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

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Fashion collage of Anna LaPlaca, Clara Dyrhauge, and Sylvie Mus wearing elegant outfit ideas.

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca; @claradyrhauge; @sylviemus_)

As a shopping editor and the fashion connoisseur among my friends and family, I am always asked for style advice. One of the main requests 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 easy key staples to get you started.

Below, I break down the essential pieces I would prioritize if I were to start over and build up my closet from nothing. There are five, in particular, that will carry you far regardless of the season. These standouts include polished blazers, sleek black shoes, effortless dresses, and other strong yet simple options. Scroll on to discover each staple alongside some visual inspiration and my roundup of top picks to shop now.

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)

Shop Blazers

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)

Shop Black Shoes

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_)

Shop Button-Down Shirts

Effortless Dresses

British influencer Lucy Alston walking on a London sidewalk wearing a neutral cinched-waist shirtdress, a black shoulder bag, and black strappy flat sandals.

(Image credit: @lucyalston_)

Shop Dresses

Smart Pants

French influencer Anne-Victoire Lefevre poses wearing a sheer white layered top, belted wide-leg black trousers, and a mini black bag.

(Image credit: @vikilefevre)

Shop Smart Pants

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.

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