Let’s be honest, keeping up with the latest trends each season is making your head spin.
Each season, we can feel pressure to buy the latest hot items.
But, every season comes to an end, so what happens to that trendy piece that you paid so much money for? It sits in the back of your closet, untouched until you find it years later and think “what was I thinking?”.
While it’s tempting to shop according to the latest trends, it’s simply not practical.
The alternative? Investing in quality wardrobe essentials.
Read on to discover (or re-discover) what items to include in your capsule wardrobe!
1. The Classic Button-Up
The number one women’s clothing essential that is sure to withstand the test of time is the classic, white button-up shirt.
This shirt is a great piece because it is so versatile. It can be paired with trousers for an “in-office” look or paired with simple jeans and sneakers for a more casual look.
In either case, a crisp button-up is a relatively easy piece to throw on but always makes you look put-together and chic.
Wear it open, buttoned, tucked in, or tied at the front. The options are endless!
2. Straight-Leg Jeans
Do you want to know the best way to tell which decade someone grew up in? Ask them what type of jeans they wore in high school.
From skinny jeans to baggy jeans to flare jeans, each new fashion era presents a new take on blue jeans.
However, if you want to build a closet full of fashion essentials and avoid the cycle of fads, stick with a pair of straight-leg jeans in a medium wash.
Finding the perfect pair of jeans that fit you well, are comfortable (even when you sit down), and are high-quality can feel like a huge accomplishment.
My recommendation? Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on high-quality jeans. They’ll last you years.
3. A Loose Blazer
Have you ever seen a paparazzi picture of a celebrity and wondered, how do they look so chic? Allow me to let you in on the secret: layering.
One quality that easily makes someone look put-together is the ability to layer their clothing and add texture. The little details really count!
Adding a loose blazer to your outfit can help you to achieve this look, especially in the fall.
More and more, we’ve seen the blazer being taken out of the workplace setting and used to spice up even a casual outfit.
Throw it over a T-shirt or dress and watch as your outfit goes from “thrown-together” to “carefully curated”.
4. A Satin Midi Skirt
A more recent clothing item that has become popular is the satin midi skirt. While its appearance in the fashion scene is newer than some of the more classic pieces in this list, I predict that it is here to stay!
The satin midi skirt is modest and elegant and pairs well with any body type.
With fashion moving toward a more androgynous, menswear era, the satin midi skirt maintains a more feminine touch. It can be paired with a t-shirt for an elevated casual look or dressed up with jewelry and accessories.
A bonus for this skirt is that it makes its wearers look tall and modelesque!
5. A Lightweight Shawl
The appeal of a shawl is that it’s a piece of clothing that can be transformed. Use it over your shoulders as a scarf or wrap it around your waist for a makeshift skirt.
Wearing a silk shawl can give any outfit a European look, and there are many types of women’s shawls!
Plus, a shawl is a great accessory to have on hand. Tie it around your handbag for an extra pop of color and then throw it over your shoulder if you get a bit cold.
For many “basics”, you’re stuck in a world of neutrals. However, shawls are a great way to add a fun pattern to your wardrobe and show off your personality.
6. A Trench Coat for Fall
A trench coat is another fashion essential that mirrors the “menswear” trend that we’ve been seeing for the past decade or so. Yet, this trend has withstood multiple years and harkens back to a more vintage era.
Trench coats have been popular for more than 50 years now. The difference in our modern version? A looser silhouette and oversized feel.
In the 50s, we saw women wearing more slim-fitting trench coats, but now trench coats are getting longer, looser, and bigger.
7. Chunky Sweaters
Is there anything more luxurious than a soft, high-quality sweater? While it may feel low-effort to just throw on a sweater on a cold day, sweaters can actually elevate your look while keeping you comfortable.
For a fashion staple, invest in a chunky, neutral-colored sweater that you absolutely love. Turtlenecks are especially classic.
To take your sweater from a lazy-day piece to a wardrobe staple, accessorize it with your favorite jewelry.
Layer it over a button-up shirt for a more preppy look, or tuck it into a midi skirt for something more upscale.
A tip is to pair your oversized wardrobe pieces, like sweaters, with more tight-fitting or slim bottoms to balance out your proportions.
8. An Everyday Crossbody Bag
Collecting purses may be a hobby of yours, but not every bag is created equal. If you’re starting your purse collection or are simplifying your closet down to its essentials, you’ll definitely need an everyday crossbody bag.
A crossbody bag is a perfect accessory because it’s small and convenient to carry, while also being the perfect size to carry all of your necessities.
If you’re on the go, you’ll need a bag that goes with everything. Look for a black or brown bag on a gold chain that instantly spruces up any outfit.
9. Dainty Jewelry
They might say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but honestly, most people aren’t wearing diamonds every single day.
You don’t need an extensive jewelry collection, you just need a few wardobe staples.
Most people lean toward either gold or silver jewelry, so go with what you like the best and base your staples on that!
A simple watch, small gold hoops, and necklace stack will take you a long way!
10. The Bodysuit
The bodysuit may have been the best modern invention to date. If tucking in your shirts and sweaters for a more put-together look is something you love, but you’ve never quite figured out how to avoid that bulky look in your jeans, the bodysuit is for you.
Bodysuits that are double-lined are especially convenient because some people don’t need to wear a bra with them.
The bodysuit gives you a sleeker look and minimizes the number of pieces that you need in your closet.
When you buy them in the correct size and material, they can flatter your body in all of the right places.
Investing in tank top and long-sleeve bodysuits in your favorite colors will ensure that you always have something to wear.
11. Slip Dress
A slip dress is flattering on every body shape and size! It can be worn as is for an effortlessly beautiful look, or you can throw a sweater over it to make it look like a midi skirt.
If you think that dresses are only for special occasions, this dress will make you think again.
The slip dress is definitely being made more casual these days, but can still be elevated with heels and jewelry.
If you’re traveling or just cleaning out your closet and can only afford room for a few dresses, don’t skip out on this one! It’ll suit every occasion.
12. Black Loafers
Now, you didn’t think we’d get through this entire article without talking about shoes, did you?
While Carrie from Sex and the City may have been our OG style inspiration, wearing high heels all the time simply isn’t practical.
If you want a shoe that is versatile and can work with your favorite jeans or little black dress, let me introduce you to the loafer.
These are a great “in-between” shoe for when you want something fancier than your tennis shoes but not quite as intense as your thigh-high boots.
Choose a pair of comfortable loafers and you’ll always have something to match your outfit!
Focus on Wardrobe Essentials
Your wardrobe should reflect your personality, it’s how you portray yourself to the world. However, as your life and circumstances change throughout the years, you won’t want to buy a whole new wardrobe each time.
By focusing on wardrobe essentials that are versatile, high-quality, and make you feel confident, you’ll ensure that you always have something to wear.
You can absolutely supplement these pieces with newer trendier pieces from the current moment. But, when you inevitably give up on last year’s trends, you’ll be glad you have a few ol’ reliables to count on.
So, next time you’re cleaning out your closet, take stock of what on this list you still need and pick it up when you shop next!
