Fab's done a couple of features recently on Nina Garcia, Tim Gunn, and Fab's own ten essential pieces to every wardrobe, so I was inspired to do my own. I tried to come up with my list before looking at theirs, but of course a lot of the essentials repeat. (Fab's posts: http://fabsugar.com/tags/ten+essentials)

The ones I chose are pretty basic and solid or demure patterns/colors because if they're essentials, they've got to work with almost any outfit...but everything still has something unique to it because just b/c they're essentials doesn't mean they need to be minimal or typical.

1. Trench coat (I prefer belted b/c it's so much more flattering on everyone.)
2. Cardigan
3. Pumps
4. Casual flats
5. Black blazer
6. LBD
7. White button-up
8. Jeans (A timeless cut like straight or bootcut.)
9. Skirt
10. Black pants (These are technically wide, but they give a great, clean line.)
*Bonus*. Embellished top

What do you think? What are your 10 essentials?