Ready to get back to basics? While trends come and go, there are 12 wardrobe essentials that’ll last a lifetime. It’s all about the basics, the kind that will help you bring your outfits together from start to finish without having to spend a single second worrying about what to wear.
See few wardrobe essentials to add to your closet—stat.
CRISP WHITE TEE
Start your outfit off with a clean slate. The staple white tee is versatile, cool and a piece that’s you can wear any day of the year.
Stylist tip: “Put your white tee to work. It anchors statement pieces like printed shorts, colored denim and layers perfectly under sweaters.†— Stylist Anne R.
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Really no explanation needed. Go for an LBD with a high neckline and a semi-modest length for maximum versatility from day to night.
Stylist tip: “The first step to finding your perfect dress? Know your body shape, then pick your silhouette.†— Stylist Jennifer M.
DARK WASH SKINNY JEANS
Jeans that never go out of style? Dark wash denim. Perfect for dressing
up or down,skinny jeans in an ultra dark rinse will be your bread and
butter for every season and every shape.
PUMPS
A classic pair of black pumps will never fail you or your outfits. They’re the perfect shoe option for your 9-to-5 and to happy hour, or a weekend date night with jeans.
Stylist tip: “Pointed-toe styles are pure magic when it comes to making your legs look longer (and leaner).†— Stylist Nanda G.
BUTTON-UP SHIRT
Borrowed from the boys but in better prints and colors, the button-up shirt always strikes a balance between looking casual and polished. Wear it with jeans or a pencil skirt depending on where you need to be.
Stylist tip: “Take your button-up up a notch by choosing one in a luxe material like viscose, Tencel or silk.†— Stylist Jennifer M.
KNEE-LENGTH SKIRT
A knee-length skirt is versatile enough to be casual, work-friendly and can be worn in more formal settings. We call that a win, win, win.
SIMPLE FLATS
A simple flat is a jack-of-all-trades shoe and lands the right look for anything from a board meeting to a grocery run.
Stylist tip: “Go for a cap-toe style for preppy polish that’s at the top of the trends this season.†— Stylist Jennifer M.
WRAP DRESS
The most universally flattering dress of all, a wrap dress looks good on everyone. Really. Pair yours with pumps for a dressy occasion or dress them down with fashion sneakers. Brittany M.
JEAN JACKET
A jean jacket is a timeless layering piece that can be worn season after season. A classic medium wash is the most versatile option.
Stylist tip: “Look for a jean jacket that fits snugly on your shoulders, but still has some room for sweaters in the fall and sundresses in the summer.†— Stylist Brittany M.
ANKLE BOOTS
The ankle boot is the shoe for any season that’s way easier to slip into (and pack) than their taller sister. Go for a peep-toe style in the warmer months and a closed-toe style in the cooler months.
Stylist tip: “Experiment with heel heights from low and blocky to taller and stiletto-esque to land totally a different vibe with your ankle boot.†— Stylist Jennifer M.
BLACK PANTS
Stylist tip: “Don’t be afraid to invest in these. A great pair will stay in your closet for years and years.†— Stylist Jennifer M.
KNIT SWEATER
The perfect knit sweater works with everything—from a pair of broken-in boyfriend jeans for the weekend to a pleated, feminine skirt for a night out. If you find one you like, get one in every color.
Stylist tip: “Look for one that you can reach for in a hurry. This means minimal patterns and neutral colors so you don’t have to put much thought into how it will work with the rest of your look.†— Stylist Anne R.
As you add to your closet over the years, don’t be afraid to dabble in new trends that you fall in love with! Wardrobe staples like these will play the supporting role to those star-studded pieces that you sprinkle in each season. Tell your Stylist that you’re looking to stock up your closet with one (or all) of these essentials.