Now is the time to refresh your wardrobe and shop for new spring and summer clothes. Before you head to the stores, I recommend that you conduct a wardrobe audit. That's a fancy name for looking in your closet and preparing a list of what you have and what you need. All too often, women end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. A major reason for this closet conundrum has to do with a failure to build a wardrobe from the ground floor up by investing in core pieces. Think of your wardrobe core as the structural foundation that supports your house. If the structure isn't sound, you will encounter stress and endless expense to right this fundamental problem.

Do you need help in deciding what your wardrobe essentials should be? Well, let's see what the three great minds of style put on their lists of top ten clothing basics:

Nina Garcia, author of Little Black Book of Style, fashion director of Elle Magazine, Project Runway Judge

Little Black Dress
A Classic Men's White Shirt
Cashmere Cardigan or Turtleneck
Trench Coat
Denim
A Man's Classic Watch
Diamonds
Ballet Flats
A Classic High Heel Pump
A Great Bag
Bonus: A Dramatic Piece, Like a Cocktail Ring

Isaac Mizrahi, author of How to Have Style and designer for Target

Little Black Dress
Slim Skirt
White Jeans
Sturdy Loafers
Matching Sweater Set
White Button Down Shirt
Flattering Sunglasses
Snug Fitting Blazer
High Heeled Sandals
Perfect Bra

Tim Gunn, author of A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, star of Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style on Bravo and Project Runway’s style mentor

Basic Black Dress
Trench Coat
Classic Dress Pants
Skirt
Blazer
Classic White Shirt
Day Dress
Cashmere Sweater
Jeans
Sweatshirt Alternative
Bonus: One indulgent trendy item under $20

 How many of these pieces do you own?