I'm a Fashion Expert—These 7 Essentials Are the Backbone of Any Chic Closet

Jump to category:
Jennifer Camp Forbes's avatar
By
last updated
in Buying Guides

Fashion collage featuring Lorna Humphrey, Lucy Alston, and Clara Dryhauge wearing chic wardrobe essentials.

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk; @lucyalston_ ; @claradyrhauge)

When I find myself needing a closet reset, I ask, If I could only wear a select group of key fashion pieces, what would they be? This has helped me tremendously in refocusing my future shopping goals and streamlining my current wardrobe. It's never easy to narrow it down, but it does really put things into perspective. Plus, it's incredibly helpful when getting ready and brings me peace of mind to know that I have a solid set of wardrobe essentials to rely on.

When pondering this question recently, I came up with some reliable and chic closet staples that I wouldn't mind wearing over and over again without sacrificing style. The pieces that I landed on are all timeless and can withstand the ever-evolving trend cycles as well. Think classic blazers, trend-proof jeans, polished shoe options, and more. Keep scrolling to see and shop seven wardrobe essentials that are the backbone of any chic closet along with visual outfit inspiration on how to wear these pieces seamlessly.

White T-Shirts

Influencer Lorna Humphrey poses on a sidewalk in London wearing oversize black sunglasses, a white t-shirt, neutral sweater over the shoulders, faded gray jeans, a black mini Bottega Veneta bag, and black suede mule heels.

(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

There's no denying how handy a white T-shirt is in any season. The easy basic pairs with everything from jeans to trousers to skirts.

Shop:

Straight-Leg Jeans

Scandinavian influencer Clara Dyrhauge wears a black leather blazer, white tee, straight-leg jeans, mini black bag, and black slingback heels.

(Image credit: @claradyrhauge)

Straight-leg jeans are a classic for a reason. They are universally flattering and come in just about any wash or length preference, making them great for a variety of personal styles.

Shop:

Ballet Flats

Fashion influencer Sara Ramen sits on stairs posing in a striped sweater over the shoulders, a white top, cropped straight-leg jeans, and black ballet flats.

(Image credit: @saraloura)

Since the aughts, ballet flats have been consistently on-trend, adding an instant level of polish to any outfit they complete. Go for timeless black or bold red, which is trending at the moment.

Shop:

Button-Down Shirts

British fashion influencer Lucy Alston poses for a mirror selfie wearing a white button-down shirt, yellow-gold earrings, and white jeans.

(Image credit: @lucyalston_)

Whether it's a crisp white button-down shirt or a striped pick, this top is a versatile closet hero. You can wear one alone or layered with a variety of bottoms and dresses or even as a swim cover-up.

Shop:

Blazers

Fashion influencer Karina of Style Idealist leans against a white wall next to a garden wearing tort oval sunglasses, a neutral tan blazer, white t-shirt, cream maxi skirt, and a woven brown shoulder bag.

(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Blazers are a fashion-person go-to since the effortless piece will instantly elevate even the most basic of looks. A black or neutral option is always a great idea.

Shop:

Little Black Dresses

British influencer Alexis Foreman poses for a mirror selfie in a minimalistic bedroom with white wood floors wearing a neutral tan sweater tied over her shoulders, a black slip dress, a black clutch bag, and black leather flats.

(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

When it comes to dresses, no style compares to the ever-celebrated little black dress. The options are endless in both style and price point.

Shop:

Black Heels

Fashion editor Kristen Nichols poses outside a building in Los Angeles wearing a white button-down with statement sleeves, straight-leg jeans, and black slingback kitten heels.

(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

If you ask just about any fashion editor what color heel they recommend for anyone, you're guaranteed to get a resounding "black!" in response, regardless if they're pumps, heeled sandals, or slingback styles.

Shop:

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

Jennifer Camp Forbes
Jennifer Camp Forbes
Senior Shopping Editor

Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.

Latest
You might also like
View More ▸