What are Wardrobe Essentials
Wardrobe essentials are clothing pieces you will carry from one season to another. They help lay the groundwork for your outfit selection, allowing you to get dressed quickly and make your closet versatile. Each season will require different types of wardrobe essentials. Some things are versatile enough to be used extensively.
Wardrobe essentials can be the foundation of your closet, and in this guide, I’ll share a few of these items that can help you build the foundation you need.
Here are the 18 wardrobe essentials you should have in your closet:
White Sneakers
White sneakers are a classic style that will never likely go out of style. The white color complements just about any color. They are simple, comfortable, and look good with every outfit.
These sneakers are versatile and can be paired with skirts, midi dresses, pants, or jeans. To make a subtle statement, you can add white sneakers with colour on them.
2. Little Black Dress
A little black dress is a perfect choice when you don’t have time to plan your outfit but need a look that will stand out. As a dark color, black draws the eye away from the body to the head, hands, and feet, making you appear taller and slimmer. As a result of this feature about black as a colour, it gives another reason the little black dress is an option when you don’t want to overthink your outfit.
These dresses can be worn in multiple ways, with blazers, sweaters, inner t-shirts, or coats. The black color complements all other colors well, so you can style it however you want.
3. Vest
A vest is a sleeveless top made from various materials like cotton fleece and french terry. It can be loose or fitted, cropped or longline, plain or patterned, making it go with everything. A vest is a great layering essential that is smart and stylish. It’s great for sunny weather when paired with a t-shirt or fitted turtlenecks on colder days. Vests, regardless of their color, can elevate the look of several casual or semi-formal outfits in your wardrobe.
4. Leather Jacket
Leather jackets are a fashion statement that will never go out of style. A good quality jacket is expensive but is guaranteed to last long, as it improves with age and makes any outfit look effortlessly cool. A leather jacket is suitable for winter and spring because it is warm, windproof, and can withstand cold temperatures. In the summer, you can have fun with unlined jackets.
5. Tailored Pants
Tailored pants are great because you can wear them for various occasions, from casual hangouts to professional events. These pants are made with lighter fabric, giving a flattering fit no matter your body type. You can pair them with sandals, sneakers, or heels.
6. Jeans
Jeans are trousers made from a more durable fabric that lasts a long time. It is a casual staple that can change to an elevated look when paired with a formal outfit like a blazer. Jeans are so popular because they are very comfortable, especially when you find the right fit. There are different styles of jeans, and it is essential to know which style complements your body type.
7. Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have become a wardrobe essential for many people. They are known for their comfort, durability, and convenience. Anyone can quickly wear ballet to work, dinner, or for a quick stroll; that’s how useful they are.
Ballet flats are seasonless, adaptable to any wardrobe, and do not have to be boring.
8. Earrings
Earrings are popular jewelry pieces that come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. It is a significant accessory that amps up a plain outfit. The most popular earrings are studs, hoops, dangles, drops, and climbers.
9. Belts
Belts can transform a casual look into elegant or chic. They come in different shapes and sizes, and you can’t go wrong with having them in your closet. What I love about belts is that you can repeat an outfit and pair it with a belt to change the look. For example, if you have a flowing dress you’ve worn before, you can add a skinny belt to change the outfit. Also, you can add a corset belt to a shirt dress to elevate the look. This accessory makes it easy to reuse clothing pieces you own in multiple ways.
10. Coat
When choosing a coat, go for a classic silhouette that complements your closet. A tailored coat is an effortlessly chic way to pull together a look, especially a long-line jacket. The coat's fabrication indicates how good the coat will be, and the best type is wool during the winter.
11. Sweaters
Sweaters are a vital cold-weather essential in different necklines, sleeve lengths, openings, and fits. A variety of sweater types are made from a range of fabric types, such as cotton or synthetic material made from wool. When styling sweaters, accessorizing can add some personalized touch to your outfit. Also, playing around with the shape of the sweater allows the clothing pieces to balance each other.
12. Skirts
Skirts are easy, comfortable, and versatile regardless of the weather. They come in different styles. Short skirts are worn in summer but can be worn in transition wardrobes. Long skirts can be worn all year, paired with sandals and boots.
13. T-shirts
A T-shirt is a casual wardrobe essential that comes in varying necklines, sleeve lengths, colours, designs, and materials. It is easy to pair with any outfit and can be styled for a simple look or dressed up. One of the ways to style a t-shirt is to use accessories, which will vary season by season. You can always have a few t-shirts in different sizes and colours.
14. Blazer
Blazers are highly versatile, making them easy to wear with many different outfits. A blazer is a suit jacket cut loose and is better for casual outfits. Wear wardrobe essentials like dresses, skirts, t-shirts, and jeans. Blazers come in the following types; wool blazers, linen blazers, cotton blazers, tweed blazers, velvet blazers, single-breasted blazers, and double-breasted blazers. Choosing a fitting blazer that will complement your body type and existing closet is essential, so you can easily customize your wardrobe.
15. Ribbed Tank
A ribbed tank is a versatile layer that you will constantly wear and be in the rotation.
It is either an asymmetrical cut or an ultra-thin shoulder strap. You can wear ribbed tanks on both sunny and cold days. During the summer, it’s an excellent opportunity to dress light, while during winter, it can be a great layering piece.
16. Leggings
Leggings are a classic wardrobe essential that is soft, stretchy, and can blend style and comfort. They are comfortable pants that fit all body types and can be styled for multiple occasions. You can wear leggings as a casual or athleisure or replace in a place tights in cold weather.
17. Clutch Bag
Clutches now come in different shapes and sizes. Clutch bags are elegant and usually minor. They carry essentials such as phones, keys, balm, and cards.
18. Jean Jacket
Jean jacket is a timeless layering piece you can wear season after season. It’s the type of item thrown over any clothing piece, be it a summer dress, sweater or t-shirt, or jeans.
Building a wardrobe is a personal process for everyone, so consider what you like and what fits you, and let that guide the clothing pieces you purchase.