10 Women Wardrobe Essentials She Must Have In Her Closet

Party tops and platform sandals are fit for a “revenge” shopping spree, but no matter how ready you are to have fun with fashion again, solid wardrobe essentials are forever. That’s why the concept of a capsule wardrobe is so enduring: Outfits built on a streamlined selection of items make day-to-day dressing infinitely easier. They remove all the bleary-eyed guesswork in the morning and give you the building blocks for whatever personal style frontier you’re exploring.

Plain white t-shirts, versatile shoes, and good outerwear are some obvious places to start, but we’re emerging this summer with a refreshed set of priorities—and comfort that doesn’t sacrifice statement-making style is at the forefront. So if you don’t know where to begin when it comes to updating your arsenal with the “new” essentials for 2021, the pieces below should serve as an excellent primer.

Women Wardrobe Essentials

Whether you’re cleaning out your closet and starting from scratch, or want to step up your rotation of casual wear, find 10 perfect wardrobe essentials that’ll be with you for years to come.

Relaxed Denim

Sweatpants are great and all, but denim is truly forever. The new classic silhouette is the easy jeans—a relaxed, high-waist straight-leg pair that looks as chic with a pair of pumps as it does with dad sneakers.

Leather Jacket

A leather jacket has got to be one of the more crucial must-have wardrobe basics known to women. I love how bad-ass it makes any outfit look. And how dressed up but subtly casual it makes you look. It is, of course, one of the edgier wardrobe staples to own, and you won’t regret buying it.

Sunglasses For Your Face Shape

Think of sunglasses as you would any item of clothing: the most flattering pieces are the ones that are tailored to you. While your tailor can’t alter or hem your sunglasses, finding the right size and style of frame for your unique face shape can enhance your features and elevate your style. To find what sunglass shape is best for your face shape (or to identify your face shape).

Go-to Dress You Can Wear From Day To Night

The key to an ideal day-to-night dress is a simple style that’s a blank slate. It can be just as casual with white sneakers and a denim jacket as it will look killer at happy hour with strappy heels and statement earrings. Make it work-appropriate with a blazer and loafers to wear to the office, and then throw on a pair of heels before drinks with the girls (that’s the definition of work-life balance, right?). P.S. if dresses aren’t your thing, a nice pair of pants and a classic button-down will do the transitional trick as well.

A Work Tote

Yes, all of us will likely have a lot of purses throughout our lives. Arguably the most important one is a work tote. Think about it: your work tote is basically like the magical bag in Mary Poppins. Need a phone charger? You’ve got one. Looking for a lip gloss? Check the side pocket. Think you forgot your daily planner? Nope, it’s in there. Craving a piece of gum? Oh yeah, there’s one in there somewhere (can your envelope clutch do that?). Make sure you have a work tote that you love and will last you a long time because you’re going to be carrying it everywhere.

Comfy Pajamas

A pair of nice pajamas are a rite of passage; you become an adult the day you throw out your old camp T-shirt and invest in a jersey or satin set (that’s how it works, right?). As if we needed more convincing to get ourselves some cozy pieces, it’s an investment for our health! After all, don’t you sleep better when you’re in new, comfy PJs? Treat yourself to a set that will feel so luxurious that they’ll become your sleepwear, work-from-home uniform, and loungewear, all in one. Go ahead and live in them; we won’t judge.

Multipurpose White Tee

Sure, you’ve had lots of white tees in your life. If you’re anything like me, you buy the pack of 3-for-1 over and over again, thinking, “a white shirt is a white shirt, right?” And then when you’re actually getting dressed and the $2.50 tee just looks baggy, unshapely, or plain blah, you know you should invest in a nice white T-shirt (the unicorn of white T-shirts, if you will). The right white tee can be tucked into a pencil skirt, worn under a badass leather jacket, or thrown on with boyfriend jeans for an effortlessly chic OOTD. It will be the most commonly worn piece in your closet, so make sure it’s a good one.

Power Shoes

You know those days where you need some extra oomph? Maybe you have a big deal presentation at work, or you’re super nervous for a first date. Not that a pair of shoes automatically calms nerves or will ace your presentation, but having a go-to pair that makes you feel like a total badass will help boost confidence when you need it. Whether your power pair of shoes are 6 in. heels, totally flat, or somewhere in between, make sure you have a go-to pair that will make you stand a little taller (metaphorically or physically–looking at you, stilettos). It can be a classic heel, an edgy boot, or even your favorite pair of sneakers, as long as they help you feel like your best self.

Black Trousers

A nice pair of black trousers is definitely another wardrobe must-have. It’s simple and elegant and not only slims the body but also elongates it. Pair with a shirt or a blouse for work and if you’re going to a party then a nice sequined top with heels will do the trick. The first pair to own however is one that fits loosely throughout the thigh, and flares out slightly around the bottom.

Black Blazer

A nice structured blazer works like a charm on any outfit. Honestly, I wear a blazer with a tee and shorts as well. I do, however, recommend buying a fitted longer one before investing in a cropped and oversized style. Layering is essentially the easiest way to make your clothes look more expensive and a nice way to shield yourself from that office air-condition. A key piece of information to keep in mind when buying a blazer is to make sure there’s enough room under the shoulders and arm to be able to layer over other items. And that the sleeves should be no longer than your wrists and can be rolled up to your elbows with ease.

Pencil Skirt

Pencil skirts are great for office-wear but have you seen how they look when worn casually? Buy them in solid colours, textures and prints eventually. Pair it with tank tops or shirts depending on the occasion.