The Best 14 Basic Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Needs To Have
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Are you looking for classic wardrobe staples that stand the test of time?
A basic wardrobe is an investment in your individual style. It's what you reach for when you don't know what to wear, and it's always appropriate. A woman's wardrobe should be filled with versatile pieces that can be worn for any occasion and repeatedly. Whether you are dressing for a day at work, a night out on the town, or a special event, there are certain essentials that every woman should have in her closet.
Here is a list of must-have wardrobe basics for the modern woman's wardrobe. These essentials will help you build a solid foundation for your closet and, eventually, a capsule wardrobe.
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The Best Collection of Wardrobe Essentials
01) A Little Black Dress
If there's one thing every woman should have in her wardrobe, it's a classic little black dress. This timeless piece is ideal for any occasion and can be dressed down or up depending on the event. Whether you prefer a bodycon mini dress or an elegant floor-length number, make sure to have this staple in your closet for any evening out and date nights.
Our Top Picks
Black Cape-Sleeve Mini Dress
$98 | SHOP AT MADEWELL
Mini Black Dress
$49 | SHOP AT LULUS
02) An Iconic Blazer
A classic blazer is one of the staples of any wardrobe. It has the power to instantly elevate any look, whether it's a casual pair of jeans and a tee or an office-appropriate dress. Choose neutral colors such as black, navy, or gray for maximum versatility. Our favorite is the trendy oversized blazer from Everlane, and it's definitely one of our fall wardrobe essentials!
Our Top Picks
Grey Suit Blazer
$90 | SHOP AT BANANA REPUBLIC FACTORY
Two-Button Plaid Blazer
$44 | SHOP AT AE
03) Comfortable Shoes
Comfort is essential when it comes to shoes, and having a few good pairs on hand will definitely come in handy. Invest in some quality ballet flats or white sneakers that can be worn with any outfit and a stylish pair of heels for more formal occasions.
Ankle Boots
Steve Madden Black Chelsea Boots
$99 | SHOP AT DSW
White Sneakers
Converse White Platform Sneakers
$74 | SHOP AT DSW
04) A Few Pieces Of Jewelry
Every woman should have at least a few pieces of jewelry in her wardrobe. A good pair of earrings, a statement necklace, and some rings or bracelets can go a long way in making an outfit look stylish and put together. So head over to a Whiteflash jewelry store and pick out a few pieces that will really make an impact.
Our Top Picks
Gold Pearl Huggies
$55 | SHOP AT ANA LUISA
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Gold Pendant Necklace
$75 | SHOP AT ANA LUISA
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05) A Versatile Handbag
No wardrobe is complete without a trusty handbag. Choose one that can be used for both everyday activities and special events, like a black leather handbag or a clutch purse. This way, you'll always have something that complements your outfit no matter the occasion.
Our Top Picks
The Piazza Slouch Shoulder Bag
$148 | SHOP AT MADEWELL
Large Quilted Baguette Bag
$14 | SHOP AT SHEIN
06) A Timeless White Button-up Shirt
A crisp white shirt is a timeless piece that any woman should have in her closet. This multipurpose item can be worn to the office, out for drinks, or even to a wedding - pair it with different bottoms and accessories for various looks.
Our Top Picks
White Cotton Courier Shirt
$65 | SHOP AT MADEWELL
White Boyfriend Portofino Shirt
$40 | SHOP AT EXPRESS
07) A Good Pair Of Jeans
A nice pair of jeans is one of the essential items to have in your wardrobe. We recommend finding the style that works best for you, whether it be skinny jeans, straight leg jeans, or boyfriend fit. Choose a dark wash for maximum versatility, and try different styles to find one that suits you best.
