The Investment Staples Every Wardrobe Needs
No really- every wardrobe- no matter WHAT your style is!
I saw a post on social media recently that said without a few essential wardrobe staples, you’ll always feel like you have nothing to wear - and damn - that resonated!
Outside of defining your signature style, some vital wardrobe pieces are worth investing in. These items form a foundation from which all other outfits can be built, and once you find the ones that work for you, the rest of your styling should start to fall into place.
This makes perfect sense, but I didn’t know where to begin with investment staples, which ones I needed to add to my wardrobe, and which ones I might already have and be under-utilized. So, I did a little digging, and here’s what I found:
The Perfect Black and White Tee Team
Whether worn on their own with jeans, skirts, or dresses or as base layers to build an outfit, the perfect tee team is a classic staple that every wardrobe needs.
It’s worth splurging a little on these as they’ll be items you return to repeatedly throughout the seasons. Look for a classic cut (whatever classic means to you!) and fit in a high-quality, sustainable fabric.
The Dream Fit Blue Jeans
Arguably one of the hardest staple items to find, but worth spending the time investing and getting right. My ‘dream fit’ blue jeans will likely not be the same as yours, and I’ve spent years experimenting with landing on the conclusion that a high-waist, wide-leg cut that’s snug around my derriere is what makes me feel comfortable and put-together. This is the pair you’ll reach for year after year that goes with anything from your classic tee team to a dressy shirt and heels.
The Every Day Trendy Sneaker
This is another item I’ve experimented with throughout the years, but always return to my faithful Converse. They’re a classic style that never goes out of fashion. If you want to elevate your look with a trend, Converse is always putting out new styles to stay fresh - the current platform version are not only incredibly comfortable but also goes with just about everything, offering a contemporary spin on a classic look.
Maybe you’re a Vans girl or prefer a versatile sports style akin to Adidas or Nike; this wardrobe staple will be something that you find easy to put together with most outfits.
The Crossbody Bag
I’ve been a very practical backpack and tote-loving bag user for a long time. My city commute was near-enough unbearable without a backpack, and it just became what I reached for most days regardless. Until I discovered the cross-body bag for me!
Consider this staple piece your go-to daily piece that fits everything you need for a workday or social day. Look for one that fits your daily essentials comfortably (purse, phone, keys, hairbrush, etc.) and comes with an adjustable strap for ease. I found a mid-sized boxy style one with two compartments in deliciously soft leather, but there are plenty of options here.
The Transitional Knit
Hailing from the U.K. and its notorious transitional weather, I’ve had a lifelong love affair with knitwear, and there are two pieces that I return to year after year. One being my chunky, fisherman knit jumper in a speckled oatmeal wool (toasty, soft, literally goes with everything) and the other being my long, belted navy cardigan (again, toasty, soft, literally goes with everything).
The right knitwear will see you through the changing seasons, and the great thing about knitwear is there are so many shapes, styles, colors and fabrics available - it’s just about finding the right one for you and your wardrobe.
The Leather Jacket
Another great investment piece for transitional weather, the leather jacket is a staple that’s definitely a must-have. After fooling around with the classic biker cut, I’ve since opted for a style that’s a little more cropped at the waist and sleeve length, and I love pairing it with maxi dresses as we shift from summer to autumn evenings.
With so many ethical and sustainable alternatives to leather, there’s no reason not to have one in your wardrobe. Alternatively, you could thrift or search vintage stores for a worn-in timeless piece. Vintage jackets tend to be a little oversized, so if that’s your vibe, this could be the way to go.
The Classic White Shirt
Work meetings? Tick. Brunch with friends? Tick. Job interview? Tick. Slouching around the house over yoga pants? Tick.
The classic white shirt is one of the most versatile items to add to your wardrobe and will assist you in pulling together several other items on this list (white shirt + denim + leather jacket + sneakers = done). I’ve found a slightly oversized linen style does it for me, but play around with different collar styles, lengths, sleeves, button-ups, pockets - the varieties are endless and a classic shirt doesn’t have to equal boring.
Other Things to Consider
Investment staples are just that - the items worth investing in as a foundation. From there, you can start to add the other pieces that fuel your sense of style and creativity. When picking your investment staples you’ll also need to consider:
Your budget
What you currently have in your wardrobe (is there a decent white shirt hiding in there that you’ve neglected?)
Brands that you’ve purchased these pieces from before but that never seem to last more than a couple seasons.
Pulling these pieces together might take a little trial and error but it’ll be worth it.
Elaine Mead
Elaine is a freelance writer, educator, and psychologist-in-training from London, currently residing in Tasmania. Her writing on personal and professional development has appeared with Darling Magazine, Healthline, Psych Central, and many more. You can usually find her having a good rummage at the local thrift market, fueling her caffeine addiction, or napping with her dachshund, Einstein. More of her words here: www.wordswithelaine.com
