Do You Own These Essential Bottoms?

We’re continuing this week with our Back to the Basics series.   Last week, we went through the essential tops that every woman should have in their closet.  This week, I’m going to walk through the essential bottoms you should have in your wardrobe. Like I said last week, we’re here to help you establish a wardrobe that’s built on top of the basics.  There’s nothing more important than setting the foundation correctly.  Once it is, shopping your closet becomes that much easier.

Every Sunday this month, we’re going to run an entry in our long-running series:  Back to Basics.  Today, we’re focusing on the most essential bottoms in your wardrobe:  

• skirts;
• pants; and 
• denim.

We’ll dig down into each category, and I’ll give you examples of essential skirts for example.  The way to read this post is simple:  in each section, I’ve given you photos of different ways I’ve styled that bottom, with an assortment of links from tried and true retailers to shop the item.  Where I could, I’ve also provided links to pasts posts for more pictures and information about that bottom.  Here are the most essential bottoms any woman should have in their wardrobe.

Skirts 

Let’s kick things off with skirts.  A couple of years ago, I wrote a complete guide to skirts.   Essential skirts I want to talk about today include the: 

• pencil skirt; 
• a-line skirt; 
• slip skirt; and 
• denim skirt. 

Retailers that generally carry these basics are: 

• Banana Republic; 
• Ann Taylor; 
• Talbots; 
• J.Crew; and 
• Nordstrom 

Pencil Skirt

Did you know the first pencil skirt was designed by Christian Dior in 1954? The slim-fitting skirt was a dramatic shift away from tight waists and full skirts which had dictated fashion runways for several years.  Pencil skirts can be dressed up or down.  They’re best paired with: 

• sweaters/cardigans; 
• blazers; 
• button-downs. 

Pencil skirt (black, Ann Taylor) | Pencil skirt (black, Banana Republic)| Long pencil skirt (multi-color, J.Crew)| Pencil skirt (black, J.Crew)

Pencil skirt

Pencil skirt (black, Ann Taylor) | Pencil skirt (black, Banana Republic)| Long pencil skirt (multi-color, J.Crew)| Pencil skirt (black, J.Crew)

A-Line Skirt

A-line skirts are a personal favorite. Much like the pencil skirt, the A-line is a simple style that’s flattering to most figures.  Although slimming too, a-line skirts are a nice departure from the curve-hugging pencil skirt.  To start with, look for an a-line skirt in a neutral:  white, black, or grey.   A-line skirts are best paired with: 

• button-downs; 
• tees; and 
• sweaters/cardigans. 

Mid-rise a-line skirt (black, Liz Claiborne) | Faux leather a-line skirt (black, Ann Taylor) | Wool blend a-line skirt (multi-color, Talbots) | A-line midi skirt (multi-colored, Anthropologie)

Mid-rise a-line skirt (black, Liz Claiborne) | Faux leather a-line skirt (black, Ann Taylor) | Wool blend a-line skirt (multi-color, Talbots) | A-line midi skirt (multi-colored, Anthropologie)

Slip Skirt 

Slip skirts are no muss, no fuss.  Generally, the slip skirt just slides over your hips—super simple.  I generally wear my slip skirts a bit more formally.  They go best with: 

• blouses; 
• button-downs; and 
• cardigans/sweaters. 

Slip skirt (multi-color, J.Crew)| Midi slip skirt (paisley, Talbots) | Slip midi skirt (floral, Anthropologie)| Satin slip skirt (multi-colors, Banana Republic)

Slip skirt (multi-color, J.Crew)| Midi slip skirt (paisley, Talbots) | Slip midi skirt (floral, Anthropologie)| Satin slip skirt (multi-colors, Banana Republic)

Denim Skirt

Every woman should own a denim skirt.  One of the most versatile of all the skirts featured, the denim skirt truly goes with just about everything.  Wear them formally or wear them casually—you truly can’t go wrong.  From a graphic tee to a blouse—you’ll get a lot of mileage out of a denim skirt.  You can start with a traditional blue wash and work your way out to black and white ones too. 

Denim midi skirt (Madewell) | Denim button-front midi skirt (Madewell) | Denim a-line midi skirt (Madewell) |  Denim pencil skirt (Talbots) 

Denim midi skirt (Madewell) | Denim button-front midi skirt (Madewell) | Denim a-line midi skirt (Madewell) |  Denim pencil skirt (Talbots)

Pants

Now on to pants.  Essential pants include: 

• trousers; 
• ankle pants; 
• leggings; and 
• joggers. 

Consistently great formal pant retailers include:

• Ann Taylor;
• Talbots; 
• J.Crew; and
• Nordstrom. 

If you’re looking for something more casual, check out: 

• Gap; and
• Everlane.  

Trousers

Let’s kick things off with a classic pair of trousers.   Trousers are a little more “fun”—a little more “loosey-goosey” than say a pair of straight-leg ankle pants.  When I want to look “put-together” but a little bit more on the casual side, I’m going to go with a pair of trousers.  You can always start with a neutral, but color options can vary wildly with trousers.  Have fun with them, and don’t forget to accessorize.  Add a splash of color with a belt, or pair them with a bomber jacket and impress your kiddos.  You really can’t go wrong here.  

