Winter Must-Haves

By Alyssa Willard
Carolina Charm

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

This spring, we get back to basics by asking what 10 wardrobe essentials women across the state can’t live without. Personally, I wouldn’t have a thing to wear if not for:

1. Black dress pants: I’ve found that Express Editor pants are affordable, flatter my figure and require no or minimal tailoring to get a great fit.

2. Boot-cut, dark wash, perfect-fit jeans: My new favorite pair? The Muse, by Joe’s Jeans. A higher waist keeps your “assets” covered.

3. Fitted peacoat/trench: Depending on the season, these classic coats keep you, and your outfit, protected from the elements in style.

4. Wonderfully feminine sundress: Whether in bright colors or soft floral prints, I always feel pretty in one of these dresses. I’ve found some of my faves at Ann Taylor.

5. Day-to-night top: Shirts that easily transition from the cubicle to cocktails are key. Be sure to have at least one of these tops in your fashion arsenal.

6. Camisoles: Lace-trimmed or plain, you can never have too many!

7. Comfortable, lightly padded bra: Have a professional fitting to determine your correct size, then select styles that give your girls the support they deserve.

8. Colorful handbag: In vibrant shades, purses can instantly punch up an outfit. My favorite handbag hues are bright teal and fire-engine red.

9. Pointy-toe heels: From high-heeled to low, these versatile shoes look great paired with jeans or with professional attire.

10. Diamond stud earrings: After all, diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

Laura Guddat, 29

Customer Relations

And Global Training Manager

Raleigh

1. Pashmina

2. Bright-colored everyday T-shirt

3. Thick, fitted white T-shirt

4. Nice khakis

5. Good jeans

6. Peep-toe heels

7. Peep-toe flats

8. 3/4-sleeve shirt

9. Tennis shoes

10. Colorful sundress

Anya Helfrich, 28

Nonprofit Director

And Laura’s Best Friend

Raleigh

1. Bold-patterned Pashmina

2. Dark wash, boot-cut jeans

3. Fitted black cardigan

4. Mid-heel, pointy-toe shoe in black and a neutral (camel, gold or silver)

5. Lightweight jacket, cropped in a neutral color or 3/4-sleeve, mid-thigh length in a bold color

6. Extra long tank top (with and without lace on the bottom) for layering

7. Filigree earrings

8. Long empire-waist sundress

9. Rainbows

10. Black pencil skirt

And a few more...

11. Crisp, solid color button-up shirt

12. Cinch-at-the-waist belt

13. Cashmere hoodie

Autumn Mills, 27

Small Business Owner

Greenville

1. Simple, black cardigan to pair with any outfit when it’s chilly

2. Pair of skinny, straight-leg jeans to wear under boots or with cute flats

3. Tall boots

4. Classy, solid-colored sheath dress that’s perfect for work with pearls or a night out with funkier accessories

5. Funky-colored pair of super-high heels to dress up any outfit

6. Bold broach or flower pin for adornment or to add to a headband

7. Large, neutral-colored hobo bag for everyday use

8. Small, bright-colored clutch for nights out

9. One striking, statement piece of jewelry, like a huge cocktail ring, big-bead necklace or oversized bangle bracelets

10. Flattering, empire-waist dress with brilliant color that you can wear when you really want to feel pretty!

Jennifer Williams, 34

Marketing Manager

Rocky Mount

1. Perfect-fitting black pants

2. Little black dress

3. Trench coat

4. Crisp, white, button-down shirt

5. Jeans

6. Trendy purse

7. Big sunglasses

8. Pencil skirt

9. Pointed-toe black heels (with 3½-4½” heel)

10. Casual spring/summer dress

Courtney Harwood, 28

Training Coordinator

Greenville

1. Black dress pants

2. Black and brown pumps

3. Tall boots

4. Big sunglasses that fit your face!

5. Pashmina

6. Little black dress

7. All different kinds of jewelry to accessorize any outfit

8. Trendy purse

9. Flattering jeans

10. Peacoat

Mary Anne Johnson, 49

Physician Practice Manager

Rocky Mount

1. Dark wash jeans

2. Black dress pants

3. Black blazer

4. Silk dress shirt

5. Black dress boots

6. White cotton T-shirt

7. Under Armour workout pants

8. New Balance sneakers

9. Sundress

10. Gold hoop earrings

Sherry Martin, 33

Human Resources Director

Wilson

1. Jeans

2. Black dress pants

3. Tailored blazer

4. Going out top

5. Strappy high-heel sandals

6. Formal evening gown

7. Strapless bra

8. Leather boots

9. Yoga pants

10. Running shoes