Hi there! Thanks for purchasing a Starter Kit Wardrobe Guide®! This shopping guide is a complimentary bonus resource to help you shop. It includes just a few options for some of the key pieces in the guide. Some items look very similar to what is shown in the guide while others are very different in order to provide alternative ideas for what to include in your wardrobe.
Please note that these links are updated bi-weekly during the corresponding season by either myself or a PMT team member. For this guide, links are updated regularly during the months of winter: December, January, and February.
SIZING INFO: For reference I am 5’6″ and usually size 6/8 or S/M in clothes and 8.5 to 9 in shoes. I (or one of my team members) note sizing for any options I’ve tried below.
I hope this helps you build your wardrobe with a little more ease!
-Audrey
PHASE 1: CORE BASICS
1 & 2. Neutral Sweaters
- Option 1 – Amazon Goodthreads Sweater
- Option 2 – Amazon Aware Ribbed Crewneck
- Plus Size Option 1 – Amazon The Drop Puff Shoulder Sweater – goes to size 3X
- Plus Size Option 2 – Nordstrom Vince Camuto Cozy Seam V-Neck
3. Neutral Printed Top
- Option 1 – VERY soft and stretchy. Fitted, not loose, so it tucks neatly into bottoms. Audrey wears size M.
- Option 2 – Amazon button down blouse
- Option 3 – Amazon woven blouse. Try the black and white leopard or navy dots print.
- Option 4 – Amazon Essentials. Go for the “black white dots” print.
- Option 5 – Kohl’s Ruffle Neck Striped Tee
- Plus Size Option 1 – Kohl’s Printed Long Sleeve Tees
- Plus Size Option 2 – Nine West Button Blouse
- Plus Size Option 3 – Nordstrom Rack Disty Heart Blouse
- Plus Size Option 4 – Kohl’s Ruffle Neck Striped Tee
- Plus Size Option 5 – Amazon button down blouse
4. Printed Top
- Option 1 – Kohl’s Smocked Peasant Top
- Option 2 – J.Crew Factory Printed Blouse
- Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Cotton Poplin Ruffle Top
- Option 4 – Kohl’s Ruffle Neck Blouse
- Plus Size Option 1 – Kohl’s Smocked Peasant Top
- Plus Size Option 2 – J.Crew Factory Printed Blouse
- Plus Size Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Cotton Poplin Ruffle Top
- Plus Size Option 4 – Kohl’s Ruffle Neck Blouse
5. Neutral Cardigan
- Option 1 – Amazon, Grace Karin, soft with pockets, various colors – a PMT staff favorite
- Option 2 – Old Navy, Long-Line Open-Front Sweater, various colors, regular/tall/petite sizes – Audrey wears size S
- Option 3 – Amazon, Long-Sleeve Open-Front Cardigan, various colors
- Option 4 – Kohl’s Croft & Barrow
- Plus Size Option 1 – Amazon Essentials – goes to size 6X
- Plus Size Option 2 – Amazon, Grace Karin, soft with pockets, a PMT staff favorite – goes to size 3X
- Plus Size Option 3 – Kohl’s Croft & Barrow
6. Neutral Fitted Cardigan or Blazer
- Option 1 – J.Crew Factory Chelsea Sweater Blazer – comfy like a sweater with the structure of a blazer
- Option 2 – Kohl’s Nine West Blazer. Soft, stretchy, and comfortable.
- Option 3 – Macy’s, INC Menswear Blazer
- Option 4 – Kohl’s Lauren Conrad Fitted Blazer
- Option 5 – J.Crew Factory fitted cardigan
- Option 6 – J.Crew Factory Schoolboy Sweater Blazer – comfy like a sweater with the structure of a blazer
- Plus Size Option 1 – J.Crew Factory Chelsea Sweater Blazer – comfy like a sweater with the structure of a blazer
- Plus Size Option 2 – Kohl’s Nine West Blazer. Soft, stretchy, and comfortable.
- Plus Size Option 3 – Macy’s, Crepe One-Button Blazer
- Plus Size Option 4 – J.Crew Factory fitted cardigan – goes to size 3X
- Plus Size Option 5 – J.Crew Factory Schoolboy Sweater Blazer – comfy like a sweater with the structure of a blazer (Currently out of stock in most sizes but leaving it up here because it often comes back in stock.)