Logan trouser-fit (black, Banana Republic) | Logan trouser-fit (blue, Banana Republic) | Admiral trouser pant (blue, Ann Taylor)| Stretch knit trousers (black, NYDJ)

Logan trouser-fit (black, Banana Republic) | Logan trouser-fit (blue, Banana Republic) | Admiral trouser pant (blue, Ann Taylor)| Stretch knit trousers (black, NYDJ)

Ankle Pants

I love straight-fit ankle pants.  Sleek and elegant, they’re perfect for a night out or a day at the office.  Generally, I dress my ankle pants up, and I try to stick with a neutral: white, black, and/or grey.  Wear them monochromatically, or let them serve as a base in which you add color with your top(s).  Ankle pants are best paired with: 

• cardigans/sweaters; 
• blouses; and
• button-downs. 

Straight leg ankle pant (multi-colors, Talbots) | Straight-fit wool-blend ankle pant (navy, Banana Republic) | Ponte ankle pants (black, Vince Camuto) | Slouch ankle pants (Eileen Fisher) | Pixie pant stretch Ponte (black, J.Crew)

Straight leg ankle pant (multi-colors, Talbots) | Straight-fit wool-blend ankle pant (navy, Banana Republic) | Ponte ankle pants (black, Vince Camuto) | Slouch ankle pants (Eileen Fisher) | Pixie pant stretch Ponte (black, J.Crew)

Leggings

Comfy, casual, and fun.  Every woman needs a good collection of leggings.  Whether you like the faux leather look; are part of the jeggings revival; or you just want a super-simple pair to lounge in, leggings are an essential basic.  But don’t let their looks deceive you:  leggings can reasonably be dressed up too.  You can pair them with a white button-down or a cashmere cardigan for a more formal look, or you can go super casual and wear them with a tee.  The sky is the limit here.  

Leather leggings (black, J.Crew) | High-rise leggings (multi-colors, Gap) | Perform legging (multi-colors, Everlane) | High-rise leggings (multi-colors, J.Crew) 

Leather leggings (black, J.Crew) | High-rise leggings (multi-colors, Gap) | Perform legging (multi-colors, Everlane) | High-rise leggings (multi-colors, J.Crew) 

Joggers

Even before the rise of athleisure wear, joggers were essential to any wardrobe.  I’m loving sweater joggers this season, especially given how cold it’s gotten here in Athens.  But you can’t go wrong with classic or ribbed joggers.  Best paired with: 

• tees; 
• turtlenecks; 
• sweatshirts; or 
• windbreakers 

joggers are the backbone of the classic side of your wardrobe.  

Woven joggers (multi-colors, Talbots)| Vintage soft classic joggers (multi-colors, Gap) | Ribbed joggers (multi-colors, Gap) | The track jogger (multi-colors, Everlane)| Jogger pant in cotton-cashmere (multi-colors, J.Crew)

Woven joggers (multi-colors, Talbots)| Vintage soft classic joggers (multi-colors, Gap) | Ribbed joggers (multi-colors, Gap) | The track jogger (multi-colors, Everlane)| Jogger pant in cotton-cashmere (multi-colors, J.Crew)

Denim

Last but not least:  denim.  In our modern world, denim probably makes up the majority of our wardrobe.  Although that’s not true for everybody, a robust denim collection is important for any classic wardrobe.  A few years ago, I put out my definitive denim guide for women.  Head over there if you’re looking for a deep-dive into denim.  Today, we’re focusing on three types of jeans: 

• black jeans; 
• white jeans; and 
• straight-leg jeans.

If you’re looking to beef up your denim collection, you can’t go wrong with these retailers: 

• Gap;
• Banana Republic; and 
• J.Crew.

Black Jeans

Although denim can always be styled casually, black jeans can definitely serve as go-to formal wear.  A high-rise straight leg or skinny pair is slimming and looks chic when paired with a button-down, turtleneck, or cashmere cardigan.  Let your black jeans serve as your neutral base, and add color with a fall jacket or accessories.  

High-rise, skinny jeans (Gap) | High-rise, slim jeans (Banana Republic) | Slim-straight jeans (J.Crew)| Way-high skinny jeans (Everlane)

High-rise, skinny jeans (Gap) | High-rise, slim jeans (Banana Republic) | Slim-straight jeans (J.Crew)| Way-high skinny jeans (Everlane)

White Jeans

The black jeans counterpart, white jeans work well as formalwear.  Also a neutral base, just like black denim, I love pairing white denim with a camel sweater and/or jacket.  Whether you’re heading back into the office or spending a night out, a pair of white jeans will serve you well.  But just like black jeans, white ones go with anything.  Wear them with a graphic tee in the summer, or a cashmere hoodie in the winter.  You really can’t go wrong.  

High-rise skinny jeans (Banana Republic) | Mid-rise skinny jeans (Banana Republic) | Toothpick jeans (J.Crew) | High-rise, straight-leg jeans (Talbots)

High-rise skinny jeans (Banana Republic) | Mid-rise skinny jeans (Banana Republic) | Toothpick jeans (J.Crew) | High-rise, straight-leg jeans (Talbots)

Straight Leg Jeans

Not a lot to say about classic straight-leg jeans that hasn’t already been said.  The most versatile pant on this list, you can wear this with just about anything.  

High-rise, straight leg jeans (dark indigo, Gap) | High-rise, straight leg jeans (light indigo, Gap) | Classic straight leg jeans (Poole wash, J.Crew) | High rise straight ankle jean (medium ash, Banana Republic)

High-rise, straight leg jeans (dark indigo, Gap) | High-rise, straight leg jeans (light indigo, Gap) | Classic straight leg jeans (Poole wash, J.Crew) | High rise straight ankle jean (medium ash, Banana Republic)

In case you missed it

Make sure to check out the first entry in our Back to Basics refresh:  essential tops that every woman should have in their closet.  You’ll find tons of ideas for tops to pair with today’s essential bottoms. 

Beth Djalali

is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.

She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.

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