Having those wardrobe essentials makes your life easier when you’re considering what to wear on a daily basis. It is important to have those versatile pieces that you want to reach for time and time again.
If you sometimes struggle to pick out an outfit, starting with one of these basic pieces will help formulate your desired look and enable you to build a classic woman’s wardrobe.
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I recommend these 8 wardrobe essentials for women that you can reach for all year round. These key neutral pieces are comfortable and will form part of your basic wardrobe:
- 2 Tops
T-shirt and Bodysuit
- 2 Bottoms
Mom Jeans and Midi Skirt
- 2 Pairs of Shoes
Trainers and Loafers
- 2 Layering Pieces
Leather Jacket and Long Cardigan
White T-Shirt // Black Bodysuit (similar) // Mom Jeans // Black Midi Skirt // Black Loafers (similar) // White Trainers // Leather Jacket (similar) // Long Cardigan (similar)
1. White T-Shirt
This item needs no introduction, we’ve all got one of these clothing essentials.
There are different styles, fabrics and price points for a white tee to suit every lifestyle. I prefer cotton as it is soft and breathable in a crew neck style.
A nicely ironed, crisp white t-shit enhances the quality and will make you look put together.
A white tee can be elevated with some jewellery, heels and a nice bag but you can also tie it with a see-through elastic at the waist for a cropped, boho style in summer with any style of bottoms to create more shape.
Ruth from Play Work Eat Repeat suggests you can wear the t-shirt for any occasion: with a blazer and trousers for work, trainers for a fun weekend outfit or with a skirt and heels in the evening.
Tip – wear with a plain nude bra, as a white bra could show through!
2. Black Bodysuit
I have worn this item more than anything else in my wardrobe. I love mine from Zara as it’s comfortable, breathable and no bra required!
The black bodysuit slims you down in any outfit and won’t ride up. It works well with any accessories or bottoms and you can dress it up or down in any season.
Tip – if you aren’t feeling your best before going out, wear the bodysuit with a floaty skirt or some loose trousers and heels and you’ll feel great!
3. Mom Jeans
I don’t know how many jeans I’ve tried – and admittedly I own many styles, but a great-fitting pair of mum or straight jeans in a ‘relaxed style’ is a wardrobe staple I reach for all year round. They can be worn with boots in winter or flats in summer.
Wardrobe basics ultimately need to be comfortable or realistically you won’t reach for them. Whether you’re going for a meal or feeling bloated, you won’t pull out an ill-fitting uncomfortable item.
There are many looks for the perfect pair of jeans, whether with heels and a nice top for an evening look, smart-casual with a blazer and loafers, or casual with trainers and a t-shirt. You’ll still look put together with a great-fitting pair of jeans!
Check out my post for 10 ways to style your Mom Jeans.
4. Black Midi Skirt
This is one of those chic wardrobe essentials. A pleated midi skirt is breathable in summer and can be dressed down with trainers. You can wear with tights and stiletto black boots in winter for a chic-dressy style.
It can we worn for work with a tied-shirt or t-shirt for an effortless style, or with loafers for an office look.
It’s also great in spring, with a light cardigan and sandals.
This item is perfect if you’re feeling bloated or going out for a big meal and don’t want to worry about unbuttoning your jeans. I like to wear mine with a black bodysuit for a super flattering, comfortable look.
Madeline at The Everygirl has some great tips for wearing a pleated midi skirt in different seasons to prevent the ‘I have nothing to wear’ feeling.
5. Black Loafers
Finding a nice pair of leather loafers that you’ve worn in are super comfortable and so useful.
You can wear loafers all year round for going into the office or for a smart lunch date with jeans and a shirt. They’re great for a shopping trip and walking around town and easy to slip off if you’re trying on clothes.
A casual outfit can be elevated with some black loafers. These are a timeless wardrobe piece.
6. White Trainers
These are a must-have in any woman’s wardrobe. A pair of smart white trainers that are comfortable and stylish can be worn with any outfit for a practical and casual look, or to dress down a smart outfit for a cool, effortless style.
As fashion changes, a woman needs some white trainers to pair with any trendy outfit.
7. Leather Jacket
A classic leather jacket is a must-have for any season. Wear it for a night out in winter, on a cool summer evening and as a daytime jacket during spring and autumn over a jumper or dress.
When thinking about those key pieces to have in your wardrobe, you want a neutral, stylish over-layer to throw on over any outfit. As this is such a timeless look it will go with any outfit statement piece.
As a guide, the jacket should cut you off just below the waist, and so can be worn with any dress, jeans, skirts and shoes. If you’ve spent time putting your outfit together, sometimes it’s nice to not think about the style and length of coat or jacket you should wear, making this an essential wardrobe piece.
8. Long-Buttoned Cardigan
A long neutral cardigan can be a really versatile clothing staple. You can dress it down with trainers during the day and dress up with jewellery or a pair of heels in the evening.
This item is stretchy and comfortable and can be worn unbuttoned with any of the items above or half-buttoned to display either a top or trousers.
Wear with a long coat in winter, as a layering piece during those transitional seasons, or for those cool summer evenings.
Check out my post for styling your Long Cardigan for different events!
So go ahead and add some of these wardrobe essentials if you haven’t already!