Lately I’ve been working on stripping everything in my home environment to the bare essentials – going more “minimalist,” if you will. This doesn’t stop at my wardrobe. I like to be able to go to my closet and put together an outfit in a matter of moments—and without making a mess due to too many frivolous clothing items hanging in my closet that really get no wear-time.

With the help of my favorite lifestyle guru Jane Buckingham and her timeless book The Modern Girl’s Guide to Life, I’ve incorporated five basically chic items into my wardrobe that can be worked with all season and pair well with pretty much any ensemble. Jane says that four of these five items will “make you look richer than you actually are.” (I replaced her black sling-back shoe recommendation with this season’s patent black pump.)

A Classic Trenchcoat

Jane says: “You can throw it over everything from dresses to jeans—and the best part is, trenches can often double as raincoats.”

The hottest trenchcoats this season are more “outerwear” than “robe.” Find one that is more structured and stiff. If you’re wearing a dress with your trench, make sure your trench is longer. Choose a pair of narrow pants rather than a wide leg style on a trenchcoat day.

Patent Black Pumps

Choose a pointy and reasonable 3-inch or so heel to make them errands-friendly.

Faux Diamond Studs

Diamond studs really do go with everything. Faux is frugal.

A Stylish Daytime Bag

This season the hottest handbags are quilted with a chain handle.

A Nighttime Clutch

A patent black or red clutch is a perfect accessory for nightlife.

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