Wondering what wardrobe essentials are worth investing in? This list of 37+ must have wardrobe essentials will give you an idea of what you should invest good money in, and what is only worth a small portion of your dollar for a quick trendy style.
Wardrobe Essentials
Must Have Basic Tees and Tanks
First on the list: basic tees. But not just any basic tee, THE basic tee. The one that is going to last; the one that will get you through year after year. These are possibly THE top must have wardrobe essential you’ll need in your closet, along with long sleeves of the same colors. These can be styled INFINITELY. Have fun with it, accessorize, and make your own style. 3 Colors you MUST have in your wardrobe are: black, white, and grey. Below is a recommendation on where to buy a high quality tee worth investing in.
The next couple of essential basic tees are two “fashion neutrals”. Currently, the two neutrals that I have in my closet are a dark cherry pink and a slate grey blue. While they are colored they still serve as basics that can be paired with most other bold colors to act as a neutral. Other great fashion neutrals that work well are rust orange, maroon, army green, rose, taupe, etc. These provide additional styling options to your wardrobe while keeping the versatile element of a neutral basic.
Another great “fashion neutral” I recommend investing in to add to your wardrobe essentials is a striped tee.
Must Have Jeans, Shorts, Leggings
The most important yet likely most painful experience of building an essential wardrobe is finding jeans that fit and are comfortable built with durability in mind.
Below is a list of the colors/styles of jeans and shorts worth investing in for your wardrobe essentials:
Dark blue
Light blue
White
Black
Ripped Jeans
Black Leggings
Denim Shorts
White Shorts
Black Shorts
Having one or two of each option will make your life easier when it comes to styling your look each and everyday! They also provide versatility in dressing and outfit up or down. Black or white jean options can create a more dressy and put-together look for a business casual look or a night out for dinner. Having ripped jeans can be a great option for a casual day outfit, and are perfect for added style depending on what you like. Black leggings are essential for ALL things. They are my can’t live without, and I promise you will not regret having one…. or five.
Must Have Jackets/Outerwear
One thing you can’t live without are a collection of nice jackets and outerwear pieces. Here is a list of key items you should take the time to find and invest in for your wardrobe essentials, along with product recommendations for where to find them. These are go to pieces you’ll need to have daily!
FASHION NEUTRAL JACKET – AMAZON
Must Have Sweaters and Hoodies
Sweaters are SO essential to have in your wardrobe. There are a few colors and styles are absolute MUST haves. Below are some recommendations of styles and colors to keep in your wardrobe and invest in as key pieces!
BLACK TURTLENECK SWEATER – LOFT
I also like to keep a few hoodies in my closet as well. Whether they are a college hoodie, state hoodie, or solid color hoodie, these are awesome to have with leggings and a pair of sneakers with a hat when you need it. You know the type of day I’m talking about… we all have those and sometimes being able to wear a hoodie makes it all better.
Must Have Accessories
1. Handbag/Purse
Possibly the MOST important wardrobe essential to have that goes with everything is a go to purse/handbag! The one you choose must be your ride or die that will last and get you everything you need to and from wherever you go. You should have a larger handbag, as well as a smaller crossbody for outings to make things easier.
2. Scarves
For colder months, having a couple scarves to dress up your basics with is key. I’d never go without having a solid neutral scarf, plaid scarf, and a fashion neutral scarf. I find that the best scarf to keep for your neutral is a white or tan scarf. If you have room for plenty of scarves, keep a black, grey, tan, white, red, blush pink, and plaid scarf. Below are recommendations for two of the best scarves to have in your wardrobe.
3. Jewelry
If you are into jewelry, these couple of essentials might add just a bit of bling to your outfits! Some of these essentials can absolutely vary depending on your own style, but these are the ones I personally have and reccomend keeping in your closet.
Diamond Studs
Find a simple pair of silver or gold “diamond” stud earrings. These are easy to throw on in the morning and go with EVERYTHING. There is not one thing I have worn where I’ve even considered not wearing this with it. You can wear these with anything from sweatpants and workout clothes to your dressiest outfit. There are so many different sizes, so be sure to find the one you like best for your style. Below are my favorite ones from Target!
Simple Necklace & Statement Necklace
It is always a good idea to keep a simple necklace, a statement necklace, and even maybe a fancy necklace if you need one to go out often. I always keep a set of layered gold or silver accent necklaces. I prefer gold, however you may like silver more! Rose gold is always a great option too. I also like to keep more of a statement necklace on hand too for when I want to dress up an outfit that is just way too boring without it. It is so worth having a really long length necklace with a piece at the bottom that goes with everything, and a shorter one for different style tops. For fancier nights out or for business attire, always always keep a nice set of pearl earrings and a necklace for a super classy look. You can also keep on hand some silver studded necklaces as well!
