Fall is in the air, and it’s time to transition our closets from summer chic to cozy sweaters and boots. But while you’re getting your closets ready for the next season, some staples should be in your closet year around. Katy Gold, a Middle Tennessee State University alum and manager of e.Allen Boutique shares some of her favorite staples and basics that should be in your closet all the time, no matter the season.
“Your basics are your foundation,” Gold said. “For me, investment pieces are essential when it comes to the classic items. If it’s high-quality and you’ll keep it forever, it’s worth your money.
A good pair of jeans
A good pair of jeans that fit well will never go out of style, and they’re easy to dress up or down, depending on what you pair with your denim.
“A good, clean pair of medium to dark wash jeans will allow you to transition from casual to dressy with a nice shoe,” explained Gold.
T-shirts and tank tops
T-shirts and tank tops are great layering pieces as the summer turns into fall. Paired with a cardigan, light sweater, or blazer, they’re the perfect weight as the summer temperatures linger into fall.
“You need quality T-shirts and tanks. I love black and white. If you like gray, pop that in there. A good stripe or boat neck tee is also great to have. These are essential classics you can pop on with a variety of bottoms regardless of your everyday style,” Gold explained.
A great fitting blazer
Blazers no longer just fit into the business world. They’re a fashion staple that can easily be dressed up or down and layered with your favorite t-shirt, blouse, or dress.
“A neutral blazer is a good thing to have to layer over pieces that you may be wearing mid to late summer, and they’re going to get you well into fall, especially here where we put the jacket on in the morning, and it’s off by midday because it’s 85 degrees”
A good essential heel and dress
There’s nothing better than a perfectly fitting dress and shoes, especially when you can transition those pieces into fall.
“A slip dress is one of the easiest pieces to take from daytime to nighttime by popping on a blazer and changing up your shoes or accessories. A clean, neutral heel or dressy sandal is perfect to mix and match with many of those staple pieces and are definitely must-haves in my closet,” Gold said.
Gold is originally from Lewisburg, Tennessee, and graduated from MTSU’s Apparel Design program in 2014. She has worked at e.Allen in Murfreesboro as a stylist and is now the store’s manager.
“The education I received at MTSU prepared me for the evolution of my career. A creative eye will get you far. But it was the guidance of my instructors and my dedication to the coursework that paid off in ways I continue to see today,” Gold said.
“I had the best foundation as far as family, boyfriend (now husband), and friends to help support and establish myself to be able to follow my dreams.”