pattern clash

One of my definite staples is a basic, striped, long-sleeved t-shirt. It's perfect for pattern and colour clashing, and for those "winter" days in Australia that definitely not cold enough for a sweater/coat of any kind. Also,  my new hair! I know- it's a little more faded than I would have liked, but there is a colour change. I swear!
Life lately has been a little less free than it was on the holidays, and it seems like every day at the start of term is a Monday. Cheer me up! Since we are on the topic, what are your wardrobe essentials?