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The Best Wardrobe Essentials For Women

10 Basics I Wear to Death For Effortlessly Put-Together Looks

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It may come as a surprise, but I'm a pretty lazy dresser. Most days, I rely heavily on basics to get myself out the door, but always with a twist to make my look feel slightly more inspired: think, a trendy pair of boots, a cool bag, a statement top, coat, or sweater, layered jewellery, and so forth. Somehow, the simplicity of a streamlined or minimal look makes me feel lighter and stress-free, which I much prefer to more complicated ideas that can become daunting.

For me, the best wardrobe essentials are those I completely wear to death, do laundry specifically for, or am photographed in almost to the point of feeling embarrassed (almost). Who can relate?! Whether it's a simple white t-shirt, comfortable pair of jeans, or tailored blazer, I count on these pieces not only for the sake of getting myself out the door in a speedy fashion, but because they're endlessly versatile, help me look put-together even if my outfit took me two seconds to throw on, and can be worn in pretty much any combination with one another and always look great. In other words, if it plays well with others, comes in a neutral hue, and errs on the side of timelessness in terms of silhouette, I'm into it, wear it on repeat, need it in multiple colours, etc., etc.

If you can relate to this sentiment or are simply building your assortment of wardrobe essentials, ahead, 10 basics I swear by for easy dressing. Shop my edit of pieces to ensure you have each one in your closet. Plus, witness some of my favourite outfits from Instagram to inspire a few outfit ideas along the way.

I've never been a big fan of skinny jeans, but can wax poetic about the genius of the straight-leg jean. Whether in a light vintage wash or inky-blue shade, I find them to be slightly more tailored and trouser-like than other cuts of denim, especially with a high-rise waist and a clean finish (i.e. no distressing). The best part? They go with literally everything! Sweaters, tops, shirts, bodysuits, sweatshirts, blazers, ev-er-y-thing! I told you I was obsessed.

Agolde High-Rise Kick Pinch-Waist Jeans ($178)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Agolde High-Rise Kick Pinch-Waist Jeans
$178
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

Warp+Weft Den Plus Slim Bootcut Jeans ($97)

Image Source: warpweftworld.com
Warp+Weft Den Plus Slim Bootcut Jeans
$97
from warpweftworld.com
Buy Now

Khaite Kyle Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans ($340)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Khaite Kyle Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans
$340
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

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I live for a turtleneck. Does that make me sound dowdy? Perhaps. But to me, they're the best layering piece in my closet when it's cold out. Toss one on under a crewneck silhouette for a fun little pop, ground a patterned blazer with one for a sophisticated look, or wear one on its own tucked into jeans, trousers, or a high-waisted skirt. In neutral shades like white, black, grey, and tan, your options are endless.

Zara Basic Turtleneck Sweater ($36)

Image Source: zara.com
Zara Basic Turtleneck Sweater
$36
from zara.com
Buy Now

Everlane The Pima Micro Rib Turtleneck ($35)

Image Source: everlane.com
Everlane The Pima Micro Rib Turtleneck
$35
from everlane.com
Buy Now

Wilfred Free Only Long-Sleeve Ribbed Turtleneck Shirt
($58)

Image Source: aritzia.com
Wilfred Free Only Long-Sleeve Ribbed Turtleneck Shirt
$58
from aritzia.com
Buy Now

A good slip dress is like a blank canvas for amazing outfits. When it's warm, they're impeccable on their own with great accessories. In cool weather, they're a polished layering piece when you want to look a little more dressed up or simply not wear pants. Layered under blazers, jackets, and knits, they're effortlessly elegant in both solid shades and pretty prints.

Silk Laundry 90S Silk Slip Dress ($265)

Image Source: silklaundry.com
Silk Laundry 90S Silk Slip Dress
$265
from silklaundry.com
Buy Now

Reformation Bates Dress ($128)

Image Source: thereformation.com
Reformation Bates Dress
$128
from thereformation.com
Buy Now

Oak+Fort Dress 5001 ($48, originally $68)

Image Source: oakandfort.com
Oak+Fort Dress 5001
$48
from oakandfort.com
Buy Now

Blazers can get a bad rap and be considered boring by many. The key here is to find a style with an interesting element be it be it a texture, pattern, or colour or come with exaggerated details like a puffed shoulder, cinched waist, or oversized lapel. Tailoring is also key here. The more customised to your shape it is, the more impact it will have. Styling also plays a big part. For an effortless look, try yours over a simple crewneck tee or sweater.

ASTR the Label Arlo Oversized Wool Blazer ($168)

Image Source: verishop.com
ASTR the Label Arlo Oversized Wool Blazer
$168
from verishop.com
Buy Now

Pixie Market Black Hourglass Blazer ($179)

Image Source: pixiemarket.com
Pixie Market Black Hourglass Blazer
$179
from pixiemarket.com
Buy Now

Mara Hoffman Tatum Jacket ($228, originally $325)

Image Source: marahoffman.com
Mara Hoffman Tatum Jacket
$228
from marahoffman.com
Buy Now

Speaking of tees, a basic white t-shirt is as essential as underwear. Which also means you should have several go-to options to rotate through. Whether you're trying to offset a dressier piece for an unfussy vibe or simply want a low-key top to tuck into jeans, the white crewneck t-shirt never fails.