Straight-leg Jeans
Ultra High-Rise 90s Straight Jean
$71 | SHOP AT AE
White Jeans
High Waisted White Straight Ankle Jeans
$39 | SHOP AT EXPRESS
08) Statement Pieces
Every wardrobe needs a few fun pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. It could be an eye-catching print, like an animal motif blouse or an embellished dress, or something more subtle, like a bright scarf. The good news is that this is also the perfect time to try out current trends and invest in quality, long-lasting pieces.
Chunky Sweater
Blue Cozy Oversized Pom Sweater
$39 | SHOP AT AMAZON
Midi Dress
Boho Flowy Midi Dress
$168 | SHOP AT FREE PEOPLE
09) Winter Coats And Jackets
During the winter months, you need something warm and stylish, but also functional, and a coat can be worn over multiple outfits and for different occasions. Therefore, a comfy winter coat is another important piece to have in your wardrobe. We love denim jackets for everyday wear, but if you're searching for something more formal, consider going with a wool coat or peacoat. A Classic Trench Coat is another excellent option because it's both classic and versatile.
Puffer Coat
ColdControl Max Black Puffer Coat
$59 | SHOP AT GAP
Leather Jacket
Belted Faux-Leather Moto Jacket
$79 | SHOP AT MACY’S
10) A Plain White T-shirt
A simple white shirt is an essential item that every woman should own. You can wear it under sweaters during the winter or over tank tops in the summer. They come in all different colors, sizes, and styles, so finding one that fits your body type & needs should be easy if you take a little time to shop around.
Our Top Picks
White Crew Neck Tee
$18 | SHOP AT MADEWELL
11) Black Pants
Black pants are simply a timeless style. They are flattering on everyone and can be dressed up or down depending on how they're styled — they're an essential piece of every woman's wardrobe.
Our Top Picks
Black Harlow Wide-Leg Pants
$118 | SHOP AT MADEWELL
Black Slim Pants
$49 | SHOP AT MADEWELL
12) Turtlenecks
Turtlenecks are classic pieces that are a great option for base layers, especially in the colder months. This is a key staple for every woman's wardrobe because it adds warmth and acts as an extra layer underneath other tops when it's cold outside, but it can also be worn on its own when it gets warmer out!
Our top pick is the J.Crew Ribbed Cotton-Cashmere Turtleneck, which can be worn under sweaters or button-downs and alone with jeans or pants for an easy fall outfit.
Black Turtleneck
Make it stand out
$19 | SHOP AT MACYS
Cropped Turtleneck
Cashmere Cropped Turtleneck Sweater
$108 | SHOP AT J.CREW
13) Pencil Skirt
A pencil skirt is a classic wardrobe essential that can be worn all year long. In fact, it's a good idea to have one in your closet because it can be dressed up or down depending on what you're wearing it with. You can wear a pencil skirt with heels during the day and switch up your look by adding some UGGs and a classic white tee for an evening out. Overall, it looks good on everyone and is easy to style with different shirts, blouses, and accessories.
Our Top Picks
Black Vegan Leather Pencil Skirt
$38 | SHOP AT LULUS
Super High Waisted Midi Pencil Skirt
$46 | SHOP AT EXPRESS
14) Black Tights
Whether you opt for opaque or sheer tights, ensure you always have a pair of black tights in your closet. They're another great layering piece and add some length to an outfit without having to wear pants (if it's warm out) or if you want to look put together without wearing pants (if it's cold out).
Our Top Picks
Commando Control Opaque Matte Tights
$40 | SHOP AT SHOPBOP
Body Contour Sheer Full Tights
$14 | SHOP AT EXPRESS
Having the right pieces in your wardrobe will make it easier for you to look stylish and put together no matter the occasion. So make sure to invest in these essential items for a timeless, functional wardrobe.
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In a world where trends come and go faster than we can keep up, it’s easy to feel pressured to wear what’s “in” instead of what feels right for you. However, true style isn’t about following the crowd but finding what makes you feel confident and comfortable. When you let go of outside expectations and focus on pieces that suit your body and personality, fashion becomes a form of self-expression.