Five Wardrobe Essentials Every Girl Should Own

In every woman's closet, there should be a few key pieces that provide the foundation upon which great outfits are built. These items carry you from season to season, and will always be in style. The only rule for these items is that they must fit well, be in excellent condition, and be the best you can afford. If you follow these rules, you will always look your best.

Little Black Dress

This is a classic! The little black dress is the workhorse in your closet. It can go from day to night with a few changes of accessories, and will look chic at any event. For work, pair the LBD with a belted cardigan and closed toed pumps. For evening, up the glam factor, and add strappy sandals and a sparkly clutch.

Classic Pump

This shoe can go with everything. Buy this shoe in neutral colors that go with everything, like black and camel. The pump can be worn with a well cut suit for the ultimate work look, or with the LBD at night for special occasions. Pointy toe pumps also look chic and stylish with dark denim jeans in skinny or slightly flared silhouettes, and they also work well with most skirt shapes and lengths.

The Suit

The basic three piece suit with jacket, skirt, and trousers should be the foundation of your wardrobe. You can wear the suit with jacket and skirt and a crisp white button down shirt for work, or team the trousers with the jacket and a sparkly cami for evening. Break up the pieces of the suit to make different outfit combinations. Pair the blazer with jeans and a tee, or the skirt with a silky top and a killer pair of high heeled shoes. The possibilities are endless. Choose a well cut suit that flatters your figure. Try to stick with neutral colors like black and grey- they will go with anything.

A Great Cardigan

This piece is a great way to add a bit of interest to your outfits. Be creative with the way you use the cardigan. Choose colorful cropped styles to layer over dresses; pair a belted cardigan with jeans for a casual, but stylish look.

Great Fitting Jeans

No one can be without a great pair of jeans. Trends in denim come and go, but a jean in a dark, uniform wash with boot cut legs will always be in style.

By Fashion Journalist Erica Salyi-Pannozzo, assistant fashion editor for Think Fashion.