Avoiding trends is now the trendiest choice of all, and viral tops of fleeting fame are being disregarded by shoppers. But as the term capsule wardrobe becomes more mainstream, some are starting to question which staple items should actually make the cut. While those faux leather pants can pair well with most garments, are they guaranteed to be stylish in two years?
Though staple items differ from person to person, here are some of the top staple items we think you should consider for your own wardrobe. And of course, feel free to play with the color and silhouette of all of these suggestions.
Whether you call it a button-down or button-up, this staple item can elevate any outfit. Think of button-downs as blank canvases–a t-shirt’s fancier cousin. Though traditionally thought of as a preppy, button-downs do not solely have to be layered under sweaters. While strolling through summer avenues, pair a button-down with a sundress for when the day transitions to a cool night. You can also make a button-down the focal point of an outfit by wearing one with a pleated mini skirt. And if you prefer less boxy outfits, add a chunky belt on top.
Though a white, cotton button-down is the most traditional choice, just because button-downs are staple items does not mean you have to stick with neutral colors. Silk or pastel button-downs not only pair well with most outfits, but also allow you to embrace the more playful aspects of your style. Thrift stores are probably one of the best places to find bold button-downs that contrast with the typical patterns.
Wearing sunglasses seems to automatically bring a classy element to anyone’s outfit. However, with rounded frames, aviators, square frames, cat eyes and rimless shades, selecting a pair that can be worn everyday can be challenging.
The first step to picking your staple sunglasses is to determine your face shape. After all, the sunglasses you wear most often will likely be the ones that are most flattering on you. While rounded and cat-eyed frames tend to suit those who have square and heart face shapes, square frames look nice on those with round faces. If you have an oval face (which is the most common type) most sunglass frames will be flattering on you.
Try to pick a frame with neutral colors (brown, black or tortoiseshell) so you can wear the sunglasses throughout the week.
A neutral-colored tee (white, black, brown or gray) probably already sits in your dresser. There are too many t-shirt outfits to list, but the best part of tees is perhaps how easy they are to accessorize. A t-shirt and jeans take seconds to throw on, but with the addition of chunky jewelry, a bag and mules, your outfit appears thought-out and put together.
Everyone needs a good pair of jeans in their closet, and what can be better than the oldest denim company in the world? While it can be difficult to find reasonably-priced, sustainable jeans, Levi’s does a decent job of balancing both elements; the brand strives to use recycled cotton and most of its jeans are between $50 and $70 USD. Levi’s also has a secondhand tab for those looking for an even more sustainable option.
Straight-leg jeans can probably be incorporated into the most outfits since the silhouette pairs with fitted or flared tops.
Turtlenecks upscale most outfits but are just as comfortable (or more comfortable) than t-shirts. Want to wear a sweatshirt but look like you didn’t just throw on your pj’s? Layer a white turtleneck beneath the crewneck. Want a sleek outfit that keeps you cool in the summer? Pair a black turtleneck with a mini skirt.
One key to having thoughtful style is layering, and perhaps no outwear warrants layering more than the versatile blazer. Ideal for both the workplace and after-office hours, pair your blazer with straight-leg pants for a business casual look or add a blazer to jeans and a t-shirt to elevate the timeless combination. Blazers can also be worn with dresses or layered beneath a long jacket.
Blazers also come in more varieties than many assume, with options such as single-button blazers, boyfriend blazers, cropped blazers and draped blazers. Try to choose one that keeps it simple with the buttoning and pattern if you want to maximize its wearability.
If you find yourself adjusting your jeans and wishing you had worn leggings halfway through the day, you may want to invest in a pair of formal pants. High-rise, tapered pants fall above the hips and narrow as they go down. Many also have a small fold on each leg.
In summer heat, pants offer a cooler alternative to jeans and can be worn in lieu of shorts. While high-rise, tapered pants will likely be your workplace staple, as with blazers, they can be dressed down as well. Try pairing them with crop-tops for a casual summer look.
Who would have expected such sophistication from a slip-on shoe? While loafers may have been viewed as an academia staple in the past, many are now turning to loafers for a casual shoe that has more personality than the classic white sneaker.
Wear loafers with socks and capris for an everyday outfit and loafers with a maxi skirt for fancier occasions. To elevate an outfit even further, try a horsebit loafer (a loafer with a gold bar across the strap).
One of the most versatile staple items to add to your closet is a black skirt. From maxis to midis to minis, black skirts come in different lengths and silhouettes.
Breeze through the summer heat with maxi skirts or layer stockings beneath a wool skirt.
Admittedly choosing one bag that caters to any occasion can be a wearing task. After all, the evening clutch and poolside tote have distinct dimensions and purposes. However, you can’t really go wrong with a black or brown mini bag. Unlike a clutch, you can fit more than your phone in a mini bag, and unlike a tote, this bag won’t weigh you down all day.
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