Top: Jacquemus Also Here | Pants: Missguided Tall Version Here | Heels: Missguided Similar Versions Here And Here | Belt: Jacquemus Similar Here | Gold Hoop Earrings: Maison Miru | Wedding Band: Cartier

We all like to pick up fun, trendy items or the latest “IT” item every season, but when you don’t have a solid foundation, it’s easy to end up with a wardrobe full of out-of-stye items, regretful splurges, and things with the tags still on them 5 years later. Below, I am going to go through 21 staples you should have in your closet. These items are what you build your wardrobe around, and when you rotate in thoughtful pieces each season, you’ll be able to create amazing outfits season after season. Even if you never buy anything else, these 21 pieces all play so well with one another that you can come up with infinite ensembles. I’ve made sure to include various price points. This post contains affiliate and sponsored links. Buying an option through my links will not cost you more, but this site earns a commission that keeps us running. All opinions are my own.

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1. Quality, well-fitting denim. Denim trends emerge each season but styles that remain classic are wide leg and straight leg. It is important that you jeans fit well and are made of high quality fabric so they can last for years. If you, like me, have difficulty finding denim that fits both your waist and your thighs and/or booty, don’t be afraid to size up and get them tailored. It’s better to splurge on jeans that are made to fit YOU vs spending money on one-offs you constantly have to pull up or replace.

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2. Hoop earrings in gold or silver. I personally am a gold girl, but I also keep silver options for when I want a more casual look. Also, be mindful of your coloring. I look better in gold because my skin has warm undertones. When buying hoops, select a good 1″-2″ hoop in gold or white gold. That way, they’ll last for years and you won’t have to worry about tarnishing or green skin or breakouts from the lesser quality pairs.

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3. A good quality watch in gold or silver. You want to consider your coloring here also. Silver for cool tones, gold for warm, or both if you like to switch it up. A large faced watch is the perfect accessory and is a great addition to your work wardrobe.

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4. Black slacks in wide leg and straight cut. I recommend buying 2 pairs of each so that you can tailor one for flats and the other for heels. Even if you do not work in a corporate setting, slacks that fit you appropriately are a must have. They come in handy for interviews, funerals, conferences, church/temple, and even brunch. Like with denim, it is important that your slacks fit you correctly. You want them to be the correct size at your waist but not tight around your hips and thighs. again, I suggest sizing up and having them tailored for not only length but fit in the hips and waist. Fit makes all the difference in hw professional or well put together you look at the office or at brunch.

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5. OTK boots, and ankle boots. Fall and Winter are highly anticipated by many who cannot wait to break out their boots. If you could ONLY have 2 pair, you need a good quality over the knee (OTK) and a solid ankle boot. I prefer to own heeled and flat versions of each. My favorite and most worn boots happen to be combat boots that hit right above the ankle. They pair well with almost anything and look especially chic with numbers 6, 7, and 8.

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6. Leather leggings/pants. There are few outfits are easy and chic as those that include a leather legging or pant. Faux leather works here too! Just be sure the quality is there. You do not what the leather to appear rubbery or overtly shiny.

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7. A tailored blazer. A perfectly tailored blazer in black is one of the most versatile pieces you can add to your wardrobe. It works for work and play, day and night. A blazer is also a very good way to dress up jeans when you want a more polished look. Every woman should own at least 2 black blazers.

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8. Crew neck and v neck tees in solid white and solid black. Well made tees are a basic staple that for far in your wardrobe because they pair well with practically everything. The quality matters here because you want the tee to survive washing, maintain it’s shape, not be too see through, and feel soft against your skin. Additional colors to add would be gray, navy, and even neons.

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9. A leather jacket. Fall days call for a jacket, but not neccesarily a heavy one. A leather jacket is as chic as it is easy to top an outfit off with. Also, they easily fit in number 11 and make every outfit a bit more badass.

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10. A black dress. You preferably want a sheath or wrap dress. This is a dress you can accessorize to dress down or up. It is perfect for interviews, client meetings, church or a funeral and it’s versatility is why it will remain a staple item in your wardrobe for years to come. If you decide on a sheath, be sure to size up if need be to tailor it. You want the dress to skim your body.

11. Medium to large tote bag. Although I LOVE medium sized cross body bags and recommend every woman own a few, the medium to large tote bag is must. You want the bag to have quality stitching as to support heavier items such as files or a laptop. Also, this bag works well for school, work, travel because it can hold all of your essentials. I personally love to use inserts with my larger bags to help the interior stay organized and add extra support for the bag.

12. Proper undergarments/Shapewear. This includes a backless bra, a strapless bra, seamless thongs and panties in the right nude for your skin tone, a t-shirt bra, a girdle, thigh/hip shaper, a slip, fashion tape, nipple covers, and any additional shape wear for body concerns you may have such as a tummy shaper or waist trainer. Despite your shape, size, or fitness level, every woman should own shape wear. You feel more confident and are properly lined when you have the right undergarments

13. A long cardigan and a cardigan that hits at your hips. With the drastic change in temperatures when you go from outdoors to indoors, it’s best to layer so you can easily adjust your temperature. A cardigan works great because it can be easily removed without affecting your makeup or hair. Additionally, they work on their own over jeans and tee or a button up and a skirt, or, under a blazer or coat. Add a belt and you have a chic ensemble.

14. Strappy sandals in nude and/or black. A must have staple for Spring and Summer, and probably the shoe you’ll reach for most. As Fall hits, you can even pair them with socks. Both flat and heeled options are great to own because some occasions, such as daytime brushes or trips to the mall might call for a comfier option.

15. Well made pumps. Black and your nude are the most versatile. These pumps will take you to pretty much every occasion from church to work. Be mindful of where you will spend the most time wearing them when choosing a heel height.

16. A trench coat. In either wool for Winter/Fall or a lighter fabric for Spring, trench coats play well with just about everything else on this list. If you choose classic colors like black, gray, tan, navy, or olive, you will get a lot of wear out of it.

17. A medium width belt. When bought in black, tan or both, this belt pairs well over a blazer, a cardigan, a trench coat, your sheath/ wrap dress, and almost anything else you throw at it. Another great thing to remember is you want to have a gold or silver buckle to coordinate with the metal you prefer.

18. A sneaker in neutral tones such as black, white, gray, or brown. A sneaker paired with numbers 11, 8, and 6 can be so chic it will blow your mind. I’ve lived in sneakers a lot lately because I don’t always like to wear heels all day.

19. A tailored pencil skirt. I live for a good pencil skirt and especially love the ones with a slit. This skirt can take you through every season depending on what you pair it with. Sandals

20. A scarf in silk and in wool.

21. A button up shirt in white. The final staple you need is a white button up shirt. This can be worn with a majority of this list. you can even rock it for Bruch with your girls by making sure you own a fitted one and an oversized one so you can wear it unbuttoned or off the shoulder.