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All good wardrobes consist of some very basic building blocks, the staple pieces from which all great outfits are created. They can be mixed and matched for very dressy occasions or more casual affairs.

For men, one of the most important elements is the navy blazer. It should be wool, and it should be a comfortable fit. Add two pairs of slacks, a dress shirt, a colorful, casual shirt, a tie and a pair of jeans, and you have the makings of a truly versatile closet.

If you are going for a polished, professional or dressy look, pair the dress shirt and blazer with a well-cut pair of gray slacks and a tie. Ditch the tie, swap the gray pants for a taupe pair, and you’ve got business casual.

Now switch out the dress shirt for the more casual colorful shirt to wear over a pair of jeans, and you have the perfect outfit for a causal outing.

For women, a black suit is almost vital. It’s classic, stylish, and looks great on everyone. Pinstripes add a bit more fun to this staple, which can be worn over a silver shell with heels or boots for a very dressy event.

However, you can switch the skirt out for a pair of black pants for a more business casual affair. Take the same jacket and shell and pair them with some jeans for a look that is ultra chic and stylish. For even more options, add a jacket made in a fabulous print. Worn over black pants it’s very dressy and great for the office, worn over jeans, it’s the perfect outfit for a night out with the girls.

A trip to Cohn Turner and a budget of $1,500 will get the essentials you need for either a men’s or women’s wardrobe makeover.

For men, you can get a Peter Carland navy blazer for $425, a pair of gray Ballin slacks for $155, a pair of taupe Ballin slacks for $155, an Ike Behar button-up shirt for $145, a casual TailorByrd sports shirt for $95, a Robert Talbott silk tie for $110, a pair of Hiltl denim, relaxed-fit jeans for $155, and Cole Hahn saddle loafers for $165.

Women can get a black pinstriped Yansi Fugel suit with a mandarin color shirt and three-quarter length sleeves for $515 a pair of black flat-front Yansi Fugel pants for $195, a silver Yansi Fugel shell for $65, a pair of David Kahn jeans for $175, and a Yansi Fugel tiger-lily sateen print jacket for $270. To complete her wardrobe, add an oversized coral choker-style necklace by Collection de Melange for $130.

Jennifer Macha is a freelance writer who teaches visual communication at LSU