I’ve recently come across style bloggers doing “capsule wardrobe” challenges. This post explains the mechanics: pick 15 items from your closet (excluding accessories), wear them for 30 days, and absolutely no shopping! It’s supposed to force you to be creative, rethink how you wear clothes and never again say “I’ve got nothing to wear!”

While I’m not sure I can last in just 15 items for one month, it made me think: if I had to whittle down my wardrobe to a few key pieces, what would I keep? What clothes could I absolutely NOT live without?

And here’s my list.

1. A pair of dark wash, straight leg jeans. Goes with heels, sneakers, flats, ratty tees and glam tops.
2. A cardigan in black or grey. Throw it on anything and suddenly you’re decent.
3. A dark pair of leggings or tights. Instantly lifts a ho-hum dress.
4. A fun graphic tee.
5. A stretchy pencil skirt.
6. A loose, printed dress. For those no-effort days.
7. A cool knit top with longish sleeves.
8. An oversize men’s shirt.
9. Black shorts.
10. A loose tunic or kaftan.

(Stay tuned for some essentials shopping picks tomorrow on my blog!)

Would I be able to sustain myself for one month on these 10 items only? That’s a scary (but … intriguing) thought! I’d definitely add a few more tops to the list. But in general, yeah, these are the things without which I would feel lost, style-wise.

There you have it! Now it’s your turn. What are your absolute wardrobe essentials?

Katrina Atienza, writer, wife, mom of two and fashion devotee, blogs at Plus Size Fasyon Mudra. Follow her on Twitter (@iggyatienza).