The Lazy Girl Style Guide: 5 Staple Pieces You Need in Your Wardrobe

Effortless, easy, and classic– key elements of any cool girl's fashion repertoire. Outfits made for bar-hopping, last minute brunching, long nights, and impromptu week getaways. Who says you need a million and one pieces in your closet, or shoes to match every outfit? When did fashion get so formulaic? We're calling for a return to basics (literally)– here's to reclaiming our morning 'me time', and refusing to be slaves to the whims of trends. Say goodbye to compromises. Have your cake and eat it too...no belt adjustments required, promise.

BY: ALISON LO

ESSENTIAL #1 -- THE STRIPED TEE

An oldie, but a goody. The stripe is arguably the dressiest print out there, no wardrobe is complete without the staple striped tee. And no one does the striped tee better than the good folks down at Normandy-based Saint James. As far as nautical tees go, it's the gold standard. The way the sleeves hang just so– not too loose, not too tight– it's utter perfection. It's the one shirt you always throw on in a pinch, because you know unequivocally, you look good in that shirt. Extra plus: this tee only gets better with age. Outfit repeat with abandon, ladies.

ESSENTIAL #2 -- THE EASY SWEATER

The easy sweater is an essential part of an lazy girl's fashion repertoire. On the fly, it's the piece you grab before swiftly breezing out the door. At home, it's your go-to for lounging around the apartment. Comfy, cozy, and infinitely adaptable--it's the classic layering piece that blends seamlessly into the rest of your wardrobe. Dress it up for the office, or keep it casual paired with jeans--the possibilities are endless.

ESSENTIAL #3 -- THE HEELED ANKLE BOOT

The perfect heeled ankle boot is a fickle creature. You will see some iteration of it at any given clothing/shoe store, yet only a select few make it to that 'wear-it-everyday-because-you-can' stage. Because let's face it--something is always amiss. Whether it's the narrow toe bed that pinches your toes, or the chunky block heel that makes you feel like you're walking on stilts--the whole trial and error process can feel like a lesson in futility. A heeled ankle boot will take any outfit from zero to a hundred in an instant. The stacked heel hits the heel height sweet spot--tall enough to elongate the legs, low enough to wear comfortably everyday. Time to take on the world.

ESSENTIAL #4 -- THE LONG WOOL COAT

A long wool coat is always an eye-catching piece. It instantly pulls together any outfit, adding a decided air of elegance to the whole ensemble. Also, pockets--big roomy ones. Need we say more? Plus, this cold weather staple has real staying power--with regular dry cleaning and regular lint rolling, you're looking at at least 2 years of wear time. Slip into your fav wool coat, and voila--you've got an outfit. 

ESSENTIAL #5 -- THE BLACK LEGGING

Finding the perfect pair of black leggings is a daunting task, to be sure. How many times have you idly picked up a promising pair of leggings, only to be bamboozled after a quick glance in the mirror. Your thighs are bulging and your muffin top has reared its ugly head once again--suffice to say that not all leggings are created equal. However, once you do nail the perfect black legging, it's pure fashion nirvana. Getting dressed in the morning is a breeze. They will be your lucky leggings. They will be your I'm-not-feeling-it-today leggings. They will become your official hot date leggings. Finding a great pair of leggings is all in the fit. Do they slim you down and make your legs look supermodel-esque? Are they forgiving when you opt for that second slice? And, the most important caveat of all, do they hold up in the wash? It's a lot to live up to, but once you find the perfect fit--you'll know. Go ahead, you know you want to.