Do you want to know the best wardrobe staples for women? These pieces are the lifeblood of every stylish woman’s closet.
Wardrobe staples are the most versatile items in our closet. We wear them often. They’re failsafe. And, they’re essential to styling an outfit in most cases, regardless of your personal style.
In this post, I break down the most important wardrobe staples every woman should own. If you’re looking to stock up or refresh a beloved item in your capsule, you’ve come to the right place.
This post is all about the best wardrobe staples.
Best Wardrobe Staples
1. Collared Shirt
A collared shirt is one of those capsule wardrobe essentials you should never be without. Whether styled over a fitted turtleneck or worn alone in all its glory, this item works any time of the year. Collared shirts pair with any type of bottom or even as a linen beach cover-up when oversized. It’s a chic piece that instantly adds class to an outfit without looking like you’re trying too hard.
Collared shirts come in all colors and styles, but if you favor white, take extra care with these tips (or budget for replacements).
2. Jeans Are Key Capsule Wardrobe Essentials
Every woman needs a pair of jeans for casual days at home or for everyday outfits when you’re out and about. This wardrobe staple should be stylish, fit well, and be comfortable enough so that you don’t mind wearing them on repeat. Most people choose blue denim, but I say go with the wash and style that pairs best with your closet (and your personality). In this case, you may choose white, ivory, or black jeans.
Related Post: Denim Style Trends | The Best Jeans For Your Body
Jeans should be washed inside out to help preserve the color. Avoid washing denim after every wear unless soiled to keep your jeans in better shape.
3. A Long Cardigan
I’m not sure where some of us would be without the wardrobe hero known as the long cardigan or duster. Long cardigans are so essential because their length provides warmth. They’re my favorite winter wardrobe essential that I wear all year round, despite having all four seasons.
Wear them over a shirt and leggings and run out the door without an afterthought. Cozy up on the sofa or around a bonfire with these comfy wardrobe staples that are also perfect for fall festivals and winery outfits. The most versatile color choices for styling chic outfits will be your neutrals: black, gray, navy, beige, camel, ivory, and white.
Related Post: 7 Stylish Outfits For Winter This Year
4. Wardrobe Staples For Women: The Perfect Pair Of Trousers
Whether you call them trousers, slacks, or pants, these wardrobe staples are paramount to styling everyday outfits, dressed up or down. They’re not just for the office either. Trousers are growing in popularity as everyday pants for casual outings, streetwear, or a travel wardrobe capsule. And, they’re actually more comfortable to wear than jeans (and no one’s talking about it).
Related Post: What To Wear To Work | 5 Workwear Trousers That Will Complete Your Office Wardrobe
Choose a neutral pair that’s neither skin-tight nor too loose for the most versatility in your closet.
5. A Classic Blazer
It’d be a major faux pas if a blazer wasn’t included in this list of capsule wardrobe essentials. A blazer can be dressed up or down, while a denim jacket keeps things casual and a leather jacket keeps things edgy. This list is all about versatility, and a blazer looks just as chic at the office as it does in the grocery store.
Yes, I level up my grocery shopping outfits by throwing a blazer over a basic tee, a pair of joggers and boots. I felt more put-together shopping at the grocery store that night than if I had worn a hoodie.
Wearing your blazer as a top with a waist belt is also a great way to add some shape into your outfit, especially for a special event or date night.
6. Classic Wardrobe Essentials: The ShirtDress
We began with the collared shirt and now we’re onto the shirtdress. This adaptable piece can be worn as a day dress for work outfits and then dressed up with elevated accessories for happy hour or dinner. Add a base layer and a cardigan in the fall or winter, and roll up the sleeves in the summer. Belt it, add a scarf, or wear it with white sneakers on a walking tour in Europe.
A shirt dress is the ultimate classic wardrobe essential that looks just as chic with a pair of ballet flats as it does with a pair of biker boots, depending on your fashion style.
7. Ankle Boots
Ankle boots are one of the best wardrobe staples if you live in a wet or chilly climate zone…or you’re like me and you adore boots no matter what season. The ideal style hits above the ankle to your mid-calf–and it’s ideal because it elegantly styles under pants without showing your leg or socks (which let’s face it, sometimes I’m not matching my socks 😉).
Black or brown are your best choices for staple pieces for a wardrobe, but a neutral beige or camel offers a nice juxtaposition in one’s outfit of the day as well. Chelsea boots offer a timeless shape, but one can find ankle boots in many of the latest style trends come fall.
8. Flats Are Timeless Wardrobe Staples
Flats are the perfect shoes in warmer weather and mild climates, or with a cute, knit sock in cooler temps. These wardrobe staples elevate any casual outfit and of course, go with dressy looks when you need to pass on wearing heels with your LBD.
Flats also add a classy vibe to summer dresses, skirts, and cropped jeans (when everyone else is in sandals). Whether you’re into Mary Janes, ballet flats, pointy toe flats, or a minimalist flat with a higher vamp, there’s always a chic style on trend to wear.
Pro-Tip: Do your research when deciding to purchase a pair of flats. Measure your feet before choosing a size and consider width too. Test out your flats at home before wearing them out to ensure they don’t need any tweaks. I usually need to put pads around the back parts to avoid blisters, so I expect that and prepare accordingly.
9. Large Tote Bag
I don’t think this list would be complete without a large tote bag. It’s definitely a must-have wardrobe essential for 2024, with most of the local stores in my area doing away with plastic bags. So, let’s help the environment and look cute at the same time, why don’t we? And if you really want to look put together, elevate your tote bag with a chic scarf that matches your outfit.
Tote bags have been trending the past year, but honestly, when aren’t they? Find one in your favorite color and style (north-south or east-west) and you won’t miss those plastic bags ripping at the worst moment again!
10. Capsule Wardrobe Staples: Leather Hip Belt
What is the one accessory you can add to most outfits to instantly look more stylish? A leather (or vegan leather) belt. The belt is like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae–it just ties everything together. Elevate a pair of jeans, keep your trousers up, size down an oversized shirt or dress, or add structure to a coat with a hip belt.
Which of these wardrobe staples can you not live without? Clearly, I need all of these in my life. Let me know your take in the comments below.
This post was all about wardrobe staples
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