7. Black Pants
- Option 1 – Old Navy High Waisted Pixie Straight Leg Pants
- Option 2 – Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 4. Goes in and out of stock.
- Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Slim Ruby Pants. Various lengths, sizes, and colors.
- Option 4 – J.Crew Factory Flare Pant
- Option 5 – Amazon Straight Leg Pants. Very stretchy and comfy. Audrey wears size M.
- Plus Size Option 1 – Old Navy High Waisted Pixie Straight Leg Pants
- Plus Size Option 2 – Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 4. Goes in and out of stock.
- Plus Size Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Slim Ruby Pants. Various lengths, sizes, and colors.
- Plus Size Option 4 – J.Crew Factory Flare Pant
8. Navy or Gray Pants (Same options as above)
- Option 1 – Old Navy High Waisted Pixie Straight Leg Pants
- Option 2 – Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 4. Goes in and out of stock.
- Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Slim Ruby Pants. Various lengths, sizes, and colors.
- Option 4 – J.Crew Factory Flare Pant
- Option 5 – Amazon Straight Leg Pants. Very stretchy and comfy. Audrey wears size M.
- Plus Size Option 1 – Old Navy High Waisted Pixie Straight Leg Pants
- Plus Size Option 2 – Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 4. Goes in and out of stock.
- Plus Size Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Slim Ruby Pants. Various lengths, sizes, and colors.
- Plus Size Option 4 – J.Crew Factory Flare Pant
9. Colored Pants
- Option 1 – Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 4. Goes in and out of stock.
- Option 2 – Kohl’s Effortless Stretch Pull-On Pants
- Option 3 – Amazon, Ease Into Comfort Barely Bootcut Stretch Pants, regular and short sizes
- Option 4 – Old Navy Full Length Pixie Pants. Lots of colors.
- Plus Size Option 1 – Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 4. Goes in and out of stock.
- Plus Size Option 2 – Kohl’s Effortless Stretch Pull-On Pants
- Plus Size Option 3 – Old Navy Full Length Pixie Pants. Lots of colors – goes to size 30
CORE ACCESSORIES
These accessories may look simple, but they will pull together your outfits!
1. Bag
- Option 1 – Amazon, LOTS of colors!, “Dark Grey” is what’s shown in this guide
- Option 2 – Kohl’s Lauren Conrad Tote
- Option 3 – Nordstrom, Madewell Leather Medium Transport Tote, color: English Saddle (more of an investment but wears well and has great pockets)
2. Long Metallic Pendant
- Option 1 – Gold Locket Pendant. Goes with everything.
- Option 2 – Amazon Long Pendant, LOTS of colors
- Option 3 – If you’d rather go for a short pendant necklace, do it! It will still add a lot of polish. Linked here is an initial necklace, which goes with a lot of things. The link is an Amazon dupe of a nearly identical necklace that costs almost 4x as much. (THIS is the one that costs 4X as much.)
3. Metallic Statement Necklace
- Option 1 – Francesca’s, Rebecca Sandblast Fringe Statement Necklace, identical to one of Audrey’s favorites shown above, goes in and out of stock
- Option 2 – Amazon, Gold Bar Statement Necklace, similar to one shown above
- Option 3 – Amazon, Layered Chain Necklace
4. Metallic Lightweight Leather Earrings
- Option 1 – Nickel & Suede, Bronze Leaf Gem Leather Earrings
- Option 2 – Nickel & Suede, Bronze Leaf Leather Teardrop Earrings – Audrey wears size M in this style
- Option 3 – Nickel & Suede, Gold Leaf Leather Teardrop Earrings – Audrey wears size M in this style
5. Black Shoes
- Option 1 – Gap Kitten Heel Booties. These have a lower heel so they are easier to walk in. They also have a higher shaft, so they work more easily under straight leg and bootcut pants. Audrey wears size 9.
- Option 2 – Amazon Low Kitten Heel Booties, several styles in black
- Option 3 – Amazon Aerosoles Mid Calf Boot. Wide width available.
- Option 4 – Amazon Anne Klein Chelsea Booties
- Option 5 – Amazon DREAM PAIRS Pumps. Great reviews. Pretty affordable. Lots of colors.
