If there’s one piece that’s a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe, it’s the perfect little black dress. The correct staple can take you to any event and outlast any trend.
Build your collection of closet essentials so those “I have nothing to wear” days are a thing of the past. From a fail-safe denim jacket to a classic white button-down shirt, shop the must-have basics we swear by for easy dressing:
White Button-Down Shirt
A white button-down shirt is a closet essential—it’s as timeless as the foundation makeup that every woman should have. You can dress it up with a blazer or trousers and jeans or wear it casually with high-waist linen pants and sneakers. This classic tee also looks great under a sweater vest or a silk slip dress for a party look.
If you’re going for a more luxe vibe, consider a puffed sleeve button-down like Katie Holmes. The ruffles add femininity and are a welcome change from the traditional cap sleeves of tuxedo shirts. This lustrous shirt has impressive details like refined topstitching, interior chambray piping, and menswear-inspired pintucks.
This oversized button-down from Princess Polly US fits the bill if you want to build a Scandinavian-inspired wardrobe. It has enough flounce that women with larger busts won’t have to worry about unwanted gaps at the buttons (one of Byrdie’s writers, who has a 36D chest, confirms this). The best part? The light linen will wrinkle slowly, requiring less maintenance.
Denim Jacket
Regarding wardrobe staples, a few items always stay in style. They’re the backbone of your closet, allowing you to mix trend-led pieces to spice up your look.
One of these items is the denim jacket. A casual lightweight layer adds a final touch to any outfit and upgrades your basic tee or oversized sweater. Plus, it pairs well with jeans and other neutrals, giving your outfit an extra personality.
Originally designed as workwear for cowboys and rail workers, the silhouette typically tapers slightly from the waist and features looser proportions to accommodate movement.
Choose a cut that hits you at the natural waist, or opt for something more cropped. Sleeves should extend just beyond your creases, as in traditional workwear.
Cozy Sweater
If one wardrobe item proves you can always rely on the classics, it’s the cozy sweater. Whether you opt for a lightweight, travel-friendly option or a plush-knit number made from a sustainable blend of wool and poly-blend fibers, this is a staple that won’t date—and will work year after year as the foundation to a wardrobe of trend-led pieces.
The best part? Cozy winter sweaters are as versatile as they come, allowing you to dress them up with a pencil skirt and heels on one day and then lounge around the house in them with jeans and your favorite slippers the next. And there are options out there to fit every budget, from a cotton knit with chic stripes to an investment cashmere sweater that will feel as luxurious as it looks.
The perfect pair to wear over a white button-down shirt and jeans, this versatile jacket is great for layering and works well with almost any outfit. Plus, the black shade is flattering for all skin tones.
Cardigan
Certain wardrobe basics will always stay in style, no matter the latest trends. A cardigan is one of those items, and it can be worn in various ways.
It’s great as a layering piece over a shirt and jacket, but you can also wear it solo. Just ensure it’s fitted, not saggy, and avoid bulky styles.
A cardigan can dress down a flashy outfit, such as a polka dot shirt and jeans, or it can simplify a formal outfit. It can also be worn over a t-shirt to add warmth and texture to a casual look.
The best cardigan sweater vests are made of fine wool. The fabric is soft and lightweight, making it perfect for a dressier outfit. Try a fitted V-neck style, and don’t be afraid to experiment with patterns.
Skirt
The skirt is a timeless fashion essential that always stays in style. From Sofia Loren’s sexy to Audrey Hepburn’s chic, this form-fitting garment is one of your closet’s most flattering and versatile pieces. A pencil skirt will add a sleek and professional look, while a maxi skirt can give you that sexy bohemian vibe. Stripes are another classic pattern that will never go out of style.
While trying the latest fashion trends is fun, you need a few wardrobe basics that will last season after season. Having a few of these timeless looks will help you make getting dressed each morning an easy and stress-free experience. Whether the perfect white t-shirt or a fail-safe blazer, these must-haves will complement every trend-led piece you invest in this year. The best part is that these staples will work for casual and dressier occasions, making them the ultimate versatile items.
