8 Classic Pieces You Should Never Toss
I make a regular habit of editing my closet to make sure my wardrobe is narrowed down to a tight selection of pieces I actually wear on the regular. That means clearing worn-out clothes and shoes, but also trend-driven items that don’t last beyond a season. One thing I never clear out of my closet, though? Classic pieces I’ll be wearing for years ahead.
Now, what are the classic pieces you should never toss, and what are the investment pieces worth holding onto? It comes down to the fashion items that will always be in style. Whether it’s a trench coat to layer over transitional looks, an iconic designer bag, everyday jewelry, or elevated basics, there are some fashion buys that are never worth ditching from your closet.
Ahead, I’m breaking down the eight closet staples you should always hold on to, even if they aren't on rotation in your current outfits. Scroll on to see and shop the essential classic closet staples every woman should own—and hold onto.
A TAILORED BLAZER
A blazer in a solid color or check is always going to be a versatile piece in your closet—whether you style it with a dress or with jeans and a tee.
HOOP EARRINGS
LOAFERS
Leather loafers have been reinvented with the addition of embroidery or fur lining in recent years, but you can't go wrong with Gucci's originals.
A TIMEPIECE
Watches are a beautiful investment piece, and timeless styles like this one from Cartier prove to become more valuable over time.
A SLIP SKIRT
The slip skirt is the new modern separate we're seeing in the closets of cool girls everywhere. Hold on to this versatile piece.
A TRENCH COAT
A tan trench is the coat you can wear with pretty much anything. It always adds a level of polish, whether styled with a minidress or trousers.
ICONIC DESIGNER BAGS
While designers are constantly releasing new bag styles, it's always worth holding onto the classics, like this Chanel quilted flap silhouette.
LEATHER BOOTS
Leather boots are the winter staple you'll always return to when the season comes around on the calendar.
Next: six winter shopping picks all our editors agree on.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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