Call them wardrobe essentials, closet staples, hero items—every outfit is made up of a few foundational styles. It’s why you fill your proverbial cup with the best white T-shirts and the best white sneakers. It’s also why you devote precious time to researching the best black leggings—and why the perfect high-waisted jeans remain a sartorial white whale.
There’s a difference between relying on hardworking items and uniform dressing—or even building a capsule wardrobe for that matter. Wearing iterations of the same outfit over and over again isn’t for everyone and that is 100% okay, but there is something to be said about surrounding yourself with reliable pieces that stand the test of time. Not only do you set the tone for your daily looks, but you also make getting dressed as effortless as possible (…most of the time).
To help you figure out what those wardrobe essentials look like for you, we curated this list of tried-and-true pieces that you’ll find in our own closets—starting from the top with a basic-in-the-best-way woman’s T-shirt all the way to the bottom with our go-to crew socks.
A closet overhaul—or restock—adds up, so save when you shop on wardrobe essentials with these Madewell, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue promo codes, as well as coupons from Shopbop and Net-a-Porter.
The White Tee
First order of business: Securing the perfect white T-shirt. If you like a shorter, boxy fit, Everlane has a great one that’s made from organic cotton. Hanes’ men’s T-shirts are mid-weight and slightly longer; ideal for tucking into high-rise pants.
The Black Legging
Like Aphrodite emerging from the sea foam, Lululemon’s best-selling Align leggings—available in short, regular, and tall inseams—rise above the rest.
The Wear-Everywhere Sneaker
Comfy and versatile, there’s a reason why A-listers, royals, and editors gravitate towards crisp white Supergas and Vejas for daily wear.
The Crew Sock
Soft socks that won’t pill, shrink, or feel like cardboard after a single wash? Currently wearing these as we speak.
The Easygoing Tote
The Boat & Tote is the gold standard of canvas bags. Worn ironically or not, it’s equally great for carrying your laptop and lunch or sandals and beach towel.
The Minimalist Tank Top
Our favorite sleeveless styles run the gamut from high-neck options worth buying in bulk to luxe white tanks that make every summer outfit that much cooler.
The Baselayer
All of Uniqlo’s heat tech is great, but it’s this tissue turtleneck we stock up on every year.
The Just-Oversized-Enough Blazer
Not too loose, not too tight—Aritzia’s nailed it with the fit on its Generation blazer. Did we mention it comes in 13 other neutrals and two other fabrics?
The Blue Jean
Whether it’s a classic high-rise fit or baggy and kissing the floor, a trusty pair of denim is forever.
The Relaxed Button-Down
The differences in button-downs are subtle—collar, length, the crispness of cotton, or the smoothness of silk—but it all comes down to personal preference. Here are two of ours.
The Everyday Huggie
The finishing touch to most outfits is usually a piece of jewelry, and it’s hard to miss with a pair of minimalist hoops. Mejuri’s chubby style hugs the ear just so and goes with everything.
The Slip Dress
Few pieces can live in your closet for years without losing their appeal; a simple slip dress is one of them.
The White Jean
White jeans can be worn year-round with boots, sandals, or sneakers. Agolde’s ‘90s crop has won over a number of Glamour editors thanks to its relaxed fit and incomparable shade of white.
The Grey Sweatshirt
Not every sweatshirt ascends to god-tier status but these two do. Between the shoulder drop, the fit, and the gets-softer-with-every-wash material—we see no flaws.
The Denim Skirt
The skirt you’ll want to base all your spring (and summer) outfits around is undoubtedly a jean one. Length-wise, the longer the better.
The Longline Coat
A sweeping black coat is timeless, but you probably already knew that.
The Tailored Trouser
Loose-fitting trousers look just as stylish with a T-shirt and sneakers as they do with a bodysuit and heels.
The Cozy Knit
A category that speaks for itself. There are so many great places to shop for knits depending on your budget, but Everlane and COS are reliable destinations for mid-priced styles.
The Black Boot
There are no wrong style choices here, though you’ll never tire from a leather ankle-length bootie—or Ugg’s adorable ultra minis for cold weather.
The Claw Clip
The other finishing touch (and saving grace for uncooperative hair).
