Last week, I explored the 10 items all adult men should own by now – a guide to crossing over from the sneakers and polo shirts of your youth to the big leagues (click here to see that list).

But what about grown-up dressing for women?

The other day, my friend and I were discussing the state of our own wardrobes over lunch, and decided that it was time to take a leaf out of Marie Kondo’s book (The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up).

• The 10 clothing items every man should own
• Own any of these 10 clothing items? Get rid of them

“We need to do a major edit,” I remarked. “Apparently everything you own should give you some sense of joy.”

One thing I have learnt over the years is that quality is better than quantity when it comes to having a stylish, workable wardrobe.

Here, the top ten closet classics for the ladies.

1. One good coat

A beautifully tailored coat is always a head turner and will last for years. Black, navy or camel are perennials, but if you love colour, a bright pink or yellow coat in a classic shape will always look chic.

2. Matching lingerie

When I was with Vogue, I recall being told by a top lingerie manufacturer that only about 10 per cent of Australian women regularly wore a matching bra and undies. My whole fashion team were aghast at the news. Nothing feels more luxurious and grown up than a matched set. If you really can’t be bothered searching for the missing partner in the morning, at least have them stay in the same colour range i.e. all black or all white.

3. Expensive tights

In the long run, a pair of Wolford tights will last through numerous washes and be worth every penny you spent. They don’t snag, and they don’t have that horrible shiny look that comes with cheap tights and stockings.

4. One piece of serious jewellery

One lovely signature item, like your mother’s earrings, your grandmother’s pearls, your husband’s watch, or the diamonds you saved up and bought for yourself, says so much more than piles of tat.

5. An investment handbag

Rather than ten cheap bags, it makes better sense to own one beautiful, quality handbag that gets noticed wherever it goes. I have amassed a lot of handbags, but if I could only keep one, it would be my bamboo-handled chocolate brown crocodile Gucci. It attracts so much attention, people pull out chairs for it.

6. A butter-soft leather or suede jacket

Even if you are just in jeans and a t-shirt, a leather jacket will add instant luxury, in a cool, casual way. They feel beautiful to wear, and just add that extra polish, especially if you are travelling.

7. A cashmere sweater

Again, quality is everything. One cashmere sweater is preferable to six cheap sweaters that pill, bag and scratch. They handwash well (use baby shampoo) and are all you need, day and night. I love the men’s V-neck sweaters at Uniqlo.

8. A black dress

The black dress will always be a staple, in any style that suits. Have as many as you can afford – a sheath, a slip, a button-through. They are appropriate for any occasion and can be accessorized with everything from a rope espadrille to a sparkly evening sandal.

9. An elegant high-heeled pump

The fashion purist would say choose black, but I am also going to also add snake and leopard as they are neutrals and add a dash of fun to everything. Actually owning all three would be best, in varying heights.

10. A silk blouse

Worn with jeans, with a skirt or with evening trousers, a silk shirt is like a leather jacket in that the luxury is in the fabric. Simple shapes, quality fabrics. It’s fashion at its most practical. Having fewer, well-chosen pieces will make life easier, your closet tidier and your bank account healthier. Then you can afford the odd splurge on something crazy and seasonal.

For more from Kirstie Clements, click here.

All photos courtesy of Getty.