Fashion Basics

Build a well-balanced wardrobe: the basics to buy, the mistakes to avoid, and the rules to follow (or ignore).

Wardrobe Pointers

Avoiding Wardrobe Blunders
Nine common (and commonly ignored) dressing oversights―and easy ways to fix them.

Beauty and Fashion Solutions Newsletter
Get smart editors’ picks, simple tips, savvy pointers, and more in our new monthly newsletter aimed at those who want real-life beauty and fashion advice.

The Essentials of a Well-Balanced Wardrobe

Fill your closet with wardrobe essentials from five basic "clothing groups," and you'll never again ask "What should I wear?"

Photo: Gerald Forster

A Guide to Buying Wardrobe Essentials

When to save and when to spend.

Photo: Ellen Silverman

How to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

Are you a chronic impulse buyer when it comes to clothes? Try these three steps and conquer buyer’s remorse forever.

Photo: Stockbyte/Getty Images

Define Your Signature Style

Create a signature look and avoid buyer’s remorse with this four-step plan.

Photo: Laurie Rosenwald

Illustration of woman choosing from many articles of clothing

More Elements of Style

Shopping Tips

How to Find Comfortable Shoes
Relief at last! Foolproof tips on picking comfortable pumps, flats, and sandals.

How to Save on Clothing Basics
Experts offer smart strategies for finding deals on everything from tights to tees.

Wardrobe Basics Checklist

Use this checklist to build a strong foundation of timeless, versatile pieces.

Black tank. A white tank has its place—at the gym or on casual outings—but a black one is more universal. Dress it up with dark jeans or a skirt.
Short-sleeved white T-shirt. White tees become unwearable quickly, so skip the costly designer versions and buy a bunch of good-looking inexpensive ones. Then replace as needed.
Short-sleeved black T-shirt. The best short-sleeve length is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer than a typical cap sleeve—it shows just the right amount of arm.

View The Entire Checklist