The 19 'essential items' every woman needs to put together a stylish outfit.

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We've all been there. Standing in front of a bursting wardrobe, clothes spilling out, hangers tangled together, and yet somehow convinced we have absolutely nothing to wear.

It's the eternal struggle of getting dressed, a daily battle that can drain the joy from what should be a creative, confidence-boosting ritual.

As celebrity stylist Donny Galella revealed in a recent episode of Nothing To Wear with Leigh Campbell, this frustration is one of the most common complaints he hears from clients.

Watch: Our experts explain how to plan a correct dress code. Post continues below.

"One of the biggest questions I get asked is what do I do; I don't have anything to wear," Donny shared.

The irony, of course, is that most of us have plenty of clothes. What we're often missing is the right foundation.

The solution, according to Donny, is refreshingly straightforward: a two-pronged approach that starts with a ruthless wardrobe clean-out, followed by a systematic check against a list of 19 essential items that form the backbone of a functional, stylish wardrobe.

Step 1. The great wardrobe detox.

Before you can build a wardrobe that truly works for you, you need to clear out what doesn't.

"Getting dressed is not a joy, because we don't even know what we have in our wardrobes," he explained.

"Empty everything onto your bed, and then as you put it back in the wardrobe, think, is this giving me joy? Do I love it? Do I wear it? If you haven't worn it in two years, donate it."

It's a clear-cut guideline that cuts through the emotional attachment and "what if" scenarios we often use to justify keeping things that no longer serve us.

This Marie Kondo-inspired approach serves a dual purpose: it creates physical space in your wardrobe and mental clarity about what you actually own and reach for regularly.

Step 2. Crosscheck against the 19 essentials list.

Once you've cleared the clutter, it's time to assess what remains against Donny's list of 19 wardrobe essentials. These aren't trendy pieces or statement items. They're the building blocks that make getting dressed infinitely easier.

"You're always going to build a house on a good foundation. If the foundations aren't right, the house won't be right, same as with your clothes," Donny emphasised.

"Getting dressed will be so much easier, because you have all the key things you need to pull things together to have chic, simple outfits. Then you start integrating things like your trend pieces and your own things that reflect your personality in your own style."

The 19 essential items:

1. A white t-shirt (black and denim are equally great).

2. Basic tops and t-shirts in key colours and prints (white, black, grey, stripes).

3. A blazer in black or navy.

4. Well-tailored black trousers in a silhouette you feel great in.

5. A black skirt that fits you perfectly, and you feel confident in.

6. A little black dress (or navy) - this will solve countless "what do I wear" moments.

7. An easy day dress - your grab-and-go piece for everything when you want to look polished, without overthinking it.

8. A good pair of jeans in your perfect fit. Find the cut, rise, and wash that make you feel amazing, regardless of trends.

9. A leather jacket (or denim jacket) adds instant edge and personality to any outfit while providing practical layering for transitional weather.

10. A nice coat (a trench is a great option).

11. A perfectly fitting bra. Donny is particularly passionate about this essential: "80 per cent of women wear an incorrectly fitted bra. So go get that well-fitted bra, and it will change everything."

12. Good quality underwear. Seamless, comfortable, and well-fitted underwear is the invisible foundation that affects how clothes drape on your body.

13. Black and nude heels, as these two colours work with virtually everything in your wardrobe.

14. A signature scent. While not technically clothing, your fragrance becomes part of how people remember you.

15. A thin knit jumper - perfect for layering or wearing solo.

16. Belts in brown, black, and metallic - these three finishes cover all bases, pulling outfits together with minimal effort.

17. A couple of statement jewellery pieces to transform basic outfits into something uniquely yours.

18. Dress shorts for summer - a refined alternative to denim cutoffs while keeping you comfortable.

19. Nice tanks, singlets, or cami tops are essential for summer dressing and year-round layering.

What makes these 19 items so powerful is their versatility.

As Donny noted, many of us already own these pieces, or variations of them. The key is recognising these essentials for what they are: the foundation that makes everything else in your wardrobe function better.

With these pieces in place, getting dressed becomes less about hunting for something that works and more about mixing and matching reliable favourites.

Suddenly, that overflowing wardrobe that felt overwhelming becomes a curated collection of possibilities.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack , listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube .

Feature image: Supplied.