I Already Have an Elevated Closet, But If I Were to Start Over, I'd Go For These 5 Staples

Effortless outfit ideas ahead.

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Fashion collage of style influencers wearing elevated basics like black shoes, blazers, relaxed pants, button-down shirts, and dresses.
(Image credit: @claradyrhauge; @anna__laplaca; @thealiceedit; @sylviemus_; @cocoschiffer)
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As a shopping editor and the fashion connoisseur among my friends and family, I am always asked for style advice. One of the main questions I get is how to elevate a wardrobe in an effortless way. I pride myself on my own elevated closet, so I am more than happy to send my loved ones and all you lovely readers down the right path to putting together an elevated wardrobe of your own. Thankfully, it all comes down to key staples..

Below, I'm breaking down the essential pieces I would prioritize if I were to start over and build up my closet from nothing. There are five pieces, in particular, that will carry you far regardless of the season—relaxed pants, polished blazers, sleek black shoes, effortless dresses, and standout button-downs. Scroll on to discover each staple alongside some visual inspiration and my roundup of top picks to shop now.

Elevated Closet Staples to Shop Now

Relaxed Pants

British style influencer Alice Satterthwaite in London wearing a neutral blazer, white T-shirt, red stone pendant necklace, ivory woven tote bag, beige satin drawstring pants, and red flip-flops.

(Image credit: @thealiceedit)

Sleek Black Shoes

Danish fashion creative Clara Dyrhauge poses on a sidewalk wearing a belted trench coat, white tee, dark-wash jeans, and black kitten-heel slingbacks.

(Image credit: @claradyrhauge)

Polished Blazers

Fashion editor Anna LaPlaca poses in black oversize oval sunglasses, a black Aligne button-down crewneck blazer, a gold cuff, high-waisted jeans, and burgundy woven Bottega Veneta bag.

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Standout Button-Down Shirts

European fashion influencer Sylvie Mus wearing a polished white button-down shirt, a chic brown clutch bag, and black pants.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Effortless Dresses

NYC style influencer Coco Schiffer walking on a cobblestone street wearing a black sleeveless a-line dress and black flip-flop sandals.

(Image credit: @cocoschiffer)
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.