11 Wardrobe Staples That Are So Versatile And Chic
Having trouble pairing your daily outfits? Fret no longer with these essentials that you can style effortlessly
When it comes to our wardrobes, we’re all guilty of overbuying and holding on to pieces that don’t fit or styles that we’ve long outgrown. With the rise of conscious fashion comes the need to re-evaluate our buys, to trade mindless quantity for quality essentials that can see us through fashion seasons and also straddle work and play, day and night. All you need are classic staples and quality pieces that go a long way in terms of versatility.
One of the most versatile piece of clothing in anyone’s wardrobe, a white collared button-down shirt is a must-have, regardless if you are man or woman, whatever the age. You can dress it up and dress it down depending on what you pair with it and goes everything. Opt for a more relaxed fit that has the ability to look more casual if you need it to be. Avoid material that is too sheer as it hinders its versatility as well.
The Boyfriend Floral-Jacquard Cotton-Poplin Shirt, $1,161, Erdem at Net-a-Porter
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You’ll need a black blazer, not just for job interviews and professional environments, but for any occasion that requires you to look a little more polished. You can style it with jeans, for a more relaxed look or dress pants for more formal occasions. The trick is to find the right fit! Go for one that isn’t too tailored and fitted, with enough leeway to roll up the sleeves. Avoid buying one made of more trendy materials (eg. velvet, corduroy) and opt for a more classic make.
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Peak-Lapel Single-Breasted Blazer, US$2,385 (S$3,218), Alexander McQueen at Farfetch
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We are pretty sure everyone has one lying in their closet, and if you don’t, you are missing a vital piece in your wardrobe. A white t-shirt is like a chameleon. It pairs perfectly with literally anything and is the neutralizer that helps you pull off even the most outrageous prints and colours. Tuck it into a high-waisted number, wear it under a blazer or even pair it with jeans for a casual weekend. You can never have too many white tees.
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Skinny jeans are a must-have but the keyword here is ‘flattering’. Whether you go for high-waisted, low-rise or just a standard cut, skinny jeans is the workhorse in your wardrobe arsenal. We suggest going for a plain wash, with no rips and distressed accents so that you have the option to dress it up. A dark wash is the most versatile and polished looking so it’s a must! Length-wise, it has to stop perfectly at your ankles and you are good to go.
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Even if you aren’t a “heels person”, every lady needs a pair of black pumps for times where she needs to be elevated. Go for a glamorous glossy finish or a more subdued matte leather look. No matter what the finish or design, black pumps turn any look (even sweatpants) more elegant. Invest in a comfier pair that is well-made and will stand the test of time. This is an investment you won’t regret.
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Pencil skirts are the most versatile of skirts as they have the ability to be very formal or casual. They are great for a night out with a girls or a board room meeting, depending on what you wear on top. Go for a neutral hue, to be paired with any top you wish. For a more sophisticated look, make sure that that skirt stops at the knee or go slightly past it.
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Forget your dainty espadrilles and floppy sandals, sneakers are easily the casual shoe option that goes with everything and looks 100% each time. Pair it with summer dresses or just jeans and a top, mixing formal and casual is a winning combination and white is a neutral hue that just goes. Our advice is to look at the shape and design of the sneakers instead, in order to pick on that is most flattering.
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Bagpacks and work totes aside, every wardrobe needs that one classic bag that can do it all. It is big enough for a day-to-day situation and dressy enough for a night out. Needless to say, it has to be well-made and preferably in a shade that is able to match almost any colour palette. Invest in a bag that suits your style the most!
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Manhattan Shoulder Bag In Box Saint Laurent Leather, $3,740, Saint Laurent
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Dress pants are the yin to your denim’s yang. There is a plethora of designs to choose from, from paper bag waist to wide-leg. Pick one that suits your fancy, in any colour that goes with your style but definitely have one in your rotation. Pair it with sneakers or heels for consistently chic combinations.
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How can we forget the Little Black Dress that is truly a “non-negotiable” item in every woman’s wardrobe? A black dress is the swiss army knife of the fashion world. Depending on the design you can wear it anywhere from a party to a funeral. The key is to pick a classic design that is versatile enough to be paired with other things (ie. blazers, shoes). Opt for something less trendy, avoid lace and sheer materials so that the dress can be even more universally appropriate.
Feathered Stretch-Jersey Mini Dress, $702, Michael Michael Kors at Net-a-Porter
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TEXT: Harper's Bazaar