When I try to organize my closet, it seems as though I have way too many clothes. My wardrobe is practically bursting at the seams with dresses, skirts, jackets, and the occasional errant sock. When it comes to picking an outfit, on the other hand, I never seem to have the right clothes to wear.
If you’re anything like me, and wondering how this closet conundrum is even possible with your own clothing, I have a theory: having the perfect outfit for any occasion has less to do with the number of items you have in your closet, and more to do with owning a few key wardrobe pieces that you always need.
In other words, no matter how many trendy accessories you pick up, they’re just going to sit unworn in your closet if you don’t have the right staples to wear with them.
These staples don’t need to be “investment pieces,” though: Lord knows I can’t update my wardrobe with a Chanel suit or a pair of Gucci heels just because they’re timeless. In fact, these 10 pieces that I’m going to make sure are in my closet this year are all under $50!
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1. Little Black Dress
Number one on our list is the ever-so-amazing LBD: Little Black Dress. This is an absolute staple in any woman’s closet. This charming fit-and-flare dress can be dressed up or down with the right accessories, and it can even be cleaned in the washing machine. Plus, it has a sweet bow above the cutout back.
Get it here!
2. Trench Coat
Life can throw a lot of stuff at us, and if that stuff is in the form of rain, sleet, snow, or generally murky weather, a trench coat is in order. The affordable DJT Trench Coat keeps you looking fabulous while protecting against the elements. It’s a classic, and no closet is complete without it.
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3. Statement Necklace
It’s just a fact of life: sometimes, every piece of clothing you own is going to seem totally boring to you. Instead of tossing it all and buying a brand-new wardrobe, spice up what you already own with a statement necklace! We love the Topshop Twist Collar Necklace for its shine and versatility.
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4. Classic Black Pumps
We get it: life can be so much easier in a pair of comfy flats. (Trust us: they’ll make the list, too!) The polished confidence that comes in a pair of shoes like the Nine West Frolic Pump, though, makes a classic black pump a wardrobe essential.
Even if you just save them for big meetings, job interviews, or presentations — and kick them off under your desk the rest of the time — you won’t regret owning them.
Get them here!
5. Stylish Flats
We promised we’d have flats on this list! Having a great-looking pair of shoes doesn’t have to mean balancing in heels. A pair of sassy flats — like this cranberry Pretty Promenade Flat — can add a stylish touch to any outfit without totally killing your feet.
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6. Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans can be intimidating (they’re just so… skinny!), so it’s all about finding the perfect pair for your body. Try the 1822 Denim Butter Skinny Jeans, which have a flattering dark wash and just enough stretch to make them comfortable, but keep them structured.
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7. Black Blazer
There’s no easier way to dress up those skinny jeans than with a structured black blazer, like the Marketing Maven Blazer. You might even be able to make your denim look appropriate with this staple – depending on your office!
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8. Opaque Tights
You don’t have to put your bright summer dresses away just because the warm weather is gone. Extend their lives with a pair of opaque tights, like the Everyday Opaque Tights. These will keep your wardrobe options varied at the same time as they keep your legs warm!
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9. White Dress Shirt
When it’s time to get down to business, you’ll want a classic professional shirt on standby. We love the Ultraclub Ladies’ Whisper Elite Twill because it fits just right and has elegant French cuffs.
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10. Striped T-Shirt
The key to being a truly fashionable woman is putting a little thought into your go-to casual look. Note: this means that any T-shirt with a stain on it should find its way out of your wardrobe immediately! Instead, the casual Caslon® Relaxed Slub Knit U-Neck Tee gives you a trendy weekend look with classic stripes and a relaxed fit.
Get it here!
What fashion staple can you not live without? Tell us in the comments section below.
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