My 10 wardrobe essentials

Could you survive with just ten items in your wardrobe?  Or manage on holiday with only ten things in your suitcase?  When I sat down to think about my clothing essentials, I realised that actually, I probably could.

I have a very clearly defined personal style, variously described by friends as 'indie chic', 'dress, fringe & eyeliner', and 'that cute indie thing you have going on' (I worry slightly that perhaps the adjective 'cute' should not be applicable to a nearly-36 year old, but hey).  But the benefit of having a clearly defined look is that it makes choosing my fashion essentials super easy: the entire contents of my wardrobe are essentially just variations on these ten items.  And it also makes packing a breeze too (not least because, as these pictures will show, I'm pretty slavish in my devotion to black and navy blue, whichs means everything matches).

1. Skinny jeans
The skinnier the better, and preferably in black. I used to love New Look's supersoft skinnies, but they seem to have changed their 'recipe', so now it's all about Topshop's Baxters.

2. A striped Breton top
This is a wardrobe classic for a reason: I always feel stylish without feeling too fashion-y when I wear one.

3. A slouchy tee
This new H&M one is perfect - sleeves that aren't too short, there's a scoop neck that's neither too low nor too high, and I like the breast pocket detail.  At only £6.99, it was my weekend bargain.

4. A pair of ballet pumps
Dorothy Perkins seem to have discontinued my favourite leather ballet pumps, and I'm devastated. They were perfect: totally flat, completely plain, with no bling or bows or faff (the only issue was that they did tend to let in rain).

5. A plain cardigan
A black cardigan is a classic (this one is H&M - again!) and I also find a neutral, beige colour very wearable.

6. A skater dress
Preferably with a Peter Pan collar, with extra points awarded if said collar is crochet, like on this dress from Topshop.

6. An LBD
My favourite black dress is the most wonderful item of clothing I own: kinda baggy and relaxed but fitted at the waist, with pockets (!), it's perfect in winter with tights & brogues and also looks good in summer with sandals.  Casual enough for the pub, smart enough for dinner.  I kick myself that I didn't buy multiple copies when it was still available at H&M.

8. A patterned dress
Generally either polka dots or floral print, with a recent foray into stripes. This pretty tea dress is a very, very old Primark number.

9. Brown leather brogues (winter) or brown leather sandals (summer)
After 34 years of wearing the most inappropriate and rubbish shoes (cheap ballet pumps in autumn rain, flimsy Primark sandals for walking ten miles on holiday), last year something clicked for me. Realising that spending a bit more money + buying from somewhere other than Primark or Dotty P's = dry, cosy and non-blistered feet is not exactly rocket science, but it took me a while to work out. These Clarks brogues are my single most favourite thing when it rains because keeping my feet nice is such a novelty to me.

10. A pair of thick black tights
A wardrobe staple year-round: I wasn't quite sure if these counted as an item of clothing, but they're such a central part of my look that I had to include them.

So, I would love to know what your wardrobe essentials are.  Could you pack just ten items and have enough to see you through a week away?  Or are you a maximalist?