7 Closet Staples That Are the Backbones of a Fashion Person's Wardrobe

We’re all for good basics. After all, it’s these staples that often end up being the backbones of our wardrobes as the foundational elements to balance out trendier pieces. As a result, we cover those simple pieces on the regular. Today, we thought we’d highlight those summer staples that seem to be consistently turning up on the feeds of some of our favorite fashion people. You know things like easy tops and comfortable shorts.

With all that in mind, keep scrolling to check out seven cool items that seem to be true staples in a style setter’s wardrobe this summer. You’ll also uncover some visual inspo below, along with product recommendations if you happen to be shopping at the moment. 

1. Tank Top

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(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

Whether ribbed, simple, or in a muscle silhouette, the tank top is a true staple in any fashion person's wardrobe this summer to throw on and look chic.

2. White Shirt

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

The white button-down shirt has always been a classic and continues to enter the spotlight even more as a must-have this season.

3. Chain Necklace

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(Image credit: @ch.phr8ph)

In the jewelry realm, chain-link necklaces (either single or layered) are a go-to because they basically pair flawlessly with anything and can instantly elevate other basic pieces.

4. Relaxed Denim

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(Image credit: @emmaleger)

If a fashion person is wearing jeans right now and in the summer months, it's likely a more relaxed, straight-leg cut, which has basically become a fresh classic.

5. Strappy Sandals

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(Image credit: @basicstouch)

Featuring either multiple straps, T-straps, or one thick strap, strappy sandals (especially in a neutral hue) are a wardrobe hero to be dressed up or down.

6. Sweatshorts

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(Image credit: @honeybelleworld)

Yes, joggers are also a staple, but sweatshorts are proving to be the backbone of summer wardrobes as a comfortable and cool item worn with a T-shirt, tank, blazer, whatever.

7. Tank Dress

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(Image credit: @thetennillelife_)

The beauty of a tank dress is that it's chic and highly versatile either worn on its own or with statement accessories. 

Next, check out more top-notch summer basics.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.