Long adopted from the men’s closet, the structured quality and fitted silhouette of a blazer instantly imparts a sharp, professional polish to your work wardrobe. Try to get the blazer tailored for the best fit, else make sure that the shoulders, chest and waist are fitted properly if you’re buying off the rack.

Blazers can also be incorporated to your weekend looks too. For starters, pair it with a T-shirt and bermuda shorts for a smart casual or sling it over a slinky sundress with a pair of heels.

Pictured: Basic Blazer, $69.90, from Zara

Now, we can’t possibly curate a must-have fashion list without including the little black dress, can we? It’s sleek, slimming and all-round flattering to all. Pick one that flatters your body type. Else, the A-line silhouette is one that complements all.

Furthermore, a slip dress style or one that has no sleeves would be better for casual days while a more modest piece is preferable for more serious occasions.

Pictured: Norma Kamali Scoop-neck Velvet Midi Dress, $305, from MatchesFashion

Jumpsuits are one-and-done outfits made for days when you’ve overslept, had a busy morning dealing with the kids or just can’t muster any style inspiration for the day. They combine a top and pants and are available in many different colours and prints.

A culotte length (i.e. 3/4), like the one pictured, lean smart casual, while those with full-length legs are better for formal settings.

Pictured: Basic Jumpsuit, $159, from The Form

Similar to the LBD, the perennial white shirt deserves a mention on this list. There are a myriad of silhouettes – slim, oversized, A-line etc – to choose from. Collars and adornments such as pockets and buttons also add to the exciting variety.

After picking your favourite white shirt, you can then wear it fully, french or untucked and even knotted to pull off different vibes.

Pictured: Slim-fit Shirt US$69 (S$98.07), from Cos

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After you’ve checked off the white shirt, it is time to complete the look with an equally sharp pair of trousers. While many might detract to cigarette and slim-cut trousers, you could also take a nod from Kate Middleton and pick up a pair of wide-legged pants too. The key here is to find one that complements your lower body proportions and elongates your stature.

If you prefer skirts over pants, feel free to swap them.

Pictured: Belt Suit Trousers, $55.90, from Mango

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Not all heels are created equally. (Check out our guide on how to find appropriate work heels that won’t hurt.) You want to look for block heels, as opposed to stilettos, as the wider area distributes your weight and pressure better. Moreover, a shorter heel height would be more comfortable to wear over prolonged periods. The pump silhouette, too, is a versatile design that never fails.

Pictured: Huggy Comfort Heels Pecan, $260, from Toufie

From white sneakers to ballet flats (Chanel make great ones if you’re looking for investment footwear), take your pick from the array of flats according to your own personal style. Similar to the point on heels above, a closed-toe design would be more fitting for both formal and informal events.

And when it comes to a blinged-out design vs. a solid colourway, we pick the versatility and less trend-driven quality of the latter.

Pictured: Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Colours Low Top White, $69.90, from Converse

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You might be wondering why we chose earrings instead of a necklace, ring or bracelet. That’s because the latter three can easily be concealed or clash with existing pieces in your wardrobe. For example, a long-sleeve round-neck shirt would hide the necklace and bracelet and not be as efficacious in elevating your wardrobe.

Besides hoops, you can also consider pearl studs or thin drop earrings too. Stick to metals (yellow, rose or white gold tones) instead of trendy colours and suave designs than chunky, statement-makers.

Pictured: Stone Pierced Earring Set, $197.50, from Swarovski

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Get a size that fits your lifestyle and needs but not one that’s excessively large to the point that you stuff full and hurt your back. A medium should suffice and is the most versatile for formal events as well. We also recommend one made of leather than rattan, straw and other seasonal materials for longevity of use.

Shop: Black Large Trapeze Top Handle Bag, $79.90, from Charles & Keith

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Shapewear might not be something you expect to see here, but hear us out. If you have a special event where you need to look your best, shapewear is here to help. It helps to cinch the body and this can lead to positive effects on the day’s mindset, which in turn gives you the confidence boost to take on the world.

Choose the shapewear that targets the area you want to address. Besides bodysuit, there are also waist trainers, panties and shorts.

Pictured: Sculpting Bodysuit Mid Thigh, US$68 (S$96.90), from Skims

Sunglasses serve more than a singular purpose. Not only do they shield your eyes from ageing UV rays, thereby reducing the need for expensive skincare or treatments in later years, but the right design for your face shape also can elevate your looks in a jiffy. Even Korean celebs know the importance of a pair of sunnies to complete the ensemble.

Black frames are a safe choice, but you can also opt for tortoiseshell for a retro vibe.

Pictured: SUN2057J-9S, $78, from Owndays

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Text: Ho Guo Xiong