Gap Modern Crewneck T-Shirt ($20)

Image Source: gap.com
Gap Modern Crewneck T-Shirt
$20
from gap.com
Buy Now

Hanes x Karla The Crew Tee ($30)

Image Source: shopbop.com
Hanes x Karla The Crew Tee
$30
from shopbop.com
Buy Now

Universal Standard Ashley Cap Sleeve Tee ($50)

Image Source: universalstandard.com
Universal Standard Ashley Cap Sleeve Tee
$50
from universalstandard.com
Buy Now

For many, trousers can either feel blah as heck or overly complicated. I find that when you throw on a pair with a simple t-shirt or knit and a great shoe, you look perfectly polished, but with ease. I have two go-to silhouettes: a high-rise trouser — a paperbag waist being my favourite for a superflattering (and slightly dramatic) fit — and a slim black pant that's a more elevated take on black leggings. When you want to switch things up from jeans, both of these pant styles make an impact when you keep the rest of your look simple.

& Other Stories Belted Paperbag Waist Trousers ($89)

Image Source: stories.com
& Other Stories Belted Paperbag Waist Trousers
$89
from stories.com
Buy Now

Eloquii Paperbag Waist Wide Leg Pant ($90)

Image Source: eloquii.com
Eloquii Paperbag Waist Wide Leg Pant
$90
from eloquii.com
Buy Now

Massimo Dutti Straight Fit Herringbone Trousers ($120)

Image Source: massimodutti.com
Massimo Dutti Straight Fit Herringbone Trousers
$120
from massimodutti.com
Buy Now

Elizabeth and James Ponte Leggings ($50)

Image Source: kohls.com
Elizabeth and James Ponte Leggings
$50
from kohls.com
Buy Now

Henning Bank Straight-Leg Pants ($295)

Image Source: henningnyc.com
Henning Bank Straight-Leg Pants
$295
from henningnyc.com
Buy Now

Rosetta Getty Black Cropped Stretch-Cady Skinny Pants ($234, originally $780)

Image Source: theoutnet.com
Rosetta Getty Black Cropped Stretch-Cady Skinny Pants
$234
from theoutnet.com
Buy Now

A thick sweater is my go-to piece when I'm offsetting fancier fabrics like silk or when I'm in a cosy little mood and want to top off leggings, trousers, or jeans. They're more substantial than thinner knits, often with more structure to them and unique design details which results in a more put-together outfit. Stock up on your favourite silhouettes and colours whether it's a turtleneck, v-neck, or cardigan worn as a top!

Cos Moss-Stitched Alpaca-Yak Sweater ($135)

Image Source: cosstores.com
Cos Moss-Stitched Alpaca-Yak Sweater
$135
from cosstores.com
Buy Now

Sézane Eugenie Jumper ($165)

Image Source: sezane.com
Sézane Eugenie Jumper
$165
from sezane.com
Buy Now

AYR Le Square Sweater ($345)

Image Source: ayr.com
AYR Le Square Sweater
$345
from ayr.com
Buy Now

The white shirt is one of those staples than can easily feel stale, but my trick it wearing one as a layering piece over tees, tanks, and thin turtlenecks or seeking out a style with modern elements like an exaggerated fit or voluminous sleeve. Styling is crucial for making yours feel unfussy — denim is generally my go-to on bottom. Or, a slip skirt or dress when I'm feeling feminine.

Court & Rowe Plus Size Ruffle Placket Poplin Shirt ($53, originally $89)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Court & Rowe Plus Size Ruffle Placket Poplin Shirt
$53
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

Frame Pleated Clean Collar Shirt ($275)

Image Source: frame-store.com
Frame Pleated Clean Collar Shirt
$275
from frame-store.com
Buy Now

Totême Zonza White Shirt ($320)

Image Source: toteme-studio.com
Totême Zonza White Shirt
$320
from toteme-studio.com
Buy Now

My go-to hack for looking put-together in the Winter? A Classic wool coat! Camel is the most timeless and tends to stand out a little more than black, navy, or grey. From tailored silhouettes to cocoon-like wraps, it's utterly fail-safe over jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters with a simple boot.

Mango Belted Wool Coat ($200)

Image Source: shop.mango.com
Mango Belted Wool Coat
$200
from shop.mango.com
Buy Now

Torrid Taupe Woolen Button Front Duster Coat ($159)

Image Source: torrid.com
Torrid Taupe Woolen Button Front Duster Coat
$159
from torrid.com
Buy Now

Mackage Hens Double-Face Wool Coat With Tailored Collar ($650)

Image Source: mackage.com
Mackage Hens Double-Face Wool Coat With Tailored Collar
$650
from mackage.com
Buy Now

The bodysuit is kind of a secret weapon when it comes to layering. Though I'm very much a proponent of perfect tees, tanks, and knits, a bodysuit is truly the best item for tucking into high-rise silhouettes for a seamless look. If you're new to bodysuits, I suggest starting with black and when styling yours, be sure to offset the slim-fit with a looser jean or trouser for a laid-back feel.

Topshop Long Sleeve Square Neck Bodysuit ($25)

Image Source: shop.nordstrom.com
Topshop Long Sleeve Square Neck Bodysuit
$25
from shop.nordstrom.com
Buy Now

Madewell Wrap Thong Bodysuit ($50)

Image Source: madewell.com
Madewell Wrap Thong Bodysuit
$50
from madewell.com
Buy Now

Anthropologie Molly Boat Neck Bodysuit ($88)

Image Source: anthropologie.com
Anthropologie Molly Boat Neck Bodysuit
$88
from anthropologie.com
Buy Now

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