One of the most frequent questions I receive from readers is about how to shop for clothes. How to decide what to buy and what to skip. They often say they have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. And while we all joke about having “nothing to wear” from time to time, it can be hard to shop for the right pieces. Before you buy all the fun things and one-time wear pieces, you need to purchase all the basics.
The basics may even be a bit boring at times but once you have a good foundation, your style will instantly elevate. Your daily outfits will be upgraded and creating more versatile looks will become easier. You can maximize your closet with a strong foundation of core pieces. Also, I feel it’s worth mentioning that even if your style changes over the years, buying these wardrobe essentials in a way that suits you will always allow you to look modern and put together. For example, you may prefer wearing bright colors over neutrals so choose one of these wardrobe essentials in the color you prefer. The idea is more the type of clothing rather than the color or print. Here are my recommendations on 12 wardrobe essentials to give your closet an instant upgrade.
Wardrobe Essentials To Give Your Closet an Instant Upgrade
After curating my closet time and time again over the past few decades and spending hours putting together outfits, I feel I have a good idea of the core pieces that most people need. These pieces never go out of style and can be reworn year after year with various looks. They are the items you can pair with your fun colorful accessories and trendy fashion finds because they are the foundation of an outfit.
What are Wardrobe Essentials?
Wardrobe essentials are those clothing pieces that every woman needs in her closet in order to successfully create looks that stand the test of time. Those classic pieces that never go out of style and you can mix and match with everything else in your closet. I often have multiples of these pieces because of how crucial they are to styling in my everyday looks. I would consider these essentials a type of capsule wardrobe that you can use most seasons out of the year. Read more about my summer wardrobe essentials in this post.
What are the Essentials For a Woman’s Wardrobe For an Instant Closet Upgrade
Button Down Shirt
A button down shirt is one of the first pieces I would recommend buying for your closet. Start with a simple white or cream blouse and slowly add in striped options over time. I find that striped blouses are almost as versatile as a simple white blouse but adds a bit more pattern and texture to your look.
Outfit details: Shirt | Jeans | Belt | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses
White T Shirt
So boring but so necessary. A simple v-neck t-shirt or crew neck t-shirt is something you will wear year after year. It’s good to have a wide variety of styles to choose from so try a few different brands to determine what is your favorite. You may think a v-neck white tee isn’t that exciting but with the right styling and accessories, it can look so much more chic and interesting than you may think. I also recommend buying your favorite white t-shirt in multiples so you rotate through them and not wear them out as quickly. For inspiration, here’s how to style a t-shirt.
Outfit details: Tee | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Belt (code: MAREE20) | Sunglasses | Necklace (code: MAREE20)
Black Trousers
If you are someone who doesn’t want to wear denim or find jeans to be uncomfortable, trousers are the way to go. Obviously trousers will always be in style and are a wardrobe staple especially in the workplace. But over the years, trousers are seen less as a professional-only piece of clothing and more as something that can be dressed up or down. I love styling my trousers with sneakers and a tee for a casual day out or adding some embellished heels and a silky camisole for a night out.
The best trouser shape that will look the most timeless is a simple straight leg with a slightly high waist. Anything too fitted will not look workplace appropriate and anything too oversized will look trendy. Start with a black pair if you are new to wearing trousers and then branch out to various neutral tones based on what you already have in your closet. My absolute favorite pair of trousers that I own in a few colors are these from Abercrombie – I recommend them to everyone! They come in various lengths but have a classic shape with little to no added details.
Outfit details: Shirt (similar) | Pants | Shoes (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses | Earrings (discount code: MAREE15)
Blazer
Whether it’s a statement piece with chic gold buttons or something more simple, a blazer is always a closet essential. Black, camel, white – whatever you prefer, just make sure it is neutral. If you want something that is timeless, avoid something cropped or too oversized as they can look more trendy. A regular style that hits around the hips is the best option. Another feature I like to look for with my blazers are ones that dart in at the waist like the ones I am wearing above. I find it looks flattering and creates a nice shape.
Outfit details: Blazer | Tee | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses | Necklace (discount code: MAREE20) | Belt
Blue (Non-Distressed) Denim
Denim styles are all over the place which is great because we have so many options to choose from but it can be daunting to figure out a classic pair that goes with the most outfits. I always recommend starting with a medium wash straight leg pair of jeans as your baseline. Something not too skinny or not too wide so they can be dressed up or down. Nothing distressed or with any rips as they can make the jeans look more trendy and not as timeless.
Outfit details: Shirt (discount code: MAREE15) | Jeans | Shoes | Belt | Bag | Sunglasses | Necklace (discount code: MAREE20)
Striped Tee
Every year I add another striped tee to my closet. I’ve been wearing them for nearly 20 years and they NEVER go out of style. Before getting a brightly colored style or one with any specific details, purchase a black/white or navy/white style which is the most versatile. A boatneck 3/4 sleeve striped tee is one that I have various forms of in my closet because it’s a piece that always looks modern so I would recommend starting there as your first piece. Then experiment with different necklines or sleeve lengths to give yourself options as you expand your striped tee collection.
Outfit details: Tweed Jacket (similar) | Tee | Pants | Belt | Sunglasses | Shoes | Bag (similar)
Trench Coat
There are arguably a million different trench styles to choose from but at the end of the day, opt for a classic and simple style first. Once you have that base covered, you can branch out to other colors or lengths. I am absolutely loving the look of a cropped trench too!
Outfit details: Trench (similar) | Tee (similar) | Jeans | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
Knit Crewneck Sweater
A simple crewneck sweater is a closet must have. There are honestly too many variations, styles and fabrics to choose from so just go for what you personally prefer. Opt for a solid color so it is more versatile and be sure you have one that is nice and thin so you can layer it easily if you want. A thin crewneck sweater is also what I love to drape over my shoulders with certain outfits and chunky sweaters would be too bulky to do that.
Outfit details: Sweater | Jeans (similar) | Sandals | Belt | Sunglasses | Bag
Shirt Dress
There are a MILLION dress styles out there but the one style that is most timeless and can be worn for various occasions is the shirtdress. Most are work appropriate, great for casual evenings out, suitable for weekend functions, the options of places to wear them is endless. Choose a neutral color in a midi length first and then opt for another color or print if you want to expand your collection.
Outfit details: Dress | Shoes (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
Slip Skirt
I wear my slip skirt all four seasons out of the year so for me it is closet staple every season. It’s a classic shape and style that always looks timeless and is one of the most versatile pieces in my wardrobe. I’ve worn my slip skirt with sneakers and a denim jacket, dressed up with a silky camisole and heels or for a casual day out with sandals and a simple tee. It’s one of the easiest items to mix and match with a ton of different things in your closet.
Outfit details: Cardigan | Tee | Skirt (similar) | Bag (similar) | Shoes | Sunglasses
Striped Cardigan
Cardigans are a great closet staple and I love to recommend striped cardigans because of how versatile they can be. I wear mine alone as a sweater or draped open over another shirt. I have a few solid color cardigans but I wear my striped ones more and feel they are a tad more versatile. Choose a long sleeved version first because it’s still the most classic but there are short sleeved versions available now that are great alternatives for the warm weather!
Outfit details: Cardigan (similar) | Shirt | Jeans | Shoes (similar) | Belt | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
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