Leah Van Loon’s 10 Wardrobe Staples for Women

Here are stylist Leah Van Loon’s top-ten must-have wardrobe staples.

contributing fashion editor leah van loon

In the spirit of the New Year and new beginnings, here are stylist Leah Van Loon’s top-ten must-have wardrobe staples. When you’re debating whether or not to buy that drastically reduced gold lam ballerina skirt you’re positive you’ll wear at least once, consult this list to steer you to safer bets.

1. Boyfriend Coat

Finish up winter in style with a coat that takes you into spring. This wool boyfriend coat from Topshop is warm enough to see you through the next few months, and it won’t weigh you down.

Popper-front boyfriend coat, $106, from Topshop (at Hudson’s Bay). (Chinook Centre, 403-255-6121, thebay.com)

2. Ankle Boots

Fluevog’s Cairo ankle boots take a classic menswear style and turn it into a perfect transition boot for spring. Cute enough for your dresses and perfect with your slim-cut pants.

Cairo ankle boot, $319, from Fluevog (207 8 Ave. S.W., 403-265-1970, fluevog.com)

3. Jersey Dress

Nothing is more comfy than your favourite tee; that is, unless it is this kangaroo-pocket sleeveless jersey dress by Marie Saint Pierre. When paired with a blazer it goes from desk to dinner, or just work from home.

Enora Dress, $620, available through Blu’s Womens Wear (Southcentre Mall, 403-225-8315, and Bankers Hall, 403-234-7971, blus.com)

4. Pastel Socks

Winter pastels are a great way to move into a new season and these socks by Edmonton’s Malorie Urbanovitch are terrific layered with a sheer black tight or on their own when the next Chinook arrives.

Pastel socks by Malorie Urbanovitch, $29, from Gravity Pope (524 17 Ave. S.W., 403-209-0961, gravitypope.com)

5. Hermes Scarf

If the winter blahs have got you down, relive your last trip to Brazil with this special-edition Indigo-collection scarf. “Brazil Bandhini” 140 giant scarf in silk twill, available in February exclusively at hermes.com.

6. Slim-cut Pants

A perfect beige trouser is always a favourite, and this stretch-twill slim-cut pant by Joe Fresh has a crop that works perfectly with a boot or a sandal. Bonus: they’re on sale right now!

Slim stretch trouser, $7, from Joe Fresh. (At Real Canadian Superstores, various locations, joefresh.com)

7. Elegant Messenger Bag

A sleek take on a trapezoid bag, this Selma messenger from Michael Kors works for day and becomes a clutch for evening with its removable strap.

Medium Selma messenger, $368, from Michael Kors. (The Core, 403-264-4981, and three other Calgary locations, michaelkors.com)

Versatility is key with the Desiree dress (worn as a top here) in bright red jersey from Lauren Bagliore. It can be worn several ways including long sleeve (as shown) to a halter-top and more.

Desiree dress, $595, by Lauren Bagliore (laurenbagliore.com)

9. Non-seaonal Blazer

Blazers are an essential wardrobe item and this cobalt-blue number from Banana Republic is made of a lightweight wool making it a non-seasonal favourite.

Cobalt lightweight wool one-button blazer, $240, form Banana Republic (Southcentre Mall, 403-225-9459, and three other Calgary locations, bananarepublic.ca)

10. Chalcedony Bracelet

Complete your look with this beautiful Aqua calcedony set in 14k gold bracelet by Leah Alexandra.

Bracelet, $195, from Rubaiyat (722 17 Ave. S.W., 403-228-7192, rubaiyatcalgary.com)

This story was part of Avenue‘s free weekly Style Newsletter. Sign up now and get home decor and fashion information and advice in your inbox every Wednesday.

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