A month into the new year–you’ve cut carbs, quit smoking, gone vegan, begun juicing, jogged, joined the gym, and became gluten-free. Now comes the hard part: weeding out your closet. How much space is devoted to things you never (or shouldn’t) wear? What to keep? What to toss? If you’re stumped about outfitting your closet, organize by what you must have and what you don’t have. Here’s a checklist of must-have wardrobe basics.

By Maureen Mancini Amaturo

A month into the new year–you’ve cut carbs, quit smoking, gone vegan, begun juicing, jogged, joined the gym, and became gluten-free. Now comes the hard part: weeding out your closet. How much space is devoted to things you never (or shouldn’t) wear? What to keep? What to toss? If you’re stumped about outfitting your closet, organize by what you must have and what you don’t have. Here’s a checklist of must-have wardrobe basics.

 

Moto (aka Biker) Jacket>  
Often worn by motorcyclists. In 2016, worn by everyone. What makes it moto? Shape & details –short, prominent off-center zipper, wide-collar lapels, narrow waist, and additional zipper details. Cool-chic, edgy. They go to extremes when it comes to selection and prices from the $5,750 YSL at Barney’s to a $40 version at Charlotte Russe. Being jacket of the moment, you’ll find motos in every fabric (leather/faux leather most common) with a variety of trims and colors. Balenciaga actually has a pink (2016 color of the year) crepe moto.

 

Turtleneck>  
For all seasons. Cozy for the cold, sleeveless for spring/summer. Go for a solid color. Sleek, tucked in, and belted. A black or white stretchy mock neck (between a turtle and crew) looks lean under a moto jacket. Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler feature their mock turtle takes for Resort and Spring 2016. Versace put mock turtlenecks under dresses and blazers for fall.

 

Off-the-Shoulder Top>  
Go Bardot: pair it with high-waisted pants, mid-length or mini skirt, shorts. Or Boho: under overalls, with distressed jeans, peasant skirt.

 

Slip Dress>  
Chic look — try a men’s blazer over it. Conservatize it, wear a turtleneck under it. Go Courtney Love grunge and wear a hoodie over it. Street-smart effect, wear it under a moto.

 

Statement LBD>  
You had one, you have one now, you will always have one. It’s all about what you do with it. Think out of the box. Layer a turtleneck under it, a moto jacket over it. Wear it with trendy pointed flats, black ankle boots, or Converse high-tops. And always traffic-stopping jewelry.

 

Flared Jeans>  
Seventies-style is squeezing out the skinny jeans. A subtle flare is enough and will flatter no matter how short or tall you are. Wear them as long as possible (but not scraping the sidewalk) to make legs look longer. A slim fit around the waist, hips, and thighs balances the flare. High-waisted flares look great with a plain tee and blazer. Wearing a jacket with flares? It should land just below your bottom – avoid ¾ length jackets. Keep your belt simple. Pair your flares with heels.

 

Wrap Skirt >  
A wrap-around skirt works well for almost any figure because this trend has options: full and flowing with tiered or ruffled construction or sleek and fitted like a pencil skirt. The key to the right wrap skirt for you is the color, fabric, and length — mini, midi, or maxi. Decide if you want a slit showing, how much of a slit.

 

Culottes>  
(um, yep)  I don’t want to talk about it.

Other 2016 Must-Haves  

  > Black Ankle Boots
  > Pointed Flats
  > White Sneakers
  > Crossbody Bag
  > Structured Clutch Bag
  > Unique Stud Earrings
  > Retro Sunglasses