{Photo: Sandy Manase}

Don’t you just love those “must-have” style posts? No matter who the expert or author is, they’re usually pretty good about telling you that the five must-have items for your basic wardrobe building blocks should include:

• A little black dress
• A trench
• Perfect jeans
• Pressed white blouse
• A blazer

Fantastic. Fail-safe. Except here where several months out of the year, it’s over 100 degrees, your wardrobe basics vary a bit.

I’ve lived in Arizona most of my life and I’ll tell you, I believe I’m just about the only gal here who actually owns a trench coat. And whenever I do wear it thinking I look as chic and stylish as ever, I tend to get “it’s-not-actually-raining-that-hard” stares.

So what are the five essentials you should own in your wardrobe for a perfectly harmonious desert lifestyle? Here’s my five style picks below.

1. Lots of tanks and wife beaters.

Forget using them as “layering” objects, more often than not, they’ll be all you need to pair with jeans, cute skirts or sport under a little leather jacket come winter. Stock up on plenty. My favorite budget buys are the $8 tanks at Target or  the $3.50 “Fabulous Finds” from Forever 21.

2. A little black dress

No matter where you live and what the climate is like, you’ll need at least one (if not several) little black dresses. From date night to work meetings to a daytime piece when paired with sandals, it truly is the one fashion item that will take you just about anywhere.

3. A perfect loose cardigan

Cardigans by M Missoni
Cardigans by Eileen Fisher

If you aren’t willing to fork over the money for a trench that you may wear the 5 times it actually rains here, stock up on some loose cardigans instead. They’re perfect year-round and remember to always keep one in the car. Even when the weather starts to feel like hell on earth, your office is likely a cool sub-zero so you’ll never know when you’ll need one!

4. Awesome jeans

Whether wide-leg, skinny or bootcut is your fancy, never underestimate the power of a pair of awesome-fitting jeans. This is one item that if you’re having trouble with fit, it’s worth the investment to seek out a tailor. There’s nothing like a great-fitting jean to make you feel like a total babe.

5. Plenty of sandals

 

 

I’ll confess, I don’t stock up on nearly as many sandals as I should. And summer after summer I regret not doing so. From jeans and leggings to summer dresses, this shoe will take you through the seasons.

What are your must-have wardrobe items for desert living? Did I miss one of your top 5? Leave a comment below!

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