- Option 6 – Amazon LAICIGO Pumps. Great reviews. Pretty affordable. Lots of colors.
6. Cognac, Brown, or Taupe Shoes
Nude and tan are great for lighter palettes when black feels a bit too stark. Choose nude or tan pumps, wedges, or flats.
- Option 1 – Amazon The Drop Cognac Bootie – Audrey wears size 9
- Option 2 – Amazon Low Kitten Heel Booties
- Option 3 – Amazon Aerosoles Mid Calf Boot. Wide width available.
- Option 4 – Amazon Anne Klein Chelsea Booties
7. Leopard Print Shoes (Optional)
- Option 1 – Amazon Low Kitten Heel Leopard Print Booties, two leopard print styles
- Option 2 – Amazon Allegra K Kitten Heel Leopard Print Booties
- Option 3 – DSW Isobel Leopard Print Booties
- Option 4 – Amazon High Heel Booties
8. Colored Pumps (Optional)
- Option 1 – Amazon Mettesally
- Option 2 – Amazon Yodeks Patent Pumps
- Option 3 – Amazon Dream Pairs Faux Suede Pumps
OPTIONAL LAYERING PIECES
See the blog post How I Stay Warm in the Winter for my tips on how to layer without feeling too bulky. That post will also make better sense of the layering options below.
Camis, Long Sleeve Layering Tees, All-Weather Boots For Commuting
- Camisole
- HEATTECH Long Sleeve Layering Tees – Audrey likes the scoop necks so that they stay more hidden under tops with different necklines. Also, the sleeves are intentionally shorter to stay less visible. Audrey sizes up to M in these. They run small.
- Wool Parka – Straight and plus sizes.
- Puffer Coats – This brand has great coats. Audrey tends to size up to M in these.
- JCPenney Puffer Coats – Good and affordable with lots of size options.
- JCPenney Heavy Weight Coat // Plus Sizes – Very thick and cozy.
Note: Coats will not be featured in any outfits. Wear them over your outfits as needed!
PHASE 2: Additional Pieces
Business Casual Additions
1. Tops
- Option 1 – Amazon The Drop Puff Shoulder Sweater – goes to size 3X
- Option 2 – Amazon GoodThreads Sweater
- Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Ribbed Puff Sleeve Sweater
- Option 4 – J.Crew Factory Leopard Print Sweater
- Plus Size Option 1 – Amazon The Drop Puff Shoulder Sweater – goes to size 3X
- Plus Size Option 2 – J.Crew Factory Ribbed Puff Sleeve Sweater
- Plus Size Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Leopard Print Sweater – goes to size 3X
2. Bottoms
Change up your work looks by incorporating colored or printed pants and skirts.
- Option 1 – Gap Straight Leg Corduroys. These have a good amount of stretch and are pretty comfortable. Audrey wears size 28/6.
- Option 2 – Kohl’s Sonoma Goods Straight Leg Corduroys. These have a good amount of stretch. Audrey wears size 6.
- Option 3 – Nordstrom Rack Ponte Pants. Very, VERY stretchy and comfortable! Audrey wears size S.
- Option 4 – Old Navy Full Length Pixie Pants. Lots of colors.
- Option 5 – Kohl’s, Croft & Barrow Ankle Pants, lots of colors and prints, regular/tall/petite sizes
- Option 6 – Amazon, Ease Into Comfort Barely Bootcut Stretch Pants, lots of colors
- Option 7 – Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 4. Goes in and out of stock.
- Plus Size Option 1 – Gap Straight Leg Corduroys. These have a good amount of stretch and are pretty comfortable. Audrey wears size 28/6.
- Plus Size Option 2 – Kohl’s Sonoma Goods Straight Leg Corduroys. These have a good amount of stretch. Audrey wears size 6.
- Plus Size Option 3 – Nordstrom Rack Ponte Pants. Very, VERY stretchy and comfortable! Audrey wears size S.
- Plus Size Option 4 – Old Navy Full Length Pixie Pants. Lots of colors.
- Plus Size Option 5 – Kohl’s Stretch Ankle Pants
- Plus Size Option 6 – Liverpool, Kelsey Trouser Super Stretch Ponte, expensive but extremely high quality and insanely stretchy – size way down, Audrey wears size 4. Goes in and out of stock.
