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When it comes to getting dressed in the morning, do you often find yourself staring at your closet, unsure of what to wear? Do you struggle with styling your clothes and wish you had a go-to outfit that always looks put-together? You’re not alone in this frustration! Many of us have experienced the (beyond) annoying feeling of not knowing what to wear or how to put together a cohesive look. But I’ve got good news for you: You can banish wardrobe frustrations for good. I’ve worked with thousands of women to help them build a wardrobe they love and you know what the key factor in a lot of these frustrating closets is? A lack of wardrobe basics.
Without versatile clothing items, your wardrobe has virtually no mix-and-matching potential, meaning you never have anything to wear. But don’t worry – I’ve got a list of the 10 must-have items that go with everything in your wardrobe. These versatile pieces are essential for creating a variety of stylish outfits that will make getting dressed a breeze and have you looking chic and put together in no time. Let’s dive in and discover the clothing items that go with everything to elevate your style and make getting dressed a whole lot easier!
1. White Tee
If you don’t have a white tee you are missing out. In fact, I am wearing one right now as I type this! The classic white tee is the unsung hero of the fashion world, effortlessly bridging the gap between easygoing casual and understated chic. It’s a blank slate for countless outfits.
Picture it under a sharp blazer for an instant touch of sophistication or paired with your favorite jeans for that cool, model-off-duty look. From mornings when you crave simplicity to evenings that call for a touch of laid-back elegance, the classic white tee is there for you. Even better, it will never go out of style.
Does this piece really match everything? If you think a white T-shirt is too casual to pair with formal pieces, such as a blazer or tapered dress pants – think again! This humble tee can look as good with jeans and sneakers for a casual day in as it does with heels and a pencil skirt for a night out. Proving that yes, indeed, it does match everything in your closet.
Related: The Best Women’s Classic White T-shirts That Aren’t See-Through (I Tried Them so You Don’t Have to)
2. Blazer
Even if you don’t have an office job, a blazer is still a must-have. In fact, I’m wearing one right now as I type this! (Okay, sorry, I’m not, but I really am wearing a white tee.)
If you do have an office job, a blazer allows you to step into the day with an air of confidence. And if you don’t? This indispensable piece serves as the backbone of both polished and casual outfits, seamlessly transitioning from boardroom to brunch with ease.
Pair it with your jeans, white tee, and flats for a casual chic look, or dress it up for a formal event by wearing it over a dress or pairing it with a pencil skirt. The beauty of a blazer lies in its power to instantly sophisticate a pair of jeans or add a structured contrast to a flowing dress.
Opt for a timeless hue like black, camel, or navy, ensuring it complements your wardrobe (and silhouette!). Whether thrown over your shoulders for a touch of nonchalance or buttoned up for sleek sophistication, the blazer is your wardrobe’s secret weapon.
3. Jeans
Finding that perfect pair of jeans might feel like winning the lottery – never going to happen, and you stopped playing the game because you got tired of striking out. But don’t give up! (On finding jeans that is – whether or not you play the lottery is up to you.)
Jeans are the backbone of a wardrobe and they offer both comfort and style, no matter the occasion. Even better, there’s a silhouette for every body shape and preference, whether you prefer the sleek appeal of slim jeans or the relaxed vibe of boyfriend cuts. Whichever you choose, a pair that celebrates your shape is non-negotiable!
Envision dressing them up with a sophisticated top and statement heels for an evening out, or keeping it effortlessly cool with a simple tee and your trusty sneakers for weekend adventures.
Matching everything in your closet, jeans have the ability to morph from the foundation of a laid-back ensemble to the base of a chic, polished look.
Related: Finding the Perfect Jeans: A Comprehensive Everlane vs Madewell Jeans Review
4. Ballet Flats
Neutral ballet flats belong in every shoe collection. These understated beauties offer the perfect blend of style and comfort, effortlessly transitioning from bustling morning commutes to leisurely weekend strolls.
When I was in Paris, ballet flats were on the feet of almost every French girl. Their unassuming style makes them an ideal choice for a wide array of outfits, from a flirty summer dress to your go-to denim. (Plus, who doesn’t want to emulate French girl style?)
By selecting a pair crafted with quality leather materials, you not only invest in your comfort but in a timeless accessory as well. Ballet flats can be the cherry on top of an outfit, and thanks to the leather materials, they only get better with time.
5. Cardigan
From spring to winter – a cardigan offers both warmth and effortless style. This versatile piece effortlessly layers over anything from a delicate dress to your cherished jeans-and-tee combo, seamlessly blending comfort with your personal aesthetic too.
