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These foundational pieces make for versatile outfits.
A wardrobe staple is a simple, classic piece of clothing that has some built-in versatility. As opposed to a trendy item, a staple can work with various other items in your closet. It can be the base layer of any good outfit, and can work with your statement pieces as well as other staples. It’s something you reach for, time and time again, as the centerpiece of your closet.
“Investing in staple items for your wardrobe is like investing in the future. They will always be there, easy to match, and will let you express yourself anytime,” says Stitch Fix stylist Ramon Sorstokke. “It’s also a sustainable [choice]. These classic pieces…transcend seasonal trends and remain relevant year after year. By choosing durable, versatile items you’re excited to wear, you’re building a wardrobe that stands the test of time.” Having a small but extremely functional wardrobe also helps you get dressed more easily, since it “helps with analysis paralysis and having too many things to choose from,” explains plus size fashion blogger Victoria Voos.
There will be different wardrobe staples for everyone. For some, it might be a plaid blazer, but for others, it might be a white tee or even a pair of faux leather pants. With that in mind, these wardrobe staples are broader categories, not super-specific pieces. If you’re wondering what foundational pieces might be missing from your wardrobe, or you want to know how to style them, read on.
A Pair of Trousers
First off, Voos recommends finding "a pair of pants that fit you well and make you feel like a badass." Consider where you want the pants to "land" on your body. Would you prefer ankle length? All the way to the floor? If you don't know your inseam (the distance between your crotch and the leg opening of your pants), go to a tailor and get measured. Then, try on different colors, and patterns. Pinstripe, as we see here, can have a lengthening effect, whereas a solid dark color can work for a variety of fall and winter outfits.
Try and choose colors that will complement the other pieces in your wardrobe. Much like denim, the right shape (whether it's bootcut, wide leg, or skinny) will depend on your frame and how you want it to look on your body.
The Perfect Tee
"Basic white and black tees are essential layering pieces that form the foundation of almost any daily outfit," says Sorstokke. "Having a go-to tee is the first step to getting ready, and they’re easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion." They can be difficult to shop for, particularly white T-shirts. Finding one that's opaque, the right length, the right neckline, and the perfect fit can be tricky, so trying things on can really help. It's hard to go wrong with a crew-neck or funnel-neck, like this, which gives a little visual interest and layers well. The right tee can do it all: be the first thing you put on in the morning, take the place of a collared shirt, pair with a statement piece like these pants, or make a more serious outfit more relaxed.
A "Second Layer"
Note that this isn't specific to the type of layer: it just needs to be something you'd wear over a tee or top. "Whether your go-to second layer is a polished blazer, a classic denim jacket, or a cozy cardigan, these will pair well with nearly everything else in your closet," says Sorstokke. You may want a couple of different types of second layers, but they all serve a similar function: they bring dimension to your outfit.
A blazer like this plaid one can liven up an all-black outfit, as we see here, but it could also pair well with a tee and jeans or even athleisure. Sorstokke notes the "sporty-ish" look has been trending, which blends activewear with more polished pieces. When shopping for a second layer, try it on over the base outfit you like the most. If a second layer goes with that, it's a good staple for you.
Well-Fitting Denim
The quest for great denim is ongoing in a lot of people's wardrobes. The exact right pair will depend on a few things. If you want something rigid and long-lasting, seek out a pair with 100 percent organic cotton. If you like comfort, pick a pair with a little, not a lot, of stretch. Go for a shape that makes you feel fantastic. Sorstokke suggests getting one pair in each type of preferred cut (flare, wide, etc.). "New insights Stitch Fix recently uncovered show that 88 percent of people report feeling stressed or self-conscious when trying to find items that fit, so having at least one pair of jeans you know fit well is crucial." Being thoughtful about your denim (and making a singular investment in a good pair) can also help with overconsumption—get one pair that works beautifully, instead of five that don't.
