8 Classic Pieces You Should Never Toss

I make a regular habit of editing my closet to make sure my wardrobe is narrowed down to a tight selection of pieces I actually wear on the regular. That means clearing worn-out clothes and shoes, but also trend-driven items that don’t last beyond a season. One thing I never clear out of my closet, though? Classic pieces that I’ll be wearing for years ahead.

Now, what are the classic pieces you should never toss, and what are the investment pieces worth holding onto? It comes down to the fashion items that will always be in style. Whether it’s a trench coat to layer over transitional looks, an iconic designer bag, everyday jewellery, or elevated basics, there are some fashion buys that are never worth ditching from your closet. Ahead, I’m breaking down the eight closet staples you should always hold onto, even if they aren't on rotation in your current outfits. Scroll on to see and shop the essential classic closet staples every woman should own and hold onto.

TAILORED BLAZER

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(Image credit: @fionazanetti)

A blazer in a solid colour or check is always going to be a versatile piece in your closet—whether you style it with a dress or with jeans and a tee.

MONOGRAM JEWELRY

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(Image credit: @rachelzeilic)

Jewellery finished with a monogram will always be in style. A wide band is a cool modern take on a signet ring.

LOAFERS

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(Image credit: @maria_bernad)

Leather loafers have been reinvented with the addition of embroidery or fur lining in recent years, but you can't go wrong with Gucci's originals.

TIMEPIECE

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(Image credit: @melodiemonrose)

Watches are a beautiful investment piece, and timeless styles like this one from Cartier prove to become more valuable over time.

SLIP SKIRT

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

The slip skirt is the new modern separate we're seeing in the closets of cool girls everywhere. Hold onto this versatile piece.

TRENCH COAT

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(Image credit: @leiasfez)

A tan trench is the coat you can wear with pretty much anything. It always adds a level of polish, whether styled with a minidress or trousers.

ICONIC DESIGNER BAG

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(Image credit: @nicholscollection)

While designers are constantly releasing new bag styles, it's always worth holding onto the classics, like this Chanel quilted flap silhouette.

LEATHER BOOTS

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Leather boots are the winter staple you'll always return to when the season comes around on the calendar.

Midi Dresses

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(Image credit: Style Du Monde)

A smart midi dress is the wardrobe staple that will keep on giving season after season. Wear with an oversized knit in winter then with heeled sandals come summer.

Straight Leg Jeans

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They made a comeback last year and now straight leg jeans are set to steal the spotlight from skinnys for the foreseeable future. Flattering and comfortable, they're sure to go with everything you own.

Up Next: Invest In These 7 Dresses Now — and You'll Thank Us In 2019

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury and runway content as well as wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., and MyTheresa, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.