Although I do make impulse purchases from time to time (like the orange Zara dress I ordered in bed at 2 a.m. last night), most of what I buy is well-thought-out. I've made too many regrettable purchases in my adult years to have it any other way. When deciding what my closet needs, I really evaluate my lifestyle, my existing wardrobe, and whether the price makes the longevity of the item worth it. In other words, is it useful?
We all have a collection of random fashion items in our closets. They're not all useful, but I'm here to talk about the ones that are. From my favorite not-too-short denim shorts to the bodysuit I wear over and over to the carry-on duffle I can't travel without, this random assortment of items has seen me through many occasions. Shop them below in case you're curious and like random but useful things as much as I do.
Wolford
Memphis Long-Sleeve Bodysuit
With its pretty scoop back and luxurious material, this timeless bodysuit is an essential.
Agolde
Parker Long Vintage Shorts
I love denim shorts, but I'm over super-short pairs. These are the perfect length and fit.
Saint Laurent
Monogram Leather Card Holder
I just bought my first cardholder, and I'm confused by what took me so long. I no longer have to waste time trying to stuff all of my essentials into my bags now that my wallet has shrunk considerably.
Richer Poorer
Recycled Fleece Classic Sweatpants
FYI: These are my favorite sweatpants.
Richer Poorer
Recycled Fleece Sweatshirt
And the sweatshirt to match, of course.
Reformation x Veda
Bowery Leather Blazer
This is the perfect leather blazer, hands down. Even though I've owned it for over a year now, I still get excited to wear it.
Madewell
The Perfect Vintage Military Short
These are the most comfortable shorts I own, which is why I wear them often.
Dagne Dover
Landon Recycled Polyester Carryall Duffle
I don't remember the last time I took a trip without this bag. It is the perfect size, has lots of handy pockets, and is very sturdy.
Burberry
Vintage Check Scrunchie
I discovered this scrunchie in the kid's section and bought it immediately. It costs far less than most designer accessories.
Nike
Dri-Fit One Leggings
When I'm not wearing these leggings, I wish I was wearing these leggings.
Comrad
Compression Socks for Multipurpose Wear
I literally tell everyone to buy these compression socks. They're that good.
Totême
Khaki Canvas Baseball Cap
It's not the cheapest baseball cap, but it's the best one.
Emu
Mayberry Slippers
These are actually the world's softest slippers.
The North Face
Hydrenalite Down Hoodie
I got this jacket pretty recently, and I'm not sure what took me so long. It's shocking how lightweight yet warm it is.
Almina Concept
Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt
I just got this shirt, but it's already the best white button-down I've ever owned.
Birkenstock
Essentials Arizona Waterproof Slide Sandals
These legendary Birkenstocks are the perfect casual shoes for the house, the beach, and beyond.
Completedworks
Mismatched Pearl & 14kt Gold-Vermeil Drop Earrings
Completedworks makes the most beautiful pearl earrings. They make every outfit seem more special.
& Other Stories
Boxy Turtleneck Knit Jumper
I know that the cold weather is ending for now, but this is such a good black sweater.
Lisa Says Gah
Vintage Rug iPhone Case
Lisa Says Gah makes the cutest iPhone cases. I've been using mine for well over a year.
Nike
Everyday Cushion Low Training Socks
Everyone always talks about the crew socks, but I prefer these low ones for working out.
On
Cloud 5 Running Shoes
I wanted to know what all the hype over On Cloud sneakers was about, so I got a pair. I get it now.
Everlane
The Air Oversized Crew Tee
Once I discovered that this is the world's best sleeping shirt, I bought it in multiple colors.
Nordstrom
Moonlight Eco Short Pajamas
Speaking of sleeping, these pajamas are as good as sets that are triple the price.
Who What Wear Collection
Bri Ribbed Cutout Dress
This genius dress can be worn in four different ways, and all of them are chic.
Pointe Studio
Fashion Studio Set of Three Cotton-Blend Socks
This brand makes my favorite Pilates socks. (Net-a-Porter agrees that they're great.)
Found My Animal
Rope Dog Leash
I just ordered one of these pretty leashes for my puppy after seeing Emily Ratajkowski using it.
Le Specs
Outta Love Sunglasses
Sunglasses are useful, don't you think? I wear this pair often.
Totême
Logo Swimsuit
I bought this logo swimsuit last summer, and I still think about how chic and comfortable it is.
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater arts. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.