Wardrobe Essentials That Are Always In Style
Let’s talk about timeless wardrobe essentials that allow you to own less and never struggle to pull an outfit together. These are the staples to have in your closet that you’ll reach for year after year because they’re always in style and the beauty is, they can be found at all price points,
Blazer
A classic neutral-colored or tweed jacket will serve you for years to come. Lapels may shift subtly, and lengths will go up and down, but a simply tailored blazer with clean lines will always be in style and add polish to every outfit.
I added this cotton-blendĀ “Chanel type” blazer to my wardrobe this spring and love how it goes with everything. Mine is a pale gray and it’s also available in a pale pink here.
Buying tip– choose a jacket that fits through the back and shoulders. It can be very expensive to alter a set-in sleeve, but it’s fairly easy to move a button or adjust sleeve lengths.
White Tee Shirt
You can spend a small fortune on a white t-shirt, but I never do because they seldom last more than a season or two. A crisp white tee is a versatile workhorse for your wardrobe and looks as chic with jeans as it does with nice trousers or skirt and a blazer.
Buying tip- look for tees with straight seams (no puckering) or loose threads. Choose ones that are opaque and have a neckline that flatters your face shape and shoulder line. Natural fibers like Tencel, linen, and cotton are cool on hot days but blends with a touch of lycra can add to their comfort.
Related-Ā The Most Flattering Neckline For Your Face and Body
White Button Down
It’s hard to go wrong with a crisp white shirt. They’re great to layer under a sweater, worn tucked or tied at the waist over a dress, and work as a bathing suit coverup in a pinch. If these aren’t in your style recipe, substitute another versatile neutral or switch it to a blouse.
Buying tip– the new no-iron fabrics save you time and the good ones need no touching up out of the dryer. Whites vary, so choose one with an undertone to match your skin. Warmer skin tones look best in ivory or cream that has a yellow base, and cooler complexions look best in pure or soft white with a blue base.
Classic Jeans
Here’s where you want to insist on a style that fits your body shape perfectly because the key to a great pair of jeans is the fit. Gaps at the back waist, a wedgie, or a muffin top mean they don’t fit your shape. These are not the distressed jeans that are on-trend or the overly faded black jeans that now look gray. Classic, always-in-style jeans in mid to deep wash blue are timeless. These are the jeans you know look amazing on you no matter what you wear them with.
Buying tip– straight leg jeans are in style these days, but if skinny jeans look fabulous on you, own them in a blue wash that you can dress up and down.
Trench Coat
A great trench coat works year in and year out for almost all seasons. A classic Burberry may have too many details for you, but simpler options exist. The trench works over everything and has a timeless appeal in black, navy, or tan. I just ordered this one because the details are minimal.
Buying tip–Ā double-breasted styles add bulk upfront, so well-endowed women look best in single-breasted styles. Epaulets and gun flaps draw attention to your shoulders which make them look broader so avoid them if you have wide shoulders.
White Sneaker
A classic white sneaker goes with everything these days and looks as stylish with jeans as they do with a cotton sundress. Leather seems more modern than canvas these days and easier to keep clean with these magic erasers.
Buying tip– Go for comfort first and then style and know that athletic shoes that are meant for the gym don’t fall into this category.
Related –Ā Comfiest Shoes Your Over-50 Feet Will Love
Ballet Flat
The quintessential ballet flat goes with everything. They give a minimalistic look with maximum style and are totally classic. They go with everything from pants to skirts and dresses at all price points. This Margaux Demi is a favorite of mine because it comes in tons of colors in narrow, medium, and wide widths, size 3-14!
Buying tip– look for ballet flats that have enough vamp on top to stay securely on your foot. Choose ones that are lined in leather so they mold to your feet. Going up one size gives you space to add an extra insole if you need it for additional cushioning.
Denim Jacket
These change subtly over time, but the basic shape remains timeless and is always in style. They look great over a sundress, with a tee and shorts or slacks and a blouse.
