Call them wardrobe essentials, closet staples, hero items — a few foundational styles form the basis of nearly every outfit. These are the white T-shirts, black leggings, straight-leg jeans, and leather loafers of the world. The bones of any great capsule wardrobe. Sure, they might not be as exciting as the statement pieces, but that’s the point: they’re the perfect backdrop for the more eye-catching stuff.
There’s a difference between relying on hardworking items and dressing in a uniform. Wearing and re-wearing iterations of the same outfit isn’t for everyone, and that is 100% OK. But there is something to be said about surrounding yourself with reliable pieces that stand the test of time. Not only will you set the tone for your daily looks, but you’ll also make getting dressed as effortless as possible (most of the time).
Though we love updating our closet with the latest fashion trends, if you’re looking to invest in the right wardrobe essentials — and not just the stuff you’ll forget after a few seasons — we turned to style editors to curate tried-and-true pieces. (And for the record, “basic” doesn’t have to mean “boring”; you can still push the envelope in these picks). From hardworking button-down shirts to timeless sunglasses, these are the basics you need to make the most of your wardrobe.
After something more seasonal? Shop summer capsule wardrobe essentials, spring capsule wardrobe essentials, autumn capsule wardrobe essentials, winter capsule wardrobe essentials.
1. The T-shirt
First order of business: securing the perfect T-shirt. If you like a shorter, boxier fit, Everlane has a great one made from organic cotton. H&M’s long-sleeved T-shirts, meanwhile, are ideal for tucking into high-rise trousers or layering beneath knitwear throughout the winter. Either way, your pick will get softer with each wash and fit in with everything else in your closet.
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2. The slim trainers
Comfort and versatility make white sneakers our go-to footwear for most situations. Adidas Sambas still reign supreme, especially with denim, but GLAMOUR editors and shoppers alike are also obsessed with Reebok’s retro trainers.
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3. The straight-leg jeans
Looking for truly trend-proof denim? Go with straight-leg jeans, which look great with nearly any tops and shoes in your collection. The exact wash is up to you, but we love these indigo and mid-blue options (both of which are inspired by the ’90s) that look vintage in the best way.
4. The everything bag
There’s a time and a place for smaller accessories, but your capsule isn’t complete without at least one work bag to carry everything you’ll need in a day. They can handle laptops, books, shoe changes, umbrellas, and anything else you might need to lug around.
5. The black leggings
Black leggings need no introduction. Like Aphrodite emerging from the sea, Lululemon’s best-selling leggings — available in short, regular, and tall inseams — rise above the rest. Equally beloved are Alo Yoga’s Alosoft loungewear leggings.
6. The jacket
A sharp blazer will punch up any regular outfit, while a denim jacket will dial things down. Equally as essential, though, is a leather jacket and an on-trend quilted jacket. Layering has never been so easy.
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7. The ballet flats
Whether you opt for a classic bow style or bold Mary Janes, the ballet flat is back and cooler than ever. Better yet, mesh shoes of the pump variety are everywhere RN, and lend a little more intrigue than classic silhouettes.
8. The tank top
The humble ribbed tank top is a style chameleon. Pair it with anything — women’s trouser suits, wide-leg jeans, denim shorts — and it blends in effortlessly. Give your usual white tees a rest (especially when it’s too hot to even think about sleeves) and swap in these relaxed yet elegant tanks with your next ’fit.
9. The trench coat
Save for the hottest and coldest extremes, a proper trench coat should get you through the vast majority of the year. Err on the lightweight side, which makes season-appropriate layering so much easier to ace. M&S’s option is a minimalist take on the classic, while Zara’s shortens it, turning a basic into a bit more of a statement.
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10. The little black dress
We figure you already have your summer dresses sorted — but what about your LBD? Throughout the year, nothing is quite as simple and classic as a black number paired with your best jewellery (plus, maybe, a designer bag for good measure). Classic silhouettes like sleeveless T-shirt dresses and mini skater dresses make the most versatile picks.
11. The jewellery
The finishing touch to most outfits is usually a piece of jewellery, and it’s hard to miss with a pair of chubby huggies, a stackable ring, and a simple bracelet and necklace. These styles go with everything from tracksuits to formalwear.
12. The knitwear
A high-quality piece of knitwear, say cashmere, cotton or merino wool, will have you reaching for it year after year. There are so many great places to shop, but Loop Cashmere and Arket are two of our favourite resources for great wool that won’t blow a hole in your budget.
Save when you shop for wardrobe essentials with these Arket discount codes at checkout.
13. The cardigan
Cardigans have made a comeback and were made for easy layering. Throw either of these relatively lightweight pieces over a top or bralette whenever you need a bit more weight, and Bob’s your uncle. Or you could go full downtown girl and wear them solo with loafers and a pair of worn-in jeans.
14. The shirt
The differences in button-downs are subtle — collar, length, material, cut — and finding the right one for you comes down to personal preference. These middle-of-the-road picks from COS and Zara are a few of our favourites with endless styling potential.
15. The sunglasses
A great pair of sunglasses can make a bare-bones look feel complete. Shield your eyes — and add some intrigue to your outfit — with these classic picks. We’ve noticed everyone wearing slim oval sunglasses in 2024; on the other hand, you can never go wrong with Ray-Ban’s most iconic frames.
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16. The denim skirt
The skirt you’ll want to base all your off-duty outfits around is undoubtedly a denim one. While longer is better according to current trends, a mini will never be a wrong investment. Try styling these picks with fisherman sandals and a messy bun to look like the girl of your Pinterest board fantasies.
17. The event dress
Whether you’re prepping for a wedding or another black-tie event, it never hurts to have a go-to wedding guest dress on hand. We’re firmly pro-repeat dresses here at GLAMOUR — not everyone has the time and money to buy something new for every occasion. These popular picks from RIXO and Zimmermann will have you covered for any dress code and season.
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18. The slim loafers
Not every pair of loafers ascends to god-tier status, but these do. Why? They’re completely trend-proof; this trim, preppy silhouette has been around for decades, and it’ll stick around for many more to come. While chunky loafers come and go, slim styles are forever.
19. The relaxed trousers
Loose-fitting and wide-leg trousers look just as stylish with a T-shirt and fashion trainers as they do with a blazer and kitten heels. Look beyond their formal roots and style them in ways more unexpected, contrasting the menswear vibe with feminine picks like tie-front tops.
This article originally appeared on Glamour US.