Oprah's list be damned.

Apparently, Oprah doesn't want us ladies to be shlumpadinkas. (Yes, she is powerful enough to be able to make up her own words.)  As part of a recent episode (Shlumpadinka Makeovers), Oprah directed her minions to make over some shlumpadinka ladies, and instead of taking women to Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom, they went places more readily available (via location and price) to the masses (like JC Penney, The Gap and Sears).  All hail, Oprah!

Further, her stylist Lloyd Boston unveiled his list of ten wardrobe must haves:

1. Trench coat.
2. Black (or white) turtleneck.
3. Black trousers.
4. Tunic.
5. White jeans.
6. Dark jeans.
7. Black dress.
8. White denim jacket.
9. Black skirt.
10. Timeless cashmere sweater.

The only thing I really have to say is OMG, WHITE JEANS.

Moving on.

Now, you know the internets would have something to say about this.  And, BOY, did we ever.  Susan of Friday Style tasked us with coming up with our own list of ten must have wardrobe items. 

Here's my list of 10 wardrobe must-haves.

1. Dark jeans: high and low (one for heels, one for flats).  I love trouser jeans - especially ones that I can wear to work, too.
2. Black trousers: high and low (see above).
3. Turtleneck. Black is a great color to start with, then go for a punch of color.
4. White t-shirt. Make sure it's not see through and is nice enough to be worn on its own.  Choose a neckline that works on your body; whether it's crew, scoop or v.  Expand the colors to include black and brown.
5. Button-up shirt. The length of the sleeves will depend on your climate.  White is a great color to start with, but blue and grey are also lovely.  And, yes, the Oprah shirt, is a fantasic option.  I have it in light blue and pink checked, natch.
6. Khaki pants. These can be whatever color works for your style (I have khakis in tan, brown, and black).
7. Twill jacket (could also be a tailored jeans jacket). Dressy enough to pair with trousers, but could also work with the khakis or jeans. Would also look great over the button-up, white t-shirt or turtleneck.
8. V-neck sweater (not black).  Something in silk and/or cashmere. 
9. Three-season coat. This could be a trench coat and think about doing this in a bright color like blue or red.
10. Scarf.  Oh, how I love my scarfs.  I have them in wool and jersey.  Susan provides a great tutorial of ways to tie scarves, so there's no excuse for not being able to figure it out.  This can really sophisticate an outfit.

Now, I have a few more additions for those of us whose work wardrobe must include some dressier items.

1. All-season suit, preferably in black.  You may be able to combine a pair of the black pants from above with a matching suit jacket and save a bit of money.  Be sure to find the fit that works best for your body.  You'll have this suit for a while.
2. A dressy sweater set (not in black).  I prefer a sleeveless tank under a full-sleeve button up sweater.  You can easily break these two items up and combine with the other shirts above. 
3. Pin-stripped trousers.  We've got to mix it up a little bit.
4. Patterned top.  This can be a jersey knit or another stretch fabric.
5. Non-black suit jacket. Could be houndtooth, could be velvet.  Will be lovely, for sure.

And for the few summer months here in Seattle.

1. White poplin trousers (please make sure they are lined!).  They make everything else in your wardrobe look summery.  Somehow, white poplin trousers = perfect!  And white jeans = hideous.
2. Short-sleeved "stuff": a button-up, sweater and jersey knit.
3. Capris and/or knee length shorts.  I'm in my early 30s and no one needs to see my upper thighs unless we're on vacation.

Finally one "bonus" item.

1. "The Dress".  You may have noticed that I haven't previously listed a skirt or dress.  Frankly, I'm not often caught in one.  But I do think that it is important to own a few that look and feel great on when you need to wear one.  And, for the record, if you are a person that likes to wear skirts, you can easily switch out the khakis or jeans from above for a jean or khaki skirt.  Don't worry, I won't be offended.

Next up?  THE SHOES (via the direction of Merry Mishaps).  Which to me, is as important as (if not MORE important) the clothes. Because no matter what shape or size I am, I can always find shoes that fit.