MORE DENIM JACKETS
Buying tip– look for denim jackets with lycra so they stretch. Angled princess seams keep them from being overly boxy. Colors abound, but a classic mid-wash blue will be the most versatile.
What can you add to this list?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Love this list of classics. Doing my best to cultivate. Just watched your You Tube video on tying a scarf!
I just learned something new today. I love it! I am an avid scarf wearer and I happened to have one on when I saw your video, so I followed right along, which of course is the best way to learn. I’m sitting here now admiring my new fashionable scarf look! Thanks Jennifer!
That’s awesome, Nancy.
Thanks Jennifer, a list of classics, for sure. As always, your posts are so helpful.
I have ballet flats, but time and again, I end up wearing loafers instead. I have black leather, red leather, and black patent. Thought they might belong on a “timeless” list as they have been around since the fiftiesā I even have one pair with a penny in the band š
Loafers are absolutely timeless!
Simple dress pants in a dark colour…black , navy, dark grey and a t-shirt, tank top or long sleeve top , in a colour to match the pants. Creates a column effect when worn w/ a jacket or trench coat.
I look like a line backer in a blazer. I have never found one that fit both my shoulders and my chest. I look equally bad in a trench coat. Every white shirt I have ever owned has been irreparably stained in the first month. I don’t really like jeans and wear them mostly for gardening. I do have some white sneakers and a few pair of ballet flats, as well as a denim jacket. I’m afraid I will get a “D” on Timeless Wardrobe. I do, however, have a pretty good boho-esque wardrobe that suits me fine.
I’d love to know what “essentials” your boho-esque wardrobe has. I think several readers would too.
All wonderful ideas for essentials. Like you, I’m partial to the Talbot’s T’s. They are opaque, wear comfortably and launder beautifully. As a matter of fact, it’s time to purchase 1-2 new white ones and perhaps a new navy and black.
On a separate subject, you listed your favorite clothes steamer awhile back but I cannot remember the name. I am in need of a good steamer. I just don’t have the time to pull the iron and ironing board out. Would you please share that info again. Thank you!
I have one very similar to this which works beautifully.
Thank you, Jennifer!!
This list is very close to that of classic French style that I have seen. I read with interest but as a bohemian artistic type, the only thing I relate to and wear is the jeans. The other items seem boxy, constricting and just donāt suit me. I prefer more flowing and colorful styles but would like a streamlined and practical wardrobe. I am asking myself what a similar list would be for my type. Suggestions?
I would suggest some beautiful kimonos, a unique bootie, or a flat that goes with everything. A flowing maxi skirt in your best neutral and perhaps white shirts that are anything but ordinary. Palazzo pants in a neutral shade that go with everything. I will see if I can put together a post on this.
Good tips on basics. However, I prefer many different options in my wardrobe. Despite being retired, I still don’t want to wear the same outfits over and over again. Too boring for me!
When it comes to white tops (tees and tunics), I typically buy 2 white tees in the same style when I find one that I like. That’s because inevitably I spill something on one of them and pick up a stain somewhere that won’t come out.
A question about your comment “athletic shoes that are meant for the gym donāt fall into this category”. What is the difference between white sneakers for dress and white sneakers for the gym? When shopping, how do I tell the difference before buying them?
Gym sneakers are much heavier duty like this pair.
Hi L.J. the Tribal pants I found were at Suzannes regular length, a bit of a slim leg but not ‘skinny’ fit at the waist and very comfortable. Good luck on your quest.
D
Hi Jennifer you have provided really good info and advice in this blog Thank you for your suggestions. BTW I finally found a pair (several) š of pull on denim jeans made by Tribal they’re a great fit and no zipper bulge! Yipee
Doris š
You will love them!!
These simple basics can be the most difficult things to get right, at least for me.
