I'm a Stylist and Always Wear These 5 Items on Repeat

There are a number of people I look to on the regular to find outfit inspiration from, and London-based stylist Anna Vitiello is at the top of that list. With a wardrobe that looks like it’s been plucked from the ’80s in the best possible way, she has a knack for dressing in sculptural silhouettes, bold colors, and eye-catching accessories. Plus, she has a strong personal sense of style that isn’t swayed by what everyone else is wearing.

Perhaps my favorite thing about her take on fashion, though, is her stance on normalizing the idea of rewearing pieces in your wardrobe. In a recent Instagram post, pictured in her signature pair of geometric Loewe sunglasses, she spoke about the importance of investing in pieces to wear again and again rather than putting something on to wear for a single photo.

Curious to hear more, I spoke with Vitiello about why she thinks it's an important topic. "As we all know, social media has normalized having a new outfit for every post. It feels like consumption is at an all-time high, and what we need is directly the opposite,” she explained. "Slower consumption will not only benefit our pockets but the planet and our well-being, too—the pressure of wearing something new or ‘hot’ all the time is one that no one needs.”

What she recommends instead is a tight edit of fashion items you really love and plan to wear into the future. "Reaching for a few pieces that you know make an outfit come together is a more enjoyable way to get dressed,” she explained, "and also gives us the opportunity to refine our own personal style.” Here, she’s sharing the top five items from her curated wardrobe and why she wears each of them on repeat.

Pictured: Nynne top; Self-Portrait Stirrup Leggings ($335); Amina Muaddi heels; Dior bag

The item: reinvented leggings

Why it's a wardrobe essential: "The perfect leggings—that don't look like leggings—are the hardest-working piece in my wardrobe. I like to be comfortable, but I'm not a jeans girl, so these are my go-to, and I adore these by Self-Portrait. (I also have them from Saint Laurent and Totême.)" — Vitiello

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Pictured: Elzinga Dress ($354); Manolo Blahnik heels; YSL vintage earrings; Roger Vivier bag

The item: one-stop-shop piece

Why it's a wardrobe essential: "The one-stop-shop piece, as I like to call it, applies to a very few key pieces in my wardrobe that I can pick up in a rush, and no matter what I wear with them, I feel like I've made an effort. We all have busy lives, and honing in on what works for you on the go really helps make your wardrobe work harder. This Elzinga blazer is something I bought earlier this summer, and I'll often pull the colors from the blazer itself to make the outfit come together." — Vitiello

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Pictured: Gucci sweater; Jacquemus leggings; Loewe sunglasses; Prada Cleo Bag ($1990)

The item: investment bag

Why it's a wardrobe essential: "The ultimate investment bag, because no wardrobe is complete without one. This isn't about how much you spend or what brand it is; it's about what works hardest for you, what brings versatility to your accessories repertoire. This Prada Cleo is that for me—subtly retro yet modern and clean, it pulls together all the different aspects of my style." — Vitiello

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Pictured: Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini Coat ($866); Versace sunglasses

The item: tailored coat

Why it's a wardrobe essential: "It almost sounds cliché, but a really incredible, well-cut coat is a real necessity, come rain or shine. It's the key to a polished wardrobe and the best-kept secret for those gym-to-work-to-dinner days. I love this one by Philosophy in this beautiful army green wool. I wear it with neutral colors and often to cover up a legging and sweater ensemble!" — Vitiello

Shop tailored coats:

Pictured: Reiss top; Vintage trousers; Judith Leiber belt; Monica Vinader x Doina Necklace ($625); Loewe sunglasses; Aspinal bag

The item: high-impact belt

Why it's a wardrobe essential: "The perfect belt is something I've searched for forever. Gold is such a mainstay of my wardrobe, and the buckle on this is such a winner for me. It's a vintage Judith Lieber piece teamed with my favorite necklace from my friend Doina x Monica Vinader's collection to bring it all together (and lots of other gold, of course.)" — Vitiello

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This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated. Next, read about why this will be the next biggest It bag.