I lived out of suitcases for internships and studying abroad for about 5 years. This list compiles the wardrobe basics I couldn’t live without during that time, and ones that you likely can’t either! This post is all about the wardrobe basics essentials that you NEED to keep in your closet. I’ve also tested this wardrobe for travel and it provides anything you’ll need for a weekend trip or trip abroad.
Wardrobe Basics
1. Essentials Hoodie
Ooooo do I LOVE a good hoodie. I couldn’t LIVE without having my favorite hoodie on standby when I come home after a long day at work or school or life in general. Definitely one of the most important wardrobe basics to invest in.
2. Essential Bag
Having a busy life requires a bag that can hold everything you need 24/7 in it. Water, phone, keys, wallet, coffee, chapstick, hair ties, hair clips… and SOOO many more things (maybe a laptop, charger, planner, etc.) okay okay but seriously. Get a bag that holds EVERYTHING so you are always prepared and on top of your game. Nothing says classy better than an organized woman on the go.
3. Black Leggings
A pair of black leggings is is one of the most essential wardrobe basics in creating a classy sporty look for travel. Pair this with the right shoes and hoodie and you’ve got a simple, minimalist, yet classy look that is travel ready.
4. Bike Shorts
Bike shorts accomplish the same goal as the leggings, but are nice when it’s like Florida heat outside and you don’t want to sweat to death while you’re taking care of business day to day.
5. Black and White Wardrobe Basics
Possibly the most overlooked set of wardrobe basics are your long sleeve, short sleeve, and bodysuit basics. I can’t live without one of each style top in a black and a white. THIS IS SO essential in having a classy look without any effort. Plus, you’ll feel 10x more confident and 100x less stressed with less decision fatigue in getting ready in the mornings!
LONG SLEEVE BLACK BODYSUIT – AMAZON
BANDEAU BLACK & WHITE – AMAZON
BLACK & WHITE RIBBED CROP TEE – AMAZON
NEUTRAL CROP TURTLENECK TANK SET OF 4 – AMAZON
6. Genuine Leather Jacket
Ooooo this is the LIFELINE for my wardrobe basics. I don’t know what I did without one of these as long as I did. Every confident on the go woman needs to find THE jacket that suits her, but something about a leather one just screams that you have it together. This can by styled up or down to create your classy look for going out, or a sporty look for a quick on the go trip. Either way you NEED a black leather jacket. Don’t say I didn’t tell you!
7. Little Black Dress
“Okay well DUH Dani K we KNOW….” but do you know THE little black dress for you? So many occasions require a different style of black dress. I personally think there should be ZERO limit to how many black dresses you consider wardrobe basics. Sky is the limit, have one for business, going out, travel, errands, and even sleepwear. (Yes I’m serious.) This is the classiest piece every woman should have ready to go on hand at once. No wardrobe is complete without an arsenal of black dresses.
CLASSIC MINI DRESS BLACK – PRINCESS POLLY
DENIELLE MINI DRESS BLACK – PRINCESS POLLY
8. Simple Black Heels
What fun is going out someplace nice or attending an event without a killer pair of black heels? These critical wardrobe basics are required for a true classy wardrobe. The way you present yourself matters and if you want to leave a lasting impression, you need THE staple shoe for all formal events.
CL BY LAUNDRY GO ON SANDAL – DSW
9. Non-Rip Black Tights
I know this is more of an accessory, but I still couldn’t live without a pair of black tights while on the go for so many years. These were my favorite addition to any look to make it classier than it was before. THE BEST way to wear dresses and skirts in the winter!
SHEERTEX RIP RESISTANT TIGHTS – BLACK
10. Black Leather Belt
I’d cry without one! Having a belt is SO so key when wearing jeans. Rids of the gap in the jeans at the waist! Also adds a HUGE addition of style and class to any outfit.
COACH SIGNATURE BUCKLE BELT 25MM
11. Brown Trench Coat
While in Europe I bought a coat like this at a market in Italy for like 40 Euros. I felt like I was able to blend in and NOT look like a tourist while abroad! A must have for any classy sporty look. Add a baseball cap and sneakers to give it a NYC flare.
KENSINGTON TRENCH – REFORMATION
12. Burberry Plaid Scarf
Of course the trench coat, black dress, and winter wardrobe basics aren’t complete without a plaid scarf! Now of course if I had ALL the disposable income I would get my own brand new Burberry scarf, but if you want the added flare and feel like splurging, this one is THE scarf to splurge on! So cozy and warm and the perfect layering piece to transform your looks for winter months.
BURBERRY CASHMERE PLAID PRINT SCARF – THE REALREAL
13. Best Black Boots
THE POWERHOUSE of your wardrobe basics comes from the shoes you have. How you walk into each day can influence how you feel and shoes are one of the BEST pieces to splurge on when they’re basics. Having a black pair of short boots can go with absolutely ANYTHING. Taller black boots are great for adding a warm layer to winter fits.
SUEDE HIGH HEELED BOOTS – CHARLES DAVID
14. White Sneakers
When you’re traveling and on the go and need more of the sporty classy look, have a good pair of white sneakers on hand. Super quick and easy to match with any outfit in any season.
MEMORY WORKSHIFT SLIP RESISTANT SHOE – FILA
15. Black Baseball Cap
If you have ever been as busy as I am most days, you understand that sometimes spending time to do your hair is a STRUGGLE. For the days where you just have to get things DONE done, throw this on with a cute low bun and pair with the gold hoop earrings below for a more complete sport style look.
16. Amazon Hair Clips
Another great solution for hair days is a clip to do a quick up do after the shower. I rely on these so much I’d worry if something happened to them!
17. Gold Hoop Earrings
The only earrings you’ll need for travel and day to day. No seriously. Unless maybe you’re like…. meeting a queen. These are SO cute and go well with any outfit and can add class to any sporty on the go look and just make you look 10x more put together. Adds effort without even trying!
18. American Eagle Jeans
While I typically reach for the leggings ALWAYS, there is a must have for a good pair of denim jeans. A classic wardrobe basic.
AE NEXXT LEVEL STRETCH CURVY JEGGING
19. Puffer Vest
Another great layering piece to always have ready to go is a black (or white!) puffer vest with pockets and full functionality. Consistent with the classy wardrobe basics, this vest is great for any winter outfit.
NEW LOOK BOXY BEST BLACK – ASOS
I hope this guide to classy wardrobe basics inspires your everyday style and adds a bit of classy to your life. At Dani K we take classiness and simple style very seriously, and we LOVE the color black. Want more style guides to inspire your outfits? Check out the links below to read more.
