Create your timeless wardrobe

You can never predict the fickleness of fashion trends. What will be selling as hot cakes one day might turn stale the very next day. But who says you should not go all trendy and be up-to-date with what's 'in'. All you need are the basics to get you going for any event. But if you are on a shoestring budget, you possibly cannot cramp up your closet with clothes and accessories you know are not going to stay for long.

Here are some pointers by experts on the essentials a woman must have in her wardrobe.

White Shirt
"One of the most essential thing that a woman has to have is a well tailored white shirt", says designer and stylist Gavin Miguel. A white top goes with almost everything. It can be coordinated with a skirt to be worn in the morning or accessorised well to be carried off as an evening wear, he adds. Just to add that fun element to yourself, you can try those groovy cuts, different sleeves or funky collars. Miguel feels that textures can vary too, from silk and georgette to chiffon depending on the occasion.

Jeans
A pair of these is something every woman possesses. But it would be a sin if they are not well fitted. Says stylist and fashion coordinator, Harsheen Arora, "It has been ages since jeans have been here. You can wear jeans in any way and still never be branded a fashion outcast." The best part is, one pair can play many roles. For example, for a casual outing you can team it up with a baggy tee and sneakers while the same pair can be worn with high heels and a classy blouse for an evening event. One thing that should be kept in mind is that they should be of high quality and good fibre. It is the quality that matters not the quantity.

Dresses
While some women may feel that buying dresses is not worth it, for others it is the only outfit that does the trick. Women feel dresses are meant only for a formal or an outing in the night, which is not true. Designer Nishka Lulla feels that shift dresses are the best thing that a woman can have. "They can be worn on any occasion, day or night. A simple dress worn with thought can create magic," she says. Dresses always get out the feminine side of a woman making her look more beautiful than ever.

Pearls
Pearls can never go out of fashion. Just like diamonds have been around for ages now, so have pearls. Wearing a string of pearls around your neck instantly adds a dash of elegance and class to any outfit. If you cannot opt for the real ones, you can always go for the fake ones instead.

Jackets
If you want to add a power punch to your outfit, then teaming it up with a jacket is the best thing to do. You can go in for the military jackets which are a rage or a simple one in a solid colour for a classy look. For a crazy night-out, girls can opt for a shiny sequinned jacket with black leggings to tone down the outfit.

Lbd
Of course, no wardrobe is complete without the quintessential 'little black dress'. You can probably never go wrong with this outfit. Designer Varsha Bhawnani says, "Due to its versatility and slimming effect, it will flatter a woman's figure and still allow her to demonstrate her personality through accessories." Women can choose a piece which suits her personality. To add some zing to the outfit Bhawnani feels that it can be teamed up with some trendy shoes in the colours of the season, or just silver and gold rather than plain black. You can also opt for a range of clutches.