I’ve ordered T-shirts that are flimsy and transparent. Back they went. Double-breasted trench coats don’t work because of my narrow shoulders. With everything oversized now, I had to size down in a simple wrap trenchcoat. White shirts? Too transparent, and I don’t relish wearing a cami in summer heat. Jeans? What is up with all the cropped/ankle jeans? I just want full length. Strangely, “tall” doesn’t work either, because hem lengths leap by four inches from regular to tall. Grrr.
Try and try again is my motto.
I won’t go into the Great Denim Jacket Quest of 2021. What a fiasco — but I found one eventually.
Please, please, please, do a post on the perfect white tee. I want one that is neatly made, long enough to tuck in, not too low/high of a neckline, opaque, sensibly priced. Does it exist? Readers your favorites? Also, a tank with the same features plus wide enough straps to cover bra straps, please!
I am quite pleased with the affordable First-Layer Tank Top for Women by Old Navy. They fit true to the measurements. I ordered the white, which is opaque. The slim ribbed version of this tank top did not work for me at all.
I love JCPenney St. John’s Bay short sleeve and 3/4 sleeve tshirts in white. These 100% cotton tshirts come in many colors. I own all the colors that appeal to me.
They do exist. I am partial to Talbot’s tee because they tick all those boxes. I’m not sure why or when opaque white tees became popular but they’re not for me.
Great wardrobe essential list, however though do own three trench coats can’t remember the last time I wore one since my lifestyle and climate really doesn’t demand such plus there is the factor of versatility re length so prefer a jacket. Also only wear laced sneakers for the gym as other wise opt for ballet or teacup slip-on styles. In regards to a denim jacket, don’t currently own one but as an addition to the list; I have what I will call a few wraps that depending upon their size and fabrics I can restyle on a whim vie draping, tying, accessorizing. Now with all that said; if I were thirty plus years younger; a slinky midi length slip-dress would be must in my wardrobe … š. -Brenda-
Great list. I agree with cardigans and for me, in the winter, vests. I’m thinking of getting a new denim jacket on the big and boxy side — maybe not fashionable, but something to work over a sweatshirt when I walk. (I have a nice fitted one.) A Gap jacket (oversized) seems to fit the bill, and I love that they are made w/less water. My only disagreement is with blazers: I have them in many styles, and because I worked in a formal office, I cannot get my head around wearing one that is out of date (esp., length and lapel size). No collar or shawl collars help me resolve the label issue. The trench you bought is gorgeous!
Love your tips for āmust haveā. I think I am doing pretty well following your advice.
Thank you š
Happy Friday, Lin!
Great list! Thank you. I would add a well-fitted pencil skirt in a neutral color.
Yes!
Love your list! The only thing I might add is a great cardigan. Where I live that seems to be a staple for spring and summer. Our life is so much more casual now that I don’t really wear my blazers or trenchcoat anymore.
Yes! I am a huge cardigan wearer, year round
Great list! I love a great denim jacket ā¦ but always have the same dilemma: does the jacket need to be large enough to button/close? I have an ample bustline – and jackets that fit well in the shoulders and back never button/close comfortably (although I never do button them!) ā¦ Thanks!!
I seldom button mine. I think they should look like you could button them but they look best on the slimmer side so it’s fine to fudge and wear a smaller one.
Hello Jennifer
Curious the size you got in the Nic&Zoe Jacket. It looks nice on you
I bought the small but could have worn the medium too.
Love your list and agree on almost all of them. I have never been comfortable in a blazer. Love the way they look on others but I guess just donāt suit my personality? They just hang in my closet. Love the fringed jacket and will have to be on the lookout for one! I probably have 2-3 pairs of classic white sneakers that are in rotation often. And I like my denim jackets on the boxier side (and a little longer) so that I can layer them over a mid-weight sweater during the shoulder seasons.
Hi Jennifer,
I also purchased the AT trench. I absolutely love it! Color is great for me and it came in petite.
I’m excited to wear it!
You look great in all of these photos! Classic clothes are my very favorites; thanks for this post š