3. Dress
- Option 1 – Amazon Long Sleeve Tie Waist Dress, LOTS of colors
- Option 2 – Kohl’s Balloon Sleeve Sweater Dress
- Option 3 – Amazon Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
- Plus Size Option 1 – Amazon Long Sleeve Wrap Dress, various colors/prints
- Plus Size Option 2 – Nordstrom Rack Renee C Dresses. MANY cute options here.
- Plus Size Option 3 – Kohl’s Balloon Sleeve Sweater Dress
- Plus Size Option 4 – Amazon Long Sleeve Wrap Dress
Dressy Casual Additions
1. Tops
- Option 1 – Amazon Chiffon Button Down, lots of colors
- Option 2 – Amazon Essentials Blouse, prints and colors
- Option 3 – J.Crew Factory Blouse
- Option 4 – J.Crew Factory Ruffle Blouse
- Option 5 – Kohl’s Floral Print Blouse
- Option 6 – J.Crew Factory Plaid Button Up
- Plus Size Option 1 – J.Crew Factory Blouse
- Plus Size Option 2 – J.Crew Factory Ruffle Blouse
- Plus Size Option 3 – Kohl’s Floral Print Blouse
- Plus Size Option 4 – J.Crew Factory Plaid Button Up
2. Dark or Medium Wash Jeans
- Option 1 – Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Modern Skinny Ankle Jeans, regular and petite sizes – hidden elastic waistband. Audrey wears size 4.
- Option 2 – Old Navy, Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Pop Icon Skinny Jeans, regular/short/long lengths
- Option 3 – Old Navy High Waisted Slim Straight Jeans
- Option 4 – Old Navy Midrise Dark Straight Jeans
- Option 5 – Gap Mid Rise Slim Jeans
- Option 6 – Kohl’s Straight Leg Jeans. These are pretty soft with some stretch, and they’re very affordable during one of Kohl’s many sales. Audrey wears size 6 and owns the color Eastin.
- Plus Size Option 1 – Nordstrom, Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Stretch Skinny Jeans – goes to size 24, plus-size version of Audrey’s favorites
- Plus Size Option 2 – Old Navy, Mid-Rise Dark-Wash Pop Icon Skinny Jeans, regular/short/long lengths – goes to size 30
- Plus Size Option 3 – Old Navy High Waisted Slim Straight Jeans
- Plus Size Option 4 – Old Navy Midrise Dark Straight Jeans
- Plus Size Option 5 – Gap Mid Rise Slim Jeans
- Plus Size Option 6 – Kohl’s Straight Leg Jeans. These are pretty soft with some stretch, and they’re very affordable during one of Kohl’s many sales. Audrey wears size 6 and owns the color Eastin.
Elevated Business Casual Additions
1. Blazer
A blazer instantly elevates any outfit and can be paired with pants, a skirt, a dress, or jeans. For a flattering fit, find one that hits at about mid-hip and has darts around the bust to provide structure and shape. For those with smaller busts, a one-button blazer works great. For those with larger busts, consider a blazer with two or three buttons for more support.
- Option 1 – J.Crew Factory, Original Schoolboy Blazer, camel or navy, regular and petite sizes – Audrey has and loves, she wears size 4
- Option 2 – Macy’s, INC Menswear Blazer, tons of colors
- Plus Size Option 1 – J.Crew Factory, Original Schoolboy Blazer, camel or navy, regular and petite sizes – Audrey has and loves, she wears size 4
- Plus Size Option 2 – Macy’s, Crepe One-Button Blazer, black – goes to size 24
2. Suit or Separate Blazer and Pants
For Business Professional style, consider purchasing a coordinating suit or separate blazers and bottoms that work well together. A blazer and pants can be broken up and worn separately, or they can be worn together on days that require Business Professional style.
A black suit is a workwear staple, but grey and navy suits are softer alternatives that are equally great. All three are classics, and you can’t go wrong with them! Choose any color you feel most comfortable in.
- Option 1 – Express options
- Option 2 – Macy’s options
- Option 3 – Banana Republic options
- Plus Size Option 1 – Macy’s options
- Plus Size Option 2 – Amazon options
