STYLE
Fashion
100 style essentials
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On top...
1. A button-down shirt
Always a sharp layering piece—dress it up or down. Opt for a white or floral one.
2. Tees
Printed, plain, v-neck or striped, a girl can never have enough tees.
>> 3. A ruffled shirt
A sweet, ruffly top adds texture and flirtiness to any outfit.Nickleby bib top, $80, jcrew.com
4. Tanks
You can wear ribbed ones or camis under just about everything.
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On the bottom...
>> 5. Skinny jeans
Your go-tos: works with everything you own.
Forever skinny jeans, $50, gap.com
6. Trousers
The wider leg and higher waist is super flattering. Love them in denim or pinstripes.
7. Super dark jeans
Officially dress jeans, but you can sooo wear them with sneaks, too.
8. White skinnies
Super chic, and you can rock them way past Labor Day.
9. Black pants
Channel Audrey in a slim, tapered cut. Chic, clean and classic.
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Your best dresses and skirts...
>> 10. A glittery number
Every gal needs a super-fun sequined piece that makes you feel like a million bucks every time you put it on.Silence & Noise Lords Leaping Dress, $80, urbanoutfitters.com
11. A little black dress
An LBD can go anywhere, from you choral performance to a homecoming dance.
12. A sweater dress
Yep, you can look cute ‘n’ girly in the winter.
13. An A-line skirt
We swear: they flatter all body types.
14. A pencil skirt
Make it high-waisted and have it hit just below the knee. Fierce.
15. A mini skirt
Casually cute in denim for day or totally rockin’ in black for night.
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On your tootsies: every day...
16. Black flats
Get two pairs—you can wear these chicsters all the time.>> 17. Red flats or pumps
Way more versatile than you might think.Tommy Hilfiger Tacey Flat, $60 dsw.com
18. Flip-flops
Cute and comfy for strolling the boardwalk. Be warned: they’ll trash your feet if you wear them 24/7.
19. Cute sneaks
Hello, weekend staple. Non-sporty girls can opt for moccasins instead.
>> 20. Flat sandals
A strappy pair gives you a world-traveler vibe.Forest metal leaf detail chiffon tie sandals, $70, topshop.com
21. Patterned flats
Slip on floral flats and you’ll look like you put more thought into your jeans and a tee than ya really did.
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On your tootsies:boots 'n' heels...
22. Knee-high boots
Flat knee-highs look great with everything. Heeled ones are harder to pull off.
23. Wellies
Waterproof and a fashion statement—when else does that happen?
>> 24. Ankle booties
A mid-height heel is totally walkable and a wee bit rocker.Gloria Bootie, $175, dakotacollective.com
25. A mid-height heel
Shorter heels look just as polished and, um, you can walk in them without practicing.
26. Major heels
We could go on and on about our faves. If you have to just buy one pair, make them black patent. Next on the list is a pair of pink, nude and animal-print ones.
>> 27. Wedges
They’ll pair well with everything from jeans to skirts. A peep-toe pair is the perfect way to welcome in spring.
Restricted Women's Bentley Peep-Toe Wedge, $90, endless.com
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Bras to swear by...
28. A shelf bra
Just starting out? A light shelf is perfect.
29. Slightly padded
A lightly padded bra smoothes and adds a bit of oomph.
30. A racerback
Racerbacks hide bra straps from outside viewers. Tank goodness!
31. A strapless
Look for one with boning on the side and silicone strips along the top and bottom. They’ll help them stay put.
>> 32. The girly bra
Frilly details fun up an everyday fave and add a girly touch.Brooke Scattered Floral Plunging Push-Up Bra, $40, ae.com
33. Sports bras
They keep your breast tissue safe when you’re on the field. Absolutely mandatory the second you start to develop.
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In your panty drawer...
34. Everyday panties
Cotton briefs are a comfy option, no matter what. Stock up when they’re on sale.
35. Hipsters
A low-slung pair hides away under low-rise jeans. Say no to panty peep shows!
36. Boy shorts
Fuller cuts work under everything from skirts to sweats.
>> 37. Funsy
Wear them every time ya need a pick-me-up.Smooth Stretchy Bikini in Stripes, $11, victoriassecret.com
38. Seamless
Got a fitted dress? Go seamless and avoid telltale panty lines. Phew.
