11 Basic Wardrobe Essentials You'll Always Need

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Are you looking to refresh your basic wardrobe essentials? Here are the exact wardrobe basics you should always have in your closet!

Whether you rock the latest trends, stick to a capsule wardrobe, or a little bit of both, you need basic wardrobe essentials. These items are the foundation of every happy closet–meaning they help complete your outfits and simplify your life.

If you don’t have basics in your wardrobe, putting together a quick and easy outfit becomes a chore. Missing basics limits the versatility of other items in your closet, which pushes us to spend money on extra clothing we don’t need.

When you give space to quality basics in your closet, you spend less money on extra clothing. Basics are worn often and usually need to be replaced often, so they should always be a priority in your shopping budget.

Here’s a list of 11 basic wardrobe essentials every woman should have in her closet at all times.

This post is all about basic wardrobe essentials.

Best Basic Wardrobe Essentials

1. Silk Camisole

This list is in no particular order, but a silk camisole should be at the top of your list of basic wardrobe essentials if you don’t own one already. It’s different than a basic layering tank because the material is made of silk, satin, or a silk-like blend. The silk cami is a timeless staple, perfect for layering with workwear, a classic wardrobe, or even streetwear.

This cami comes in all your favorite neutral colors.
V Neck Front and Back Silk Camisole by Lily Silk.

This key basic is perfect for layering under blouses, button-down shirts, cardigans, and even jackets without dressing down your outfit. The cut and style of the tank range from loose to slim-fitting depending on your preference. Opt for a neckline with a scoop neck or v-neck style for versatility. A pair of these tanks in black and white (or black and ivory) should cover all your needs.

2. Ribbed Tank

The ribbed tank is the most casual of basic wardrobe essentials, but also extremely versatile as far as basic tops for women go. A comfortable piece that can be layered with shirts and blazers, or worn on its own tucked into a pair of jeans for a casual summer outfit. The options to wear this tank are endless, however. Decide if you prefer a fitted (best for layering) or semi-fitted style.

wardrobe basics checklist pdf — Even a striped neutral tank is perfect as a basic when you want to add some interest to your outfit.

This is definitely an item I recommend buying at a budget price, so you can get a range of colors that suit your wardrobe. Opt for neutral tones including camel, navy, army green, and taupe.

3. Black Leggings

Black leggings will forever be a tried and true part of basic wardrobe essentials. Perfect for a travel wardrobe, working out, dog walks, layering under maxi dresses, or styled with oversized cardigans, you can’t go wrong with these basics.

Basic black edgy essentials for the modern wardrobe?
Marcella has you covered with their Gwyn Leggings.

Key factors that go into purchasing a pair of black leggings are opacity (they should not be see-through at all) and fabric that doesn’t easily pull or pill.

4. Plain T-Shirt

A plain white tee is on the list of basic wardrobe staples; however, you really don’t need it in white. White doesn’t always work for everyone’s taste. Opt for a neutral color that best fits your personality and wardrobe. Choosing a color you’ll actually wear is the point here and for everything on the list of must-have wardrobe essentials.

From styling with belted skirts to chic linen pants, the basic tee isn’t just for lounging around the house. Add matching accessories to create a stylish outfit, or throw a chic blazer over top to elevate your look.

5. Strapless Bra

If the rogue bra-strap-hanging-out aesthetic is not something you’re into, you need a strapless bra. This is one of the most important basic wardrobe essentials and it’s useful for a lot more than strappy tops and nice dresses. If you can find one that stays up, fits, and is comfortable, it can make all the difference with so many different tops and never, ever having to see a bra strap again.

6. Long Sleeve T-shirt

Best friend to the short sleeve tee, it’s a necessity in a winter or fall capsule wardrobe. A long sleeve t-shirt is one of those essentials to layer over, under, or wear on its own. Opt for a semi-fitted to fitted style, which is great for layering and pairing with jeans and trousers or a yoga class on a cool morning. When shopping, look for soft and stretchy fabric, and you’ll for-sure be wearing it most days at home.

7. Thermal Knit Tops

Often mentioned on What Is She Wearing, thermal knits are the bread and butter of any winter wardrobe essentials. This layering piece is meant to go under your shirts, dresses, jumpers, etc. to trap in heat keeping you warm.

I recommend a thin cashmere blend that’s both breathable and cozy. Black and ivory (or white) will round out your wardrobe basics for the cold weather, enabling you to style the chicest winter outfits. They also layer under lighter materials in transitional spring and fall seasons, especially for outdoor events such as pumpkin picking and winery tours.

My go-to thermal top: V-neck Top in Modal Ultralight with Cashmere from Intimissimi. This U-neck style is also a great option for layering: Neiwai Essential Cashmere U-Neck Thermal Underwear Top.

8. Thin Turtleneck

There’s nothing like layering with a thin turtleneck that brings interest to a basic outfit. The fitted style traps heat against your body, and there’s a subtle elegance to layering one with a collared shirt or knit jumper. If you don’t like high-neck tops, try a mock neck style.

9. Relaxed Button-Down Shirt

A relaxed button-down shirt is a godsend of basic wardrobe essentials when you need to look presentable, QUICKLY. For example, when the doorbell rings and you actually decide to answer it. Is that just me?

This shirt isn’t fitted, but anywhere from semi-fitted to oversized depending on your style. The fabric is also flowy and comfortable as opposed to crisp and structured. Think chambray, Tencel, linen, cotton gauze, or even flannel. Opt for a longer style that covers your butt if you’re wearing leggings and want to go on a dog walk or run errands. Dress up joggers and sweats with this shirt that’s as easy to wear as a tee.

Related Post: My Formula for Everyday “Casual Chic”

10. Knit Jumper

A casual knit jumper or sweater is an elevated answer to a sweatshirt. You still look casual and comfortable, but definitely more stylish and put-together. Opt for a slightly oversized version in a neutral tone or stripe, which is perfect for lounging or running around.

DelCia: Black Cotton Sweater — This sustainably-knit jumper comes in a few colors and can be worn alone or with layers in the coldest months.
DELČIA: Black Cotton Sweater by The Knotty Ones.

A thick-knit cotton is the perfect fabric for spring days and late summer evenings, possibly at the beach. Cashmere, alpaca, and wool blends will keep you warm in the winter.

11. Stockings

This list of basic wardrobe essentials wouldn’t be complete without stockings or tights. A pair of neutral tights to match your skin tone and a black pair are all you need. Some people may think that stockings are old-fashioned, but they definitely add polish to an outfit (as well as warmth) when the weather is cold. They even work as a thin layer of insulation under pants and denim.

Pro-Tip: Pair black stockings with black footwear or black bottoms to help elongate the legs.

Take your wardrobe planning to the next level with the Ultimate Wardrobe Essentials List, completely free to download and use on your mobile device or print out.

This post was all about basic wardrobe essentials

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11 Basic Wardrobe Essentials You’ll Always Need