I'm a Fashion Expert—These 7 Essentials Are the Backbone of Any Chic Closet
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
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.
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Straight-Leg Jeans
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.
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Ballet Flats
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.
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Button-Down Shirts
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.
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Blazers
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.
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Little Black Dresses
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.
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Black Heels
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.
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Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a 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, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which 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. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.
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