Simple Wardrobe // Core 50 for HER

On Monday, I talked about my definition of a Simple Wardrobe. I discussed all of the nitty-gritty details, so feel free to click over for a re-cap if you missed it. Today, let's actually dive right into my Core 50.

If my math skills serve me correctly, that is actually 53 pieces - not 50. Heck, if I count the 3 pieces of jewelry and 3 belts separately, that's more like 57 pieces. Like I said on Monday, it's not so important that I come out to EXACTLY 50 pieces. The point is to only have those items that I deem important. For right now, that number happens to equal 53. For you? It could be 43 or 63. Just remember, the exact number isn't important.

DETAILS

1. Dressy Tank (similar)  //  2. White V-Neck  //  3. Embroidered Blouse (similar)  //  4. Eyelet L/S Tee (similar)

5. White Silk Blouse  //  6. B&W Dot Blouse (similar)  //  7. Lightweight Sweater //  8. Neutral Cardigan (similar)

9. Gray Blazer (similar)  //  10. Gray Cardigan (similar)  //  11. Gray V-Neck (similar)  //  12. Silk Blouse (similar)

13. Trench Coat (similar)  //  14. Work Shirt (similar) //  15. Army Jacket  //  16. Denim Jacket (similar)

17. Chambray Shirt  //  18. Stripe Tee  //  19. Black V-Neck  //  20. Black L/S Tee

21. Black Silk Blouse  //  22. Lightweight Sweater (similar)  //  23. Leather Jacket  //  24. Denim Shorts

25. White Denim  //  26. Medium Denim  //  27. Dark Denim  //  28. Black Denim

29. Gray Trousers  // 30. Charcoal Sloan  //  31. Drappy Pants  //  32. Black Sloan

33. Skater Skirt (similar) //  34. Pencil Skirt  //  35. Midi Skirt  //  36. Lace Dress

37. Dot Dress (similar)  //  38. Leather Pocket Dress

39. Birkenstocks  //  40. Neutral Flats  //  41. Italian Oxfords (similar)  //  42. Neutral Heels

43. Leopard Heels  //  44. Black Heels  //  45. Suede Booties  //  46. Cognac Booties

47. Black Booties (similar)  //  48. Sneakers (similar)  //  49. Crossbody  //  50. Clutch (similar)

51. Scarf  //  52. Basic Jewelry  //  53. Belts

 If we're talking specifics, I ended up with:

tops : 18

bottoms : 12

shoes : 10

dresses/coats : 8

accessories : 5

TOTAL : 53

I tried to think in terms of the 5-4-3-2-1 packing philosophy. You know, 5 tops, 4 bottoms, and so on and so forth. I really like to think that way when I pack for a trip, so I decided to give it a go for this as well. The packing philosophy comes to 15 total items. I simply multiplied it out a bit for my needs - a multiple between 3 and 4 seemed to be just the right mix. I needed (15 - 20) tops, (12 - 16) bottoms, (9 - 12) shoes, (6 - 8) dresses/coats, and (3-4) accessories. That would bring the total count anywhere between 45 and 60 pieces.

As you may also notice, I tried to keep a fairly consistent color palette through-out. It's much easier to mix and match pieces if everything plays nicely together. I tend to like neutral colors and organic fabrics, so you'll see a lot of cotton and denim in the mix. The biggest hurdle for me is always my workplace attire. I've come to find that I have a very laid-paid style, so keeping things dressy enough for work has been my biggest challenge. In order to compensate, I've been able to find some great pants and jackets that easily step up my everyday clothing.

So what do you think? Is it what you expected? Would you consider pairing down your closet??