Basics for Your Wardrobe That Go With Nearly Everything

How can one always look their best? Timeless wardrobe staples derive into stylish ensembles. What follows is a list of items I believe every woman should have in her closet.

You can always find room in your closet for a few seasonal trends, but in the end, your wardrobe rules by the essentials.

Wardrobe, The only safe bet in clothing is to stock up on the essentials because no matter what you're wearing, you'll look put together if you have your basics covered.

Styles That Are Always in Season

Black tank

While a white tank top can be appropriate for the gym or a casual event, a black one will give you more options. You can wear this with a skirt or dark jeans.

Short-sleeved white T-shirt

White t-shirts fade and become unusable quickly, so rather than investing in a few expensive designer shirts, stock up on various stylish and reasonably priced options. Then, switch out as required.

Short-sleeved black T-shirt

The ideal length for short sleeves is about half an inch to an inch longer than a standard cap sleeve.

Long-sleeved white T-shirt

Choose a slim-fit T-shirt that skims your body but doesn't cling for a trim silhouette in white.

Long-sleeved black T-shirt

Layer it over a dress shirt or dress for an unexpectedly chic look.

Black turtleneck

Consider investing in cashmere because it provides incredible warmth with less weight and volume.

White button-down shirt (one cotton, one silky)

You will get the most out of fitted ones because they are simpler to tuck in and look neat when left out.

Crisp white blouse

One should always have a classic white blouse in their closet because it looks more feminine than a button-down shirt.

Crewneck sweater

Thin knits in cotton or wool layer easily for versatility and comfort.

Cardigan

A neutral shade goes with everything, and a longer style that hits at the hip flatters most figures.

A black dress

The "little black dress" is a cliche: It's a wardrobe necessity.

Pencil skirt

The tailored classic piece can make it grazes the tops of the knees.

Jeans

Finding jeans that fit well and look good on you is worth the extra cost. Best bet? A pair of dark, bootcut jeans with no more than 2% Lycra in the denim. (It'll hug your body without losing its structure.)

Black pants

Select a style of all-season fabric, like tropical wool or viscose, to get the most from this wardrobe staple.

Skinny jeans

Once considered a trend, they are now a denim staple. Skinny jeans look best when they don't fit too snugly at the waist.

Khaki pants

For a casual, comfortable look, forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease.

Denim jacket

A dark wash and a slim fit look the most polished.

Cropped jacket

Made famous by Coco Chanel, this item has become a fashion mainstay. You'll have more opportunities for pairing with one in a solid color or traditional tweed.

Black cashmere wrap

Once seen only in fall and winter, fabric has become a year-round regular.

Ballet flats (in a neutral or a versatile red)

Equally sophisticated and practical, ballet flats, especially rubber soles, are easy on the feet but more polished than sneakers.

Basic black pumps

The workhorse of shoes, an excellent black pump, can take you from day into evening without losing a step.

Metallic evening shoes

No shoes make you more party-ready than strappy sandals or pumps in a metallic tone. The surprise? Gold and silver are remarkably versatile.

Summer Wardrobe Basics

Swimsuit

A well-fitting one- or two-piece in a go-anywhere color like black, white, or navy never goes out of style.

ALSO READ: What to Consider Before Buying A Swimsuit

Convertible strapless bra

This adjustable undergarment looks smooth and natural under a strapless dress, tank top, or halter.

Cotton pajamas

A pretty patterned pair works as both loungewear and sleepwear.

Built-in bra tank

This tank gives coverage and support (and an end to visible bra straps); this type of tank can be worn to workouts or cookouts—and even to the office, under a jacket or sweater.

Ribbed cotton tank

Initially made for men, these shirts are now available in female-friendly shapes. Pick one that fits your figure—it works well alone or under a suit jacket.

Cotton blouse

Choose a lightweight top from a range of colors and a variety of prints.

Cotton printed dress

Stay comfortable even in heavy-duty humidity.

Strapless dress

A white one will show off a great tan, but black, navy, and camel work beautifully.

Khaki shorts

The summer-wardrobe equivalent of air-conditioning, khaki shorts keep you cool, comfortable and looking crisp.

Cotton drawstring pants

A good-quality pair will take you straight from yoga class to lunch with a friend.

White jeans

Available in many styles, white jeans look chic with almost any warm-weather top.

Flat leather sandals

A good pair of flat sandals will pair up with virtually anything from shorts to jeans to flowing skirts to bathing suits—and can even sub in for slippers for minimal vacation packing.

Spring Wardrobe Basics

Cotton polo

More tailored than a T-shirt, it offers incredible comfort on even the stickiest days.

Cotton blouse

It's an airy and attractive springtime fundamental.

Printed tops

A few boldly patterned pieces add life and color to spring basics.

Lightweight cashmere sweater

Single-ply cashmere offers comfort in over-air-conditioned offices and movie theaters.

Cotton button-up cardigan

It combines the softness of a sweatshirt with the elegance of a cashmere sweater.

Lightweight waterproof raincoat

It is easy to carry as a guard against spring's fickle skies and blocks wind and rain without weighing you down.

One-button blazer

A cotton or lightweight wool jacket is a pulled-together layer that removes when the temperature rises.

Inverted pleat skirt

As good-looking with a tailored button-down shirt as it is with a tank top, you can pair it with a jacket for a more professional look.

Capri pants

These ankle-bearing bottoms look great with ballet flats or strappy sandals.

Chinos

Comfortable cotton pants are durable enough for a day in the park but still look proper in the office.

Fall Wardrobe Basics

Cotton waffle robe

Perfect over pajamas or after a shower, this robe is far less bulky than its terry cloth cousin.

The tuxedo shirt

The tuxedo shirt is truly an ultimate day-to-night top, and it has a crisp quality that makes it a great multitasker.

Fleece vest

Terrific over a turtleneck or peeking out from under a coat, a vest offers versatility in unpredictable autumn weather.

Athletic sweatshirt

As comfortable as a flannel pajama top—but it's appropriate for wearing in public.

Lightweight waterproof coat

Ideal for traveling, this practical item looks as right with a skirt as it does with a pair of jeans.

Khaki trench coat

Structured and stylish, it's a true classic.

Leather blazer

A trim leather blazer brings a little sophisticated edge to any piece. Add a scarf, and you're ready to go anywhere.

Peacoat

No longer just navy blue, peacoats come in a range of colors and a variety of lengths.

Flat boots (black or brown)

Knee-high styles work well with anything from full skirts and A-line dresses to narrow silhouettes.

Black-heeled boots or booties

High-heeled boots are a fall-to-winter essential. Ankle-grazing booties fall on the daintiness scale between pumps and boots and make a stylish alternative.

Winter Wardrobe Basics

Heavy sweater

Look for a big, chunky knit that's both comfortable and stylish.

Cashmere hoodie

More luxurious than the cotton variety, this layering piece is a sportier version of the cardigan.

Dark-wash jeans

A wardrobe standby in the cold winter months is available in various cuts. Keep in mind that boot-cut and wide-leg styles work well over boots.

Pantsuit

Wear the jacket and pants to show you mean business—or treat them like separates to maximize their use.

Gray flannel pants

These modern standards look great with brown, navy, and black—and also with brights.

Wool trousers

Look for a lined pair in fine gabardine wool made with a twill weave, which won't feel too heavy.

Down vest

It works best in a neutral color like brown, black, or navy so that you can wear it with anything.

Black cashmere wrap coat

This elegant item will work for day or evening, whether calf or fingertip length.

Winter coat

Fur-trimmed, down, or wool, a winter coat should offer enough room to accommodate a sweater or jacket.