Today I am bringing to you 12 closet staples that every women should have in their closet. These pieces will help you complete your outfits and can be styled so many different ways. I will be sharing a few of the ones I own as well as some other options.
I am still adding a few of these pieces to my own wardrobe as well. The ones that I am sharing are the ones that I am considering.
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Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is a must have in my opinion. There are so many ways that you can style it and it can be worn year round. In the spring a denim jacket can be worn with dresses, rompers, jumpsuits, and shorts.
In the summer time, you can wear it with the items mentioned above as well, but since it tends to be hotter, a cute way to wear it would be tied around your waist with a summer dress. I wear mine so much and I love it.
During the fall season, you could pair your denim jacket with a cute plaid shirt. For the winter season, a good way to use your denim jacket is over a hoodie. This would require an oversized jacket.
Which denim jacket is the best for you?
Here are some things to look for in the right one for you.
- Oversized vs. regular sized
- Distressed or not
- Check for quality and weight
- Price
- Plain or embellished
I personally own a plain regular sized denim jacket and I love it. The quality is so good. I also purchased a white one from a different retailer and its cute but the quality isn’t a good. It isn’t sturdy enough and therefore the collar wrinkles. An oversized distressed one is on my list for sure.
Leather Jacket
Next on our closet staples list is a leather jacket. Unfortunately, I do not own a leather jacket.. what? I am on the hunt for one. This is the one I have had my eye on, I am trying to decide what color hardware to pick.
Like a denim jacket a leather jacket can be styled so many ways as well, think dresses, workwear, jeans, and so many other ways. This closet staple is a long time favorite to many.
Heres what to look for in a leather jacket:
- Real leather vs. faux leather
- Price
- embellishments: belts, chains, etc
- Color of hardware: silver or gold/rose gold
- Placement of zippers
- Color: Black, tan, or other colors
Chambray Shirt
Next on our closet staples list is a chambray shirt. These are so fun to style. I feel like the are a they are a classic wardrobe staple. In my closet you will find this one.
Pair it with a white tee, a herringbone vest, or alone with some leggings. All of these are great options and can be made up of the other closet staples mentioned in this post.
Next up on our closest staples list is a white button down shirt.
White Button Down Shirt
A white button down shirt is so versatile. You can pair it with many other items as many others on this list but you can also wear it different ways. You can style a button down shirt with a pair of trousers for work, a pair of jeans and a band tee underneath, and pair it with a cute mini skirt and sneakers.
What to look for in a white button down shirt would be pockets, hems that cover the buttons, length, and fit. Some button down shirts have 1, 2 or no pockets. Length wise there are longer versions that can be worn with leggings and shorter ones that can be tucked in. For fit, there are more fitted styles where they fit tighter in the torso area as well as oversized button down shirts.
Basic White Tee
Ahh the basic white tee, these are so good to own. Do you have one or several like me? Not all basic white tees are alike though. There are different necklines, lengths, and fits.
I generally buy v-neck basic tees that are fitted. I have purchased them from target, walmart, and other retailers. You can pair a basic white tee, a good pair of jeans (see my recs below), and leather jacket and you are good to go.
Nude Heels
We all know nude heels are definitely a closet staple. How many pairs do you have? There are so many different kinds, so how do you know which one is the right one for you?
Here are some differences to consider:
- Matte or Shiny
- Pumps or Straps
- Plain or Studded
- Tall heel or Short heel
I have 4 different pairs. One matte with studs, one plain shiny, suede strap heels, Valentino dupes. My most favorite because they are the most comfortable are these. I HIGHLY recommend this one. They are so comfortable!
Sneakers
A pair of sneakers are a wardrobe staple that most people own, many of you own several different pairs. There are so many different pairs and colors. The prices range from exorbitant (in my opinion) to frugal prices as well.
I will outline two types of sneakers that I will outline here. Casual and Athletic.
Casual sneakers
Have you fallen for the golden goose craze? If you are unaware, golden goose sneakers cost about $400 plus and come brand new but with a worn and dirty look to them similar to your favorite pair of overly used sneakers. There have also been many dupes and look alike as well.
I personally own several types of casual sneakers that can be worn with skirts, jeans, and dresses. Though you don’t need a pair of golden goose shoes, a good pair of casual sneakers is a great addition to your wardrobe.
Here are some of my favorite brands and styles.
Athletic sneakers
Athletic sneakers are needed for hikes, workouts, and even quick trips to the grocery store. I know I am not the only person who wears work out leggings 99% of the time. Okay, maybe not 99% of the time but a lot of the time.
Last year I purchased this pair and I love them so much! They are so comfortable. It feels like I am walking on pillows. I’ve used them for our family walks, hiking, and workouts.
Knee High Boots
Knee high boots are a closet staple in my book. You can wear them with outfits like mini skirts and cute sweaters, over skinny jeans, and under maxi skirts as well. Shoes are the one item that I like to splurge on.
I picked knee high boots over over the knee boots because I believe most women will wear knee high boots or calf high boots over over the knee boots.
Booties
Booties! They are so fun to wear in from fall to spring. They can be worn with jeans, skirts, rompers, dresses, and shorts. These are my absolute favorite pair I have ever owned.
There are so many different styles and colors, but a neutral color such as black or tan like the ones below will get the most use out of them.
A Good Pair of Jeans
How many pairs of jeans do you own? I think I own about 10 different types. Ironically, every single one of them are distressed. I do plan on investing a good pair of jeans that have no rips or tears in them.
So what style of jeans do you choose? There are so many! I would say a pair that goes with everything. A pair that fits you and your body the best.
Quality:
Often quality is correlated to higher price and vice versa. Personally, I have yet to purchase any jeans over $100 and the ones that were that price I bought on sale.
The quality of $200 Paige jeans vs. the quality of Target or Walmart jeans is significantly different though. During a trip to Nordstrom, I was able to see a few pairs for myself and I can attest that they are thicker, heavier, and sturdier than those from Target, Walmart, and any other $35-80 jeans. That said I do own a couple of Target jeans that I completely love so much.
These mom jeans have been my favorite pairs to grab. I love the price too!
Little Black Dress
The famous little black dress. Do you own one or two? My closet is mostly comprised of colorful dresses and outfits. Only this last year I have added new monochrome pieces. I currently own 2 formal little black dresses and a couple of casual summer dresses. I feel like most women own this closet staple for sure. if not there are so many cute options to choose from.
My favorite places to buy dresses from Lulus.com, Forever21, Amazon, and Nordstrom.
See my Amazon dress picks here
Little black dresses can be worn to weddings, date nights, cocktail hours, and summer vacations.
Another alternative to a little black dress is a black romper. Not all women like to wear dresses but prefer rompers and jumpsuits instead.
A Blazer
How many blazers do you own? I feel like I need a few more. They can be a great addition to your work outfit or a casual outfit that you want to spruce up. It would look cute with the right kind of dress too.
When I was pregnant with my first son, we went to eat at Perry’s steak house, I wore a layered tulle mini dress, a belt above my small baby belly, and a cropped blazer with heels. I remember received a complement from a server telling me I was the best dressed pregnant woman. I wish I could find the picture. That is one example how to where a blazer with a dress.
I have recently invested into more blazers. I’m kind of obsessed with this one from Amazon! I own it in 3 colors.
How many of these closet staples do you own? Which one is your favorite or most used?
XO,
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