I Lead a Fashion Department—These Are the Items Basically All the Staff Owns

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(Image credit: Who What Wear Collection)

I lead one of the fashion departments here at WWW—the market team, specifically. In this role, I conduct many (virtual) meetings to strategize shopping-driven content plans. One of the story ideas that came out of a recent meeting involved taking a deeper dive into the easy and chic items basically everyone on the staff owns. Given their popularity, the five pieces in question could be deemed as wardrobe staples because of their versatile and chic nature.

Furthermore, the said items can actually all be found in the latest offerings of our namesake line, Who What Wear Collection. As a preview, I'm talking about pieces like relaxed tailoring silhouettes, simple knits that can be worn with a range of basics, and throw-on dresses that require little styling.

Keep scrolling for all this and more, complete with shopping picks and visual references. 

1. Ribbed Knits

Yep, ribbed knits of different varieties topped the list when I asked about wardrobe staples. Whether in the form of a cardigan or a mock-neck silhouette, a ribbed knit is of the moment yet feels timeless.

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

As our editor in chief says, "This sweater has personality."

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

I also just had to showcase the sweater in this green hue!

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

A coordinating set is no-fail. Plus, you can mix and match.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

This ribbed set is a favorite for its ease and current-feeling nature.

2. Midi Dresses and Skirts

Miniskirts and maxi skirts will 100% reign supreme this spring, but those tried-and-true midi dresses and skirts will always be a staple among the editors on the team. They're easy and highly versatile.

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(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

The drop waist gives serious ballerina vibes.

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

The quality here is fantastic—and just look at the matching knit top.

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

This dress is about as versatile as it gets. You can wear it four different ways.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

The pleated nature here is very sleek. It's also so chic to go for the matching socks.

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(Image credit: @indyabrown)

Wait until you see this dress from the back. Gorgeous.

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(Image credit: @annadominguez)

The perfect throw-on-and-go dress. It's also wildly comfy.

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

The seaming and neckline are very forward.

3. Vegan-Leather Separates

When it comes to modern staples, those vegan-leather separates are a standout to bring that low-key luxury feel to a wardrobe.

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

These trousers just look so high-end.

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(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

A stunning dress that doesn't require anything else aside from accessories.

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Another coordinating set that is flawless.

4. Bodysuits

Elevated basics are a must for a solid wardrobe, and that includes a great bodysuit for that perfectly tucked-in look.

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(Image credit: @nicoleakhtarzad)

Just about every editor on the team wears this $35 white tee on repeat.

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

The color and the polo collar, though.

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(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

Cutout details are trending hard.

5. Blazers

Rounding out the list is the trusty blazer. This tailoring item will add a polished and forward aesthetic to just about any outfit.

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Make it the full suit with the crisp trousers.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

You can style this blazer with so many outfits (including the matching vest and trousers).

Next, check out more chic basics to consider.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.