Just an Observation: My Favorite Stylish Women All Rely On These 5 Staples

Fashion people are my guiding force, and that's a fact. I always look to what my favorite stylists, editors, influencers, and buyers are wearing to glean some inspiration on how to style the classics. I stalk their feeds pretty regularly to keep up to date on their latest styling tricks and closet favorites, and while I was doing so recently, I came to a realization. There were a few trend-ish staples that they all seemed to own, no matter their style, role, or location.

I'm jotting down five stylish staples that these women, from L.A. to Montréal, have in common, and conveniently, our very own Who What Wear Collection has a few versions of each on hand. So in addition to highlighting how these women are wearing each wardrobe staple, I'll be pointing you in the direction of the exact pieces I would recommend shopping from the line just in case you are so inspired to add one of them to your own closet. With that, continue on to discover the five staples that are officially fashion-person approved.

1. Muted Suiting

If fashion people had to nail down a single "uniform" to wear on repeat, it would have to be suiting in a muted neutral tone. With menswear-inspired dressing bubbling up more and more, the muted suit is a key closet staple that's timeless, trend-less, and pretty much always in season.

Investing in a matching suit is a smart move when you can wear each piece separately. These relaxed trousers are a closet staple in their own right.

This trend is all about simplicity, so add on a few delicate jewelry staples, and let the tailoring speak for itself. 

2. Leather Separates

We talk a lot about the art of looking expensive here, and there's one staple I always notice my favorite stylish women wearing: faux leather. Of course, it's a given that genuine leather can instantly level up any outfit, but when its faux sibling has evolved to be as buttery-soft and high-quality, who needs the real thing anyway?

It doesn't take much to style a leather midi skirt. I love how it looks with tall boots and a simple knit.

A leather one-piece like a dress or jumpsuit is so easy to style yet looks like you put in a ton of effort. Style one with heeled boots for an ultra-sleek ensemble.

3. Collared Tops

There's one top I always see on the fashion set: polo-style tops. Whether it's a classic pullover sweater, a thin bodysuit, or anything in between, there's something about the addition of a collar to a basic top that really adds a little something extra.

A collared top is a perfect match for your classic denim.

Leather trousers are another staple these tops go with flawlessly.

4. Matching Knit Sets

I hardly need to explain the genius of a matching knit set, but once more couldn't hurt. Whether it's a knit skirt-and-sweater duo or our sweater-and-sock combo, there's nothing better than cozying up in a ready-made outfit that's easy, chic, and comfy enough to rival your loungewear.

A minimalist knit skirt set might be one of my favorite winter outfits to date.

Dress yours up for a night out when you swap the boots for heels and add a statement bag.

5. Cool-Girl Cutouts

Cutouts definitely sit on the more intimidating end of the trend spectrum, but I noticed that the stylish women whose outfits I studied always seem to select cutouts that are surprisingly wearable, proving that a hint of exposed skin really does go a long way.

A cutout bodysuit is a great starting point, and this one happens to be bra-friendly, too.

I love the way our Stella cutout dress mimics the look of a sleeveless dress and knit shrug—the negative space is eye-catching and a bit different from other cutouts I've seen.

Up next, these six things randomly look pricier than they really are.