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In your sock drawer...
39. Colorful tights
Forget sheer. Dark tights add more life to summer dresses, and bright tights make black dresses and skirts way more fun.
40. Black opaque tights
Fab for when you’re dressing up in chilly weather.
41. Wooly tights
Adds a certain coziness to fall and winter skirts and dresses (though we wear them under jeans, too).
>> 42. Knee-high socks
Rock ’em with boots, not loafers, to avoid looking like an old Britney Spears video.Angora Lurex Over The Knee Sock, $18, urbanoutfitters.com
43. Black leggings
Possibly the most versatile piece in your closet. Rock them under dresses, skirts and tunics.
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All the bags you'll ever need...
44. A weekender
A cute bag you can sling from sleepovers to the slopes is a must. Look for something sturdy so you’re not replacing it all the time.
45. A tote
From books to beauty products, a carryall is a cinchy way to haul all for school days.
>> 46. A clutch
Makes a total statement for fancy nights out. Just make sure you have a good mani before you show it off.
Black Poppy Rocker Chick Clutch, $20, pacsun.com
47. A mid-sized leather bag
Definitely worth the investment—it’ll only get better with age. Hint: find one at a vintage or resale shop to save moolah.
48. Black structured bag
Dresses up jeans and goes with your frocks, too.
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Things that sparkle...
49. Dangly earrings
Ups the flirt factor on your outfit—big time.
50. Bangles and cuffs
A single one looks posh, multiple ones look boho.
>> 51. Statement ring
All the bling you need when your dress has a lot going on.Kate Spade New York "All Wrapped Up" Large Bow Ring, $75, nordstrom.com
52. Layered necklaces
Pick one that’s loaded with texture, with ribbons and chains to quickly update any tee.
53. Pearl necklace
Whether it’s real or faux, every girl should own one (or two).
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Belts, scarves 'n' more...
>> 54. A skinny belt
When worn around the waist, makes your middle look mini.Scallops & Sparkles Belt, $32, anthropologie.com
55. A wide belt
Great for cinching over open cardis or a white shirt.
56. A metallic belt
Gives black tops and dresses a hint of shimmer and shine.
57. A statement headband
Adds a bit of whimsy to an everyday ensemble.
58. Scarves aplenty
Perks up outfits throughout every season. Thin cotton ones can be worn year ‘round.
59. A summer hat
We’re obsessed with wide-brimmed numbers and fedoras—keeps the sun off your face and looks a little bit exotic.
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Cute toppers...
60. A military jacket
An olive green number adds instant toughness to whatever you’re wearing.
>> 61. A menswear vest
A borrowed-from-the-boys piece mixed with girly items will always look cool.byCORPUS Menswear Wool Vest, $20, urbanoutfitters.com62. A skinny cardigan
When all else fails, a slim-fitting cardi saves the day.
63. A hoodie that’s in good shape
Nothing ripped, stained or stretched out. They exist!
64. A chunky sweater
In a neutral color like soft gray or off-white, it exudes coziness.
65. A blazer
Black, cropped, BF, pin-striped…snag one that suits your style.
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Awesome outerwear...
66. A jean jacket
Totally all-American. Great over summer dresses and skirts.
67. A trench coat
Classic khaki is fab, but don’t be afraid to try a bold hue.
>> 68. A leather jacket
Equally awesome atop jeans or a party frock. Faux is A-OK (and cheaper), too.Black Creased Crop Faux Leather Biker Jacket, $110, topshop.com
69. A wool coat
A black wool coat keeps you lookin’ sharp in the winter.
70. Puffers
Coats or vests—Karen the Editor’s number one pick, hands down.
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For your peepers...
71. A shadow quad
Morphs ya into a makeup artist in an instant. Purples flatter everyone, but grays are smoky-cool.
Maybelline EyeStudio Eyeshadow Quad Purple Icon, $10, beauty.com
72. A pearly shadow
Wakes up your eyes with zero effort. Doubles as a thick liner.
Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner, $19, benefitcosmetics.com73. Brown pencil liner
Fills in brows, lines rims more subtly than black.
74. Black gel liner
Tricky at first, but once ya get the hang of it? Pure retro genius.
Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, $21, bobbibrowncosmetics.com
>> 75. Black mascara
At the moment, we’re taken with Maybelline’s The Falsies. Crazy long lashes in a swipe.
