I've worked in fashion for 10 years, and people always ask me the same question: What have you been buying recently? No matter who's asking (my mom, my friends, my boyfriend with trepidation), they usually expect me to say something outlandish, wild or extravagant. But much to their surprise, I've really started to hone my wardrobe rather than endlessly add to it. Recently, I've realised that creating a considered capsule of elevated staples that transcend seasons and seasonal trends is the smarter, more mature way to shop. So Mum, if you're reading, here's your answer…

One brand I go back to time and time again is Veronica Beard. The New York–based label was founded by sister-in-laws (who happen to share the same first name) with the intention of offering clothes "you can live in." As a result, its seasonal collections are filled with sublime staple pieces, including tailoring, perfect-fitting denim and a selection of pure cotton shirts, tanks and dresses. Each item looks and feels like it was made specifically for you and is entirely effortless to throw on.

The brand's signature piece has to be its dickey jacket, a tailored blazer with button details and a cinched-in waist that gives it a sleek, sophisticated silhouette. But the real genius invention? The dickey itself—a clever little add-on that zips inside the jacket's lapels to give the illusion of a second layer. With versions that imitate a hoodie, a denim jacket, a tweed button-down and more, the dickey immediately provides that layer effect without the discomfort, rigidness or warmth that an actual second layer would have. This brilliant little attachment adds a casual edge to a smarter jacket and allows you to get the most out of your wardrobe.

So whether you're going for a folky look, French-girl style or a smart work wardrobe, keep srcolling to see the six key looks I curated with three of Veronica Beard's iconic dickey jackets. Each outfit proves that the same piece can take you from smart to casual and from day to night. You can thank me later.

1. ELEVATED ELEGANCE

When wearing a sleek satin dress, you're never truly wedding-ready without a jacket. (You should always expect an evening chill.) Enter the Miller Dickey Jacket. With its resin buttons and soft, creamy hue, it's a formal addition to your wedding ensemble and looks so chic when worn casually over your shoulders.

2. FOLKY FINISH

Add the Rini Dickey (that's the clever detached knit collar) to the Miller, and it becomes an entirely different jacket. This ombre-effect, tie-dye knit has a real Bohemian touch, which I've embraced and paired with clogs, flared jeans and a crochet crop top. I simply love this look.

3. TAILORING AND A TANK

Tailoring combined with a tank has been a go-to look for me all year. A little black blazer is as essential as the LBD. In fact, I'd argue it's more essential, especially as we head back into the office. 

4. FRENCH-GIRL FINESSE

Is it just me, or is this what Emily from Emily in Paris should be wearing? The combination of the tweed skirt, the leather dickey and that bag is precisely how to do premium Parisian styling.

5. THE RETURN OF BOHO CHIC

This is Sienna Miller circa 2005 with an updated spin. Channeling a Y2K aesthetic I can actually get on board with, this easy Bohemian look nods to '70s hippie culture but has a sophisticated edge.Think less Janis Joplin, more Gaby Aghion. 

6. GO WEST

The Western trend is a major hitter for autumn/winter this year, and I'm giving it a feminine edge by adding this pink corduroy jacket. Tweed isn't traditionally a Western material, but the pattern on the Slate Tweed Dickey definitely has a Western feel to it.

You can see more Veronica Beard styles here.

When it comes to spring and summer attire, we don't tend to think of putting red and black together—to us, this screams Christmas party. Lately, however, a handful of our favourite style stars are all about incorporating the rich combination into their wardrobe's rotation, so whoever says you have to stick to pastels and neutrals post-winter is clearly misguided. From Irina Shayk’s sultry-chic look at L’Oréal’s Red Obsession party to Selena Gomez’s cool-girl combo on the streets of Paris Fashion Week, this styling trick looks here to stay. Keep scrolling to see how some of your favourite influencers and celebs are wearing this look and to shop our roundup of black-and-red wardrobe essentials.

Selena Gomez showed off the strong colour combo earlier this month on the streets of Paris, wearing a Wolford bodysuit with her red leather Louis Vuitton pants.

Irina Shayk looked sultry chic at the L’Oréal Red Obsession party in Paris, where she paired her Dior minidress with an oversize black blazer.

Jaime King attended An Icon Re-Imagined at the Beverly Center earlier this month looking fashion forward in a black Wolford sweater underneath her red Tory Burch Crêpe Jumpsuit (£450).

At the Sonia Rykiel show, Immy Waterhouse introduced us to the sportier side of this trend in her cutting-edge short suit.

Related: These 10 A-Listers Have the Workwear Wardrobe of Our Dreams

Olivia Wilde opted for casual cool at the Atlantic Theater Company Actors’ Choice Gala in black flared trousers, a red Smythe blazer, and Bella Freud’s 1970 Wool Sweater (£280).

Devon Windsor arrived to the H&M show flaunting her flawless abs in a black crop top and red trousers. By adding a cozy sweater and ankle boots, she manifested all things effortless chic.

Last week, Emmy Rossum looked radiant on the red carpet at Showtime’s screening and panel discussion with the women of Shameless. Her Oscar de la Renta dress offered a feminine take on the pairing of red and black, with its embroidered floral print and hourglass shape.

Shop our roundup of red and black essentials below.