more wardrobe essentials: statements

Last fall we discussed wardrobe essentials - those go-to items in your closet that mean you always have something to wear. The 5 I featured were an army jacket, something leopard, chambray shirt, a statement necklace or great scarf, basic dress - and actually my true essentials probably number closer to 10, also including dark jeans, striped tees, a fitted blazer, gold flats, riding boots. Most of these are pretty basic building blocks, which are important, but to make a wardrobe interesting, I would say that it's also essential to have a few statement items, pieces you can add to those basics to make an outfit.

These items are going to be different for everyone; they're what defines your own style and adds the unique twist to your wardrobe, but they might fit into some general categories. A few examples:

boutique sweater jacket (best hand-me-down ever, thanks mom!) | thrifted red knit blazer | Steve Madden via TJ Maxx gold purse | Anthropologie collar necklace | Zara tassel flats | Kenneth Cole Reaction via DSW gold flats (that sadly I wore holes through) | Loft sequin skirt

These are the unique sort of pieces that I add to the chambray or stripes that everyone else has to make an outfit my own. Statement wardrobe essentials aren't not exactly one-of-a-kind, since they're not custom made or anything, but they're beyond the basics everyone sees at the same stores. Instead, find them at stores like Anthropologie or local boutiques, bring them home as travel souvenirs, or if you have a good eye for it, find them at thrift shops. They don't have to be expensive - though investing in any of the above would have been a good buy for me, I wear them so much - just different or interesting things that can make an outfit special.

Part of how I know these are my standout personal style items: they're by far the most complimented and commented on things I wear. So on days I'm not so much feeling my wardrobe, I pull one of these out. Not exactly to fish for compliments (though that's always nice!) but because I know it's a tried and true, me kind of outfit.

So what are your unique statement wardrobe essentials?