Basic but not Boring | Closet Staple Must-Haves
Today, I’m sharing the pieces that I think are closet staples. These items will help you to always have a timeless wardrobe. If you’ve been a subscriber of my blog or YouTube channel for any amount of time, you’ll know that there are some pieces in my closet that I’ve had for 20 + years. This is simply because these pieces are timeless and last the ages.
Let me point out, that just because these pieces are considered ‘closet staples’ doesn’t mean they have to be boring! You still have the ability to add your own personal spin on each of these items depending on your style.
You’ll find a lot of the items listed below also on my random recommendations pages!
My Must Have Closet Staples
White Button Down Blouse
This is such a versatile item for your closet, which is why it’s my top staple pick. You can dress this up with trousers (which we’ll get to) or dress this down with jeans. When I mentioned adding your own personal spin on each item, I was thinking about this piece!
You may want an oversized fitted blouse or a fitted blouse. You may want a collar or some extra flair. It’s all based on your personal style!
White T-Shirt
Does this item really need any explanation? I suggest having a long sleeve and short sleeve depending on the time of the year. This is also an item where you can add your own flair. I prefer v-necks because they’re the most flattering on me. However, I know people who prefer scoop necks or square necks instead. It’s important to purchase the staples that you’ll actually wear!
Black and White Striped Shirt or Sweater
Nothing is more classic than a black and white stripe. Whether it’s a classic t-shirt to pair under a sweater or blazer or a sweater itself. It’s simply easy and timeless.
Black slacks or trousers
Even if you’re not a person who gets dressed up often, you never know when you’ll need a pair of black pants. Whether it’s a funeral or a job interview, these are truly a necessity for everyone. It’s better to have a good fitting pair in your closet than have to scramble at the last minute to find a pair.
I prefer to go for a classic pair of trousers, but if straight leg slacks are more your style then go for those. Again, make sure you’re incorporating your own personal style! You may also choose to go for a gray or brown pair if black isn’t your thing! Just make sure they’re a neutral color!
Denim
This should be a no-brainer but having a NICE pair of denim is essential to your closet. You can go for straight leg, skinny, bootcut or flair (remember whatever works for you) but PLEASE, PLEASE, make sure you have one pair of jeans without holes or distressing. That is the real closet staple item!
An additional suggestion I have is, to make sure they’re a classic mid-rise cut. While the dreaded low-rise is back in style right now, it won’t always be that way.
Loafers
This is actually something I’m shopping around for right now. Obviously, the chunky loafers are very on trend right now. However, the classic loafer has been and always will be in style. They’re just easy to throw on with jeans and a sweatshirt for a preppy look (see HERE and HERE). You can also pair these with any of the items I mention above to elevate a look!
If the chunky look is your style, by all means wear those!
Classic Pumps
I like to this this is one of the items that most people lack in their wardrobe. Many people don’t wear a classic pair of pumps because they find them to be uncomfortable. While I agree that there are pairs that can be that way, it’s important to find a pair that works for you.
My favorite pair of pumps is the Tatiana from Nine West. I’ve also heard great things about THESE Jessica Simpson heels. However, if you find a block heel to be more comfortable, that’s okay too.
White Sneakers
White sneaker is an area where you can REALLY play around with your personal style. You can go for the classic tennis shoe or a slip on style tennis shoe. This shoe option is great for pairing with jeans for grocery shopping or if you’re really into the trends and sticking with them (you know my thoughts on that) you can pair them with trousers, too.
Trench Coat
Depending on your climate, the coats you wear most often may differ but a trench coat is a great all weather option. Obviously, in the midst of winter, a trench coat won’t be worn often but it still has it’s purpose. The classic camel/nude trench coat is a great option but I think as long as you stick with a neutral color, the silhouette itself is timeless!
Here is a great option from Old Navy – it comes in 3 neutral colors and is available in plenty of sizes (up to 4x)!
The Everyday Purse
An everyday purse should be in a style that fits your body shape and should be sizeable enough to fit all of your essentials. I have an entire series on my YouTube channel of purses for your body shape. I also have a video (HERE) of what’s in my everyday handbag.
This is my everyday purse:
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are another item that I have a video on. I think if you sunglasses are going to be a wardrobe staple, they need to be in a classic frame shape. Not the small tiny frames that barely cover your eyes or ones that have a wild color frame. It’s also important to find a frame style that works for YOUR face shape. Here are the two pairs that I purchases this summer that work for me!
Undergarments
Last but certainly not least in my closet staples is undergarments. Bras, panties, shapewear, etc. If your very base layer doesn’t look good (fits properly), then the rest of your clothing probably won’t either.
Optional Closet Staples
Here are some additional items that you may consider adding to your staples, but I don’t find that it’s a necessity for all!
- Black Blazer
- Black Dress – I do think this should be conservative enough for a funeral or job interview
- Nude Booties – I love a pointed toe leather ankle bootie!
So that’s a wrap on my personal closet staples. I know some people feel that ballet flats or watches are also essential to their closets, but I don’t find those necessary for me.
I share a lot of great items that can become closet staples in my fall wardrobe blog posts.
One last thing, staple pieces are where I spend my money. When I know these pieces won’t go out of style, I spend the money to ensure that they’re high quality and will last wear after wear. If you’re not in the place of your life right now, that’s okay, too!
What are some of your closet staples?