SIMPLE GOLD NECKLACE SET – TARGET
LONG BAR PENDANT NECKLACE – TARGET
Bracelet Set/Stylish Watch Bands
I’ve found that what makes the cutest bracelet set is using random bracelets that you have collected over the years and have called your favorites over and over again. While there are a few bracelet sets/styles I think are worth having around, the best set is one you build yourself over time. For simple sets, I do think it is essential to have a gold chain bracelet set, chunky bracelets and a watch bracelet set. This can either be with an apple or fitness watch, or an actual watch for added uniqueness. Finally, every girl should also own a charm bracelet that means something to her! How fun is it to have a bracelet that is so cute but is also unique just to you?
For a classier look or very nice night out, I think every girl should have one really pretty diamond bracelet (and no…. it does NOT need to be a tennis bracelet), and a pearl bracelet to go with a necklace and earrings.
For an unconventional bracelet accessory, having a few nice scrunches around also make for great bracelets and styling pieces. It just adds so much more fun to your look and versatility for when you need something quick and easy to put your hair up with.
4. Belts
Depending on how your jeans fit, you may not even need belts! Just kidding, you NEED to have at least one! They are must have wardrobe essentials that can add an edge of style easily. I recommend keeping a black, white, and blush pink belt in your wardrobe. They all work SO well for adding more versatility to your look.
Must Have Shoes
There are SO many options for shoes, and if you are like me, you can’t get enough shoes! Shoes are like… required. To go outside. True must have wardrobe essentials for, well, wearing out so you don’t hurt your feet but also essential for completing your look. It’s always nice when you have a pair that you know goes with almost anything and are easy to put on. Here is a list of shoes I recommend always having for each season!
Boots:
- Tall Brown AND Black Boots – Literally go with ANYTHING. Break the rules, style them like you normally wouldn’t. Surprise yourself. They are also a great additional layer of warmth when it is really cooler outside. If you can, have one of each color! These are great must have wardrobe essentials for dressing up/down outfitting pieces for different occasions.
- Booties – Tiny boots!! MUST have a pair of these! Find yourself your favorite pair of little boots. I’ve found over the years the trend toward which boot height is preferred has changed so often, so always great to have both. For this posts 2023 update, these are THE shoes to have this season.
Sandals & Flip Flops:
- Sandals – Having an adorable go to pair of sandals with a heel is a MUST for spring and summer to wear with dresses! Getting a pair that can go with all of your summer dresses is ideal so that you don’t have to overthink what to wear.
- Flip Flops – The pool. The beach. It’s a must have. These are great to have in the summer AND it’s an easy slip on shoe. Less awkward tan lines with these ones.
The Essential Shoe:
- Comfy Sneakers. I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a shoe like this that is comfortable for wearing an extremely casual outfit or for fitness purposes! The smartest way to do this is to buy a pair you can use both at the gym and out in style. This is one of the top must have wardrobe essentials especially with the rise of streetwear fashion, and the increasing luxury look that comes with it!
Must Have Dresses and Skirts
One of the top MUST have wardrobe essentials to always keep in your wardrobe that you will ALWAYS ALWAYS NEED: a black dress. Keep one that is casual, and one that is formal. If you’re super clever, get you one that can do BOTH. That way you have everything you need for both formal and casual wear. There are ENDLESS possibilities styling a black dress with other pieces in your wardrobe. Perfect for summer AND winter months! Pick the dress that is best for you that you’ll always love wearing.
For your more casual black dress, you honestly need one of each sleeve type and length. Have one that is long sleeve, short sleeve, and sleeveless.
For your formal black dress, here is my recommendation of style currently as of the 2023 wardrobe essentials update:
For the occasion where you still want to be dressy but you’ve already worn your dress a thousand times: keep a denim skirt and a black skirt in your wardrobe. If you are really extra, a white skirt might even be essential as well. Get it unique to your personal style, it could be long, short, flowy, form fitting, whatever you want it to be! Make it YOU. These are also great for styling up and down for different occasions.
That’s all of the essentials you need to have a complete wardrobe! This post was all about the 40 must have wardrobe essentials you need in your closet. I hope this helps you create your own simple yet stylish wardrobe that you can take with you anywhere without hassle! Truly a great wardrobe for the on the go constantly moving woman.
