials change, but the appeal of the black cardigan remains. This iconic piece is perfect with jeans but also can end up over a cocktail dress.  Anywhere there might be a chill in the air is the perfect place to wear a basic black cardigan.

With these five pieces of outerwear in your wardrobe, you can’t go wrong and actually you can go just about anywhere and feel as if you are warmly and well dressed.

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