The secret to its versatility? Choosing a color that plays well with everything in your closet! The right color choice flows and effortlessly matches everything you already have, making it a go-to for chilly mornings or adding a cozy touch to your fall capsule wardrobe.
The right cardigan is an essential piece that adds a touch of texture, layering, and depth to your outfits, elevating your outfits even more!
6. Button-Down Shirt
Sure, there are slight differences to all of these, but whether you call it a button-up, button-down, Oxford shirt, or something completely different – even if this piece sounds too formal to you, consider the potential for a second.
You can tuck it into the waistband of your go-to jeans for a touch of casual elegance, pair it with a structured skirt for those moments that call for a bit of polish, or layer it over a tank top and pull-on pants for a cute travel outfit; this quintessential piece elevates any outfit!
Even if your life doesn’t involve business meetings, think about weekend brunches, shopping days, or family dinners.
Opt for timeless shades like pristine white or classic stripes to ensure your button-down is the ultimate chameleon, ready to complement every outfit with style.
7. White Sneakers
White sneakers are surely too casual to go with everything, right? Wrong!
These crisp, clean kicks have the ability to bridge the gap between too casual and just right, making them a must-have in your wardrobe. Thanks to their simplicity, they are a blank canvas that can complement every color and texture in your wardrobe.
Whether you’re pairing them with a flirty dress to bring a sporty edge, slipping them on with your favorite jeans for a casual look, or pairing them with a maxi skirt for a fun mix of styles, white sneakers offer effortless style.
While they may not suit every occasion, they still can suit every item in your wardrobe, offering a finishing touch to any look.
Pair them with informal pieces like jeans and shorts or formal pieces like blazers and skirts – you can’t go wrong!
Related: The Shoes That Go With Everything (Yes, Everything!)
8. Sweater
A well-chosen sweater is a key element in your wardrobe for all seasons. Cashmere, cotton, alpaca, wool – the options are endless and completely dependent on your lifestyle, climate, and budget!
Whichever you embrace, this knit offers both warmth and a layer of texture, adding depth to your outfits.
Whether it’s a chunky cable knit paired with sleek trousers for a play on contrasts or a fine, lightweight option layered over a dress for transitional weather, the right sweater can elevate the simplest looks with ease and elegance.
Even better, its versatility shines through in its ability to mingle with casual and sophisticated pieces alike, making it a cherished staple in your closet.
9. Ankle Boots
Black ankle boots effortlessly combine versatility with a little bit of edge. They’re the secret weapon in your closet, ready to elevate any outfit!
How to style them? Try an easy, breezy dress for a nice contrast, or let them ground your favorite denim for a look that’s effortlessly cool. Whether it’s a casual daytime look or a night out, black ankle boots have your back.
The trick is in finding a pair that feels as good as they look – opt for a comfortable heel and durable material, like leather, so your investment only gets better with time.
Related: Your Guide on How to Wear Ankle Boots (and More) With Jeans, Plus Tips for Always Getting It Right
10. Black Pants
Black pants are a versatile wardrobe staple ready to tackle any outfit dilemma with ease.
The outfit options, oh, the outfit options! Picture them as the sophisticated counterpart to your classic white tee, creating an outfit that’s the perfect balance of casual chic, or let them anchor a vibrant, patterned top (like leopard print).
Black pants have the ability to straddle the line between formal and casual, making them ideal for a seamless transition from a day at the office to an evening out with friends.
When you think of black pants you might be thinking of something dressy, but they don’t have to be structured and tailored! There are so many different styles out there.
Whether you choose a pair of high-waisted tailored pants, or a pair of wide-leg pull-on pants, select a fit that flatters your figure and makes you want to wear them again and again.
With black pants in your wardrobe arsenal, you possess the key to unlocking endless outfit possibilities, each as stylish as the last.
Clothing Items That Go With Everything
These ten timeless wardrobe staples are the clothing items that go with everything and can make your wardrobe woes a thing of the past. These essential pieces not only stand the test of time but also serve as the backbone for endless style possibilities.
Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or keeping it casual for a day out, these versatile items ensure that you’ll always have something stylish to wear.
And remember – the key to a truly great outfit isn’t just in following the latest trends; it’s all about curating a collection of pieces that reflect your personal style while offering the flexibility to mix and match with ease.
As you embrace these essentials, watch as your wardrobe transforms into effortlessly chic possibilities!
Want to get started with a capsule wardrobe? Here are the 7 Key Elements for the Perfect Minimalist Wardrobe for Women
