I've Been a Stylist for 24 Years—These Are the Staples I Wear Year After Year

Discovering your sense of style is a process and a journey. While finding your aesthetic is extremely personal, many of us (this writer included) find influence in others. One industry leader that's consistently a prime source of inspiration is Roz Kaur. She's a veteran stylist (24 years under her belt) who experiments with clothes both in her own wardrobe and when she helps her clients. In fact, we tapped her in the past for advice on the accessories that matter most to her. Now that we're in the new year, we wanted to gain further insight into the specific pieces Kaur turns to year after year.

While Kaur will certainly play with fresh trends each year, there are a few versatile items that will always be mainstays in her eyes because they act as her foundational pieces. Below you'll uncover an edit of said pieces, along with styling references and testimonials from Kaur. There are product recommendations if you're also in the mood to shop right now.

A Great-Fitting Suit

"Winters shouldn't be a reason for you to ditch your short suit. Start by choosing one that has a slightly oversize fit. Then style it by adding cold-weather accessories (like cashmere hats, scarves, knee highs, etc.) that will keep you looking dapper and warm. Trust me—this will become your essential done-in-one look no matter the occasion! Currently obsessing over this ('80s-inspired) set at Free People."

Relaxed Denim

"Denim is a significant component of my capsule wardrobe. Each season I like to build upon my jeans wardrobe with a different shape, cut, wash, and finish according to what I want to wear that season. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with these retro-inspired extremely wide-leg jeans."

Quilted Outerwear

"Every wardrobe should contain a solid piece of outwear. My latest obsession—quilted layers. I was on the hunt for a puffer with an oversize longline shape, [a] kind of duvet-ish [one] that would become my effortless staple."

Loose Knitwear

"When it comes to sweaters, I like trying on many, many, many options. For someone who is slightly shorter (I'm only 5'4"), I‘m all about the cropped sweater—particularly one that is elevated yet versatile."

Hats

"Now and then, I want to jazz up my outfit, and a great topper makes me feel a bit cooler than I did the second before I put it on! Whether you're looking for fashion or function, choose one that you know you'll wear for years to come. (P.S., don't even get me started on these handmade hats I discovered made by Jacqueline Michie Hats because that’s a whole other post. Genius!)"

Versatile Dresses

"I always like to invest in a dress that I know will never go out of style. Something that makes me look like I put in a lot of effort, even though I just threw it on. The simplicity and beauty of this blue silk-crepe handmade dress (that I found at Lan Jaenicke in San Francisco) spoke to me on so many different levels. It's pretty enough to wear over a thin cashmere turtleneck or as is on a fancier occasion."

Elevated PJs

"It happens to me at the beginning of every year. After the holidays, I spend the majority of my time futzing around the house, and what a great futzing look this is. It's my glamorous and cool ensemble to wear in bed and wherever else. Seriously I’ve dressed this up with heels and accessories and worn it to a black-tie event! I often split it up and wear each piece as an outside look (the top with jeans and the pants with a cashmere turtleneck)."

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

Next, check out more items Kaur recommends to her clients.