Nonspecific Closet Staples
It’s easy to say everyone needs a black pants, a trench coat, and nude pumps. Or blue jeans, sneakers, and a white tee.
But is it true? Not necessarily.
What you need are the pieces that work for you. I don’t think everyone needs specific items so much as they need garments to fill specific roles.
Here’s what I recommend everyone have in their closet. (And at the end, I have a bunch of outfits featuring some of my staples!)
Go-to top style for each season.
In a climate with four distinct seasons, tops are where the most variety is needed so that you can stay comfortable as the temperatures change.
It can be whatever you gravitate towards in any given season. It can work for multiple seasons, and/or you can buy it in multiple colors or prints.
For example:
Winter/spring/fall: sweaters
Spring/fall: blouses and shirts
Summer: crop tops, camis, and short-sleeve shirts
Comfortable, versatile bottoms.
The goal is a piece that you enjoy wearing, can wear all day, and can go with a wide variety of tops.
This could be a great pair of jeans, pants, or a skirt.
Ideally, either this piece would work in your professional and personal lives, or you’d have one for each.
For me, this would be my favorite blue jeans, black pants, my Zara pants, and my pleated skirts. I wear them all the time, can comfortably wear them all day, and with just about anything on top.
Comfortable shoes that can dress up or down.
These could be pumps, flats, or even the right kind of sandal for spring/summer or bootie for fall/winter.
You’re looking for a versatile color (often black, or a neutral or nude tone) that looks good with anything from a cocktail dress to jeans.
For me, this would be black Rothy’s flats, nude pumps, or ankle strap sandals (low or high).
An outfit for a funeral, interview, or wedding.
It like a strange group, but the first two occasions usually come up with little notice so it’s best to be prepared, and it’s not feasible to buy something new for each wedding you go to.
Think flattering and comfortable, and appropriate for an interview, funeral, or wedding.
Nice dress, suit (skirt or pants), or something similar. You can add accessories to switch it up if necessary and appropriate.
For me, it would probably be the floral shirt dress (wedding, interview) and a black suit (interview, funeral).
Versatile layer.
A layer that can work over a tank or thin sweater, under a heavy coat, in at least two (possibly three) seasons can be a real workhorse.
Denim jacket, trench, blazer, bomber, leather jacket, the possibilities are endless!
Can’t pick, sorry. Jackets are my vice. If I had to try to narrow it down, it would be denim jackets and trench coats.
A color, print, pattern or piece that brings you joy.
It can be a one-off, sprinkled throughout your closet, or even more present than that.
Clothes are an everyday thing, and should bring you joy.
I have a lot of joyful pieces in my closet, but the easiest trends to identify are yellow, floral prints, and polka dots.
Everything else in your closet is very much dependent on your individual lifestyle, its relevant clothing needs, and your preferences.
Here are outfits where I’m wearing at least one of my staple pieces, sometimes even three.
Figure out your closet staples and more with Your Wardrobe Therapy!