Truly Awesome Footwear
Even though there’s a wide variety of shoe options (and the right pair will depend on your lifestyle), it’s a good idea to have a pair of comfortable flats in your closet. Loafers are a fun, trendy pick, but something with a thinner sole—like these Mary Janes—also works well. If you don’t like a flat, opt for a slim tennis shoe instead. Ask yourself some important questions, says Scarlett Chase founder Sandra Powers Murphy. “Are your [flats] elevated to give you that extra support and lift you need to take [on] the day? Do your feet feel exhausted an hour into wearing them?” She adds that taking care of your feet with the right footwear “may be the single most important investment you can make in your wardrobe.”
Boots are another shoe type that can be a wardrobe staple for a lot of closets. "Everyone should have a high, calf-covering stretch boot that fits like a glove and pairs equally well with dresses, skirts, pantsuits, and jeans. If you make the right choice, selecting a minimalist, pull-on style with great stretch, the boot will roll up small for easy traveling," explains Powers Murphy. You can also add or swap a high boot out with a bootie if you favor a shorter style.
A shoe can really elevate your outfits, so this is the moment to invest. “You can wear simple, less expensive clothing and a great pair of luxury shoes or bag and it elevates the whole look. Quality pieces also have resale value!” explains Sarah Flint, who designs her own eponymous footwear brand.
A White Button-Down Shirt
A button-down is both classic and trendy; Sorstokke notes that it's a key element of the "book smart" preppy trend that's popular right now. With that said, this item might feel a bit specific compared to others on this list; not only that, button-down tops can be tricky for people with larger chests, and the wrong option can feel uncomfortable in the back or shoulders. But the piece is actually more versatile than you think. It "can be layered with sweaters [and] dresses or worn on its own with pants or skirts," says Voos. You can also think of it like outerwear and wear it open over tees and tanks, instead of closed like a shirt.
Finding the right option may take time, and it's worth noting that "it might be trickier for a plus size person to find these kinds of pieces since there are a lot fewer options to choose from," Voos notes, citing Universal Standard and Lane Bryant as a couple of the places she's shopped for to get staples like this.
If a standard white button-down doesn't feel like your style, try it in black or color. If you don't like a collar, search for collarless shirts. If you don't like them long, go for a cropped version. If a shirt isn't the right fit, try a collared shacket (shirt jacket). The button-down that works for your wardrobe will be tailored to your needs.
Jewelry to Match
Jewelry is one of those add-on accessories that really makes an outfit feel thought-out and put-together. “A well-curated collection includes a few pairs of earrings, such as classic hoops and subtle studs in both silver and gold. Pair these with a simple yet elegant necklace and your go-to bracelet,” explains Ariel Taub, founder of Ariel Taub Accessories.
You can feel free to identify which metal(s) work best for you, and feel free to "[experiment] with layering different pieces, like stacking necklaces or bracelets," says Taub. "You can also play with mixing metals—combining silver and gold, for example—for a modern and unexpected twist." A classic piece, like this gold pendant, should work with your favorite tops and tees, so be sure to keep that in mind.
What to Keep in Mind
At its core, great wardrobe staples are the backbone of your personal style, so finding the perfect pieces for you is well worth the time you spend. These pieces will also evolve as you do — your closet isn't fixed, and your size and fit preference will naturally change. It's worth noting, too, that it costs money to get your best foundational pieces, as well as the added effort of trying different items on. Thrifting and secondhand can be great options for looking for quality wardrobe staples, and in-person shopping can be another helpful tool to help you understand why a particular style does or doesn't work. When in doubt, enlist the help of a stylist who can help you think outside the box.
With the right staples, you'll have a much more versatile wardrobe and the ability to mix and match your favorite pieces. Use the outfit formulas you like (like a tee and jeans or a collared shirt and trousers) and make different versions of them for a chic and cohesive aesthetic. "Being an outfit repeater is cool because it signifies confidence and a clear personal style," explains Flint. "Instead of feeling pressured to constantly buy new staples, invest in a few standout pieces and re-wear them creatively; this approach encourages sustainable fashion choices and highlights the value of quality over quantity."