The Falsies Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara in Very Black, $5, walmart.com
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For your pout...
>> 76. Clear gloss
Wear it alone or over a bold lipstick to make it less intense.
BonneBell VitaGlossO2, bonnebell.com
77. Yummy balm
Rosebud Salve hydrates and keeps your pucker shiny.
Smith’s Rosebud Salve, $8, urbanoutfitters.com
78. Coral
Every spring we’re thrilled to break out the coral after a winter of dark hues.
Posietint, $18, benefitcosmetics.com
79. Pink
To keep it most wearable, snag a shade that’s within a couple colors of your natural lip color.
80. Red
Here’s the no-fail guide: Fair skin should go with pink undertones. Medium skin dazzles with terra cotta undertones. Girls with dark should nab gold ones. Done and done.
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To keep that complexion glowing...
81. Concealer
Neutralize the dark area, but never go more than two shades lighter than your skin tone.
82. Foundation
Great for when you want flawless coverage. Remember: you’ll prob need diff formulas for summer and winter.
CoverGirl Clean Oil Control Foundation Classic Ivory, $7, cvs.com
>> 83. Blush
Rosy tones are flattering on nearly everyone. Smile, apply to your apples and dash.
e.l.f. cosmetics Essentials Natural Radiance Blusher, $1, eyeslipsface.com
84. Bronzer
Too dark or too sparkly are the kiss of death for this powder.
Benefit Hoola, $28, benefitcosmetics.com
85. Something shimmery
Yes! A little highlighter on the outer corner of your eyes or upper cheekbones lights up your look for a night out.
Make Up For Ever in Lift Concealer, $22, sephora.com
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On your tips...
86. A nude polish
Match your skin tone for a crazy chic mani. This hue magically works on everyone.
Butter London in Yummy Mummy, $14, Nordstrom.com
87. A base coat
Makes sure your polish stays in place and doesn’t chip away. Million-day manis.
OPI Natural Base Coat, $8, drugstore.com
>> 88. Candy hues
Pastel polish adds a bit of girly fun to your mitts.
Models Own Nail Polish in Pastel Pink, $8, urbanoutfitters.com
89. Red lacquer
Short cherry nails are always in style.
Orly Haute Red, $8, beauty.com
90. A navy polish
Less intense than black, but still plenty of nighttime drama.
Sally Hansen Nail Polish in Navy Baby, $7, cvs.com
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Make your locks look amazing...after you shampoo and condition, natch!
91. A dry shampoo
Keeps locks lookin’ fresh on the run.
Oscar Blandi Pronto Invisible Volumizing Dry Shampoo Spray, $11, folica.com
92. A leave-in conditioner
A total godsend: detangles and defines curls.
Mixed Chicks Leave-in Conditioner, $18, drugstore.com
93. Hairspray
Pass by anything too stiff and pick up a can of Elnett.
L'Oreal Elnett Extra StrongHold UV Hair Spray, $12, target.com
>> 94. A beach spray
Helps ya land summery waves in any season. Simply apply to damp hair, braid locks and sleep on it. Shake it out in the a.m.
Sedu Beach Beauty Sea Salt Texturizing Spray, $10, amazon.com
95. An anti-frizz serum
John Freida’s life-saving product means you never have to battle frizzies again.
John Frieda Collection Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Original Formula, $10, walgreens.com
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Keep your skin gorge...
96. An SPF lotion
Get a moisturizer for your face and one for your entire bod. Use liberally—daily.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock Lotion SPF 30, $10, walgreens.com
97. A tinted moisturizer
Makes skin look alive when you wake up a little pale (or tired).
Physicians Formula Mineral Tinted Moisturizer Light to Natural 1123, $11, cvs.com
>> 98. A moisturizing body wash
The ones by Bath and Body Works make your shower smell amazing.
Signature Collection Classics in Sheer Freesia, $11, bathandbodyworks.com
99. A face wash
Use a super mild formula to avoid irritating skin.
Olay Gentle Foaming Face Wash Sensitive Skin, $5, cvs.com
100. Spot treatments
Pop this on as soon as you feel a zit coming.
Neutrogena On-the-Spot Acne Treatment, Vanishing Formula, $7, drugstore.com
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