While scavenging through my clothes in a usual panic, I realized that there are a handful of items that I automatically consider wearing at least once or twice (or three times) a week. I decided to show my deep appreciation for these shadow items (I just made that up) that serve as the foundation for so many of my outfits.

I like to think of these pieces as the backbone for outfits. They're solid and dark, which creates the perfect shadow for layering, which is vital for winter fashion. Any other solid color will work as shadows too, depending on one's color preferences. I hope you enjoy!

1. Short sleeve turtle neck

I got this top from Goodwill for less than $3. It is quite perfect - it goes with most, if not all blazers, looks chic and chill under denim jackets, and is exactly what anyone would need if they wanted to wear bold statement pants, like the ones I paired with them.

2. High-waisted jeans

I have like fifty-nine pairs of high-waisted jeans, all from Goodwill, all less than $6! They're the only style of jeans that can go with all tops, I swear; t-shirts, blouses, crop tops, and sweaters/long-sleeves. These are shiny gems.

3. Black belt

Do you see the difference from the previous photo? Lots of pants with loop holes look fine without a belt, such as these (with this outfit), but adding a belt can definitely give an outfit a little more closure, a little spice. Also, pay attention to buckle color. I like to have a few of the same color belts with different buckles; it's the tiny details that really complete looks. When I had an eyebrow ring, I would change the ring from gold to silver depending on which belt I had on. That was fun.

Looking at this photo now, I could have put my hair up. There's suddenly a lot of bold popping out in the wrong places, and pulling my hair into a high bun would've made for a very delicate situation going on at the top. Perhaps a belt creates a more business-like persona, and having a clean neck and shoulders would make this simple fit a little chicer.

4. So-called men's pants

Pants in the men's section are freaking awesome! They're like skinny jeans who stopped giving a fuck. And these are my favorite pairs. When I wake up in the morning feeling a little more tender, quiet, and masculine, these are my go-to's to make me feel much more at ease. I usually wear them with some t-shirt and tuck the front of it in a little, and either my Vans or some slippers.They can be very "whatever," too.

5. Big ass sweater

Am I prancing around the house or am I running errands? Everyone needs a big ass sweater! It's not only cozy and swishy and long, but it's versatile and hot. I can tuck this one in some high-waisted jeans, wear it with some wide-legged pants, or a pair of leggings. My friend Juliette* once wore one of her big ass sweaters with a thick belt around her waist. These also look great under oversized denim jackets.

6. Oversized denim jackets

Surprise! I got this baby from Goodwill for around $6. Despite its inside pockets and its lightness of weight, it's nothing close to the beautiful Levi's denim jacket I once had; I casually forgot it in a closet at a party. Don't be like me. If you have a favorite jean jacket, treasure it.

*Thanks so much to my good friend Jules who held the stool that I stood on to pin this shit to the wall, and who took these lovely photos. She really helped my simple vision come true for this tiny pilot episode. xo