I love a well-ordered closet that hums along on a daily basis and consistently provides creative and useful answers to the daily question of what to wear.  Your closet should work for you like your car does - it's reliable, it suits your daily needs and it makes you happy when you use it.  And one way to achieve that happy, humming closet is to make sure the basic building blocks are there that suit your lifestyle.  So, for a casual wardrobe, this season, here's an overview of pieces that work together to take you from daytime to date-time!

Great denim!  What makes a pair of jeans great?  Dark color, good fit, and a pant leg that flatters your body shape.  Dark is always best because it anchors your look.  Good fit is essential for feeling both comfortable and confident.   Boot cut is flattering on most body shapes since it balances out your hips and shoulders.  Keep one pair of dressy jeans and another that's for everyday. 

A jacket or sweater that dresses up the jeans and gives you a more finished look.  This season you can wear belts to emphasize your waist either over or under the jacket or over the sweater.

Great tees in a neckline that flatters your shoulders and bust.  If you're bigger up top try a v-neck to break up the overall space and a necklace or scarf if you feel modest or cold.  Tees can be layered to cover your waist or lower back or they can be layered to add an extra color to your look.  It's worth it to invest in a good name brand tee because the fabric and construction will be higher quality and these staples get a lot of wear in the summer.  Wash them in cold and don't dry them to make them last longer.

A dress this season is a MUST.  Pick a fabric that drapes over you in a flattering way, check the neckline to make sure it frames your face and bust, and look for a hemline that falls at one of the skinnier parts of your leg (just above and below the knee and above the ankle). 

I love a silk blouse.  Keeping one of these in the closet will let you dress up without working too hard.  If you have something that you know you love - like a skirt or a short or a pant or even a scarf - then make sure you add that into the mix.  It makes your style all your own no matter what the magazines say!

Accessories in bright colors.  Wear them with neutral basics so that you don't look too flashy.  You can bring last year's clothes right up to the fashion moment by simply adding a bright knit top or patent leather shoe into your outfit.  When combining these brights, don't overdo it. Try adding a necklace or belt in a softer shade of the same color to pull the outfit "together."

Skirts, shorts, flip flops for the beach and the specific items that relate to your daily events and activities should be available too.  You don't need a lot in the wardrobe - just the items that work hard for you every day!