11 Flattering Styles That Should Be in Every Woman’s Wardrobe

To make the most of your wardrobe, stash these 11 super-flattering, uber-versatile items in your closet. You’ll never have an outfit-idea freak-out again. (OK, well maybe not never, but getting dressed and out the door will be way easier, I swear.) Prepare for the OMG-where-did-you-get-that?! compliments! 

1) Breezy jersey maxidresses are a comfy go-to, but if you want to wear a maxi to work—or to meet the parents—try one with a little polish. How to tell if you’re still underdressed? Ask yourself: Would the leading lady of my favorite romantic comedy wear it in the disheveled breakup scene or the wedding party scene?

2) You don’t have to marry a prince to look like royalty (though taking style cues from Kate Middleton certainly helps). Play the role of the international leading lady with a go-everywhere pleated skirt. Add a pair of serious heels to one with a sweet midlength hemline for a look that’s anything but schoolgirl.

3) Want a smart and stylish look? Try on a vintage-looking A-line dress that is just begging to be worn on a brunch date, at a birthday party or for an Instagram photo session. Adorbs!

4) A pair of basic pumps in skin-tone-matching hue will go with just about every outfit in the whole entire universe. (Plus, they’re the best way to fake super-long legs without cloning Gisele.) Wear nude heels with jeans, dresses, shorts and just about everything in between.

5) It doesn’t matter which season, year or decade it is, stripes are always in. The easiest way to wear ‘em is in dress form, so there’s no mixing-and-matching action required. One tip: Don’t be freaked out by horizontal stripes. When they turn up on a fitted top or dress the alternating colors can visually whittle your waist.

6) While you’ll never hear me say a bad word about basic black or brown accessories, a colorful, can’t-miss belt is a part of the unofficial wardrobe survival kit. A standout color at the waist draws the eyes to the middle, while the little bit of structure creates a sexy hourglass shape in approximately six seconds. (No ab work necessary!)

7) Solid-color dresses are The Bachelor reruns of your wardrobe: You’ve got to have a lot of these on hand to get you through the workweek without totally losing your mind. Next time you’re out shopping, dig through the racks of bright dresses to find one that has a little something special going on so you don’t have a “Now, how should I jazz up this dress?” moment later.

8) How do you expect to get a little eye contact from across the room—or draw attention to your pretty face—when you don’t have something special going on at the neckline? A one-shoulder dress says, “Look! I’m over here!” For those of you with a larger bust, note that this cut can give “the girls” a little more support than a regular strapless or bustier style. Bonus!

9) If you’re looking for a classic three-second outfit game-changer, try a structured jacket. Look for one that hits at the hip for the kind of topper that works just as well with skinny jeans as it does a swishy skirt.

10) There’s nothing like a crisp collared shirt peeking out of a cardigan, sweater or dress to make work outfits look extra spiffy. Everyone from prim-and-proper grannies to cool downtown girls gives this look a thumbs-up.

11) Boot-cut jeans are fashion life-savers: The look somehow adds curves to leaner figures yet slims down thighs for those who want a look-five-pounds-thinner trick. I won’t question this style-saving phenomenon; I’ll just thank the fashion gods.