Willie Walters, course director of fashion at London's Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design, considers the following pieces essential in a woman's wardrobe.

When less is more

Walters reminds consumers to pick a unified color scheme and to choose quality pieces that will last for years. A dress, she says, can be added to round up the list.

1 coat: This is a major investment and should be selected carefully, avoiding short-term trends in color or extreme shapes.

1 jacket: It should be well cut, constructed and designed, and go with the trousers and skirt. Along with the coat, this is the most important piece in the wardrobe and the biggest investment.

2 pairs of trousers: For some women, a pair of jeans could replace one of the trousers

2 shirts: They can be more masculine white shirts or more feminine blouses, depending on the wearer's taste. High-quality T-shirts will also do.

1 skirt, 1 sweater, 1 cardigan

China Daily