Believe it or not, one style fundamental is the denim jacket. Now, bring your mind back from the 80s, we are not talking about some atrocious acid washed affair. Rather, a dark wash jacket with a slimming fit will do you just fine.

Cropped jackets are now qualified as classic pieces as well. Coco Chanel made it famous, and by now it is here to stay. Look for a traditional tweed or a solid color.

And finally, we have the black cashmere wrap, a definite staple for fall and winter — although these days you can see it being worn all year round.

More importantly, however, jeans are a must have in your closet. Make sure they not only fit you, but that they flatter your figure as well. Stretch denim is great for this, but they should only contain about two percent of lycra; that way, the jeans will not lose their shape.

Skinny jeans have become another staple; right at this moment, they are no longer just a trend. However, you need to make sure that do not fit too snugly at your waist. That is a definite fashion don’t.

Khakis have long been a fashion fundamental, because they represent all that is casual and comfortable. You can get them with creases or with a flat front — that one is much more flattering.

For one thing, there is business dress. At some time or another, all of us will need the type of clothing that falls into this category. So, a pair of dress pants, preferably in black, are a definite must have. In the way of skirts, however, a pencil skirt is needed. It is the definition of a classic piece and it is perfect for any number of occasions — even dates! It should fall to just above the knee.

The classic little black dress also needs to make an appearance in your closet. You may call it a cliche, but it has come by that misnomer honestly: no matter what the style or length, the little black dress can make every woman feel beautiful and feminine.

You see, even in the spring and summer, there are times when a lightweight sweater can really pull your look together. And, naturally, in the fall and winter months, there are times when a sweater is absolutely necessary in order to battle the temperatures.

You can never go wrong with a crewneck sweater, for instance. You might like a thinly knitted one, in cotton or in wool. That way you can layer it and get the most of both comfort and versatility.

Of course, a cardigan sweater is the end all, be all of must have sweaters. Neutral shades are the best — and you can never go wrong with a black cardigan.

You should get a longer one, because it will be sure to flatter your figure.

Take, for example, a plain, long sleeved white tee shirt. It offers a slimming silhouette, especially when you choose one that does not cling to your torso, but merely skims your body instead.

A long sleeved black tee shirt is even more versatile, partly because it is astonishingly sophisticated. You can do a lot of layering with a piece like this. For example, you can wear it under a dressier shirt, or even underneath a dress!

And no wardrobe is ever complete without the classic black turtleneck. Cashmere is especially desirable, because it is warm, soft, and utterly decadent.

A white button down shirt is a classic, and when it is fitted, you will get even more wear out of it. After all, a fitted button down will look great whether you tuck it in or wear it left out and loose.

A crisp white blouse is a must have as well. Shirts like this tend to look much softer than the classic button down. You can wear it with anything from jeans to dress pants to skirts and beyond. It can be paired with any number of different items, so you will definitely get a lot of wear out of this piece as well.

As women we naturally want to look good; we give into these trends — and little by little, our closet space gets taken over by all the little items we will never be wearing again.

By far the best way to shop is to pick and choose the fads that really catch your fancy, and then pair them up with the fashion basics that always look good, no matter what.

Take the classic black tank top, for example — you can pair it with so many things, it never goes out of style. Ditto for short sleeved white and black tee shirts.