Could you? Really?
It's a question we asked ourselves last week when a British newspaper put together a list of 40 things we should stop doing right now, and included 'owning more than 10 items of clothing'.
Is it really possible to have just 10 pieces of clothing in rotation and a) feel excited about getting dressed each morning, and b) look appropriate for all everyday situations?
While our initial reaction was 'errr, no', a little thought into the matter got us thinking: maybe, just maybe it could work. Could this, in fact, be the shortcut to sartorial enlightenment?
But, most importantly, what would those 10 pieces be?
It is appropriate to issue certain caveats here: accessories are not part of the 10-item 'rule', so you could still go crazy for bags, jewellery etc, and events denoting a particular dress code should also be thought of as outside of the restrictions - you don't want to be that person at your friend's wedding who is woefully underdressed, do you? Thought not. Likewise, weather-appropriate footwear - you can't stomp through the snow in Converse..
1. A pair of jeans
Every wardrobe needs a pair of jeans. They're the ultimate unbiased essential, transgressing age and gender and available in an array of styles - there's literally something out there to suit every shape and size.
The key to incorporating them into your 10-piece wardrobe is to find your denim life partner. While this may sound - *rolls eyes* - tedious, once you've found them, it will be worth it.
Our advice? For denim that suits most occasions opt for a darker, inky wash and avoid rips and excessive distressing.
2. A blazer
Meet your new wardrobe BFF.
Need to dress up your most casual outfit? Just add a blazer! Think of it as your last-minute-meeting/dinner invitation saviour, if you will.
If you're feeling flush, invest in a classic Stella McCartney design - the designer is beloved for her beautifully-cut versions available in a rainbow of colours. On the high street, head to Zara, Whistles and Reiss.
We recommend opting for one in black or navy to maximise its uses.
3. A wool coat
A good quality wool coat is one of the best investments you could make - it will see you through countless winters.
In an ideal world, ours would be by Celine; the clean-lined signature Crombie style in camel, grey, black or navy.
Be sure to pack it safely away from wool-munching months during the summer months.
4. A white shirt
The answer to your Monday morning wardrobe blues.
So easy and suitable for all seasons: under a jumper in winter, a blazer in spring, alone in summer. You get the picture.
Keep it crisply ironed and wash with a touch of bleach every now and then for optimal brightness.
5. A dress
We'd need a dress amongst our 10 items - preferably one we can dress up and down with equal ease.
The current trend for silky slip dresses is spot-on as it can be layered or worn alone.
Take Veronika Heilbrunner's (pictured) lead and add a long-sleeved tee or polo neck and tights for a wintry daytime look, or wear alone with heels for an evening event, or flats for a summery get-up.
6. A Breton top
Clothing doesn't come much more classic than the Breton top.
Made a must-have by Gabrielle ' Coco' Chanel, who spotted it on sailors while holidaying on the French Riviera and made it a part of her 1917 collection, it is truly timeless.
It's beauty lies in the fact it can be dressed up or down - it's truly multipurpose.
7. A pair of tailored trousers
Thanks to the likes of Phoebe Philo, Creative Director at Celine, tailored trousers are no longer the reserve of the office.
A neatly-cut pair are essential, whether you pair them with trainers, smart flats or heels.
Add a blazer to smarten up, or pair with a Breton tee to dress down.
8. A cashmere jumper
If you look after it properly, a cashmere jumper will last you years.
Whether crew neck or v-neck, opt for neutral tones, like grey, navy and beige for maximum wearability.
We recommend trying out men's style too (Uniqlo is great for reasonably-priced versions) - they're roomier and offer a more relaxed fit.
9. A pair of flats
Obviously.
Whether you go for Gucci loafers, a pair of trusty Converse or some delicate pointed flats, we all need a pair of reliable flat shoes.
10. A pair of heels
If we could really only have one pair of heels in our wardrobe, we'd go for something like Chanel's two-tone slingback.
They're not too high, but high enough for a significant boost. Plus, they are a total classic that will never date - and that, after all, is the key to a tightly edited wardrobe.
