Style Clothing Wardrobe Basics Wardrobe Basics Checklist Use this checklist to build a strong foundation of timeless pieces that can be paired with almost anything in your closet. By Real Simple Editors Real Simple Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter An article attributed to "Real Simple Editors" indicates a collaborative effort from our in-house team. Sometimes, several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The REAL SIMPLE team strives to make life easier for you. They are experts in their fields who research, test and clearly explain the best recipes, strategies, trends and products. They have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in lifestyle journalism, including Apartment Therapy, Better Homes & Gardens, Food & Wine, the Food Network, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine, Parents, POPSUGAR, Rachel Ray Every Day, and Vogue. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 27, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article View All In This Article Always in Season Fall Winter Spring Summer Clothing trends come and go, but there are some wardrobe basics that can stand the test of time and keep your clothing costs down. By choosing well-made pieces with classic lines, you'll be able to build a mix-and-match wardrobe that works for any occasion and lasts for years. But we've also noted which pieces you shouldn't spend a lot of money on. Some clothing items are meant to be replaced regularly and there's no need to spend more than you have to on t-shirts. 11 Wardrobe Must-Haves Every Woman Needs in Her Closet Always in Season Black tank A white tank has its place—at the gym or on casual outings—but a black one is more universal. Dress it up with dark jeans or a skirt. Short-sleeved white T-shirt White tees become unwearable quickly, so skip the costly designer versions and buy a bunch of good-looking inexpensive ones. Then replace as needed. Short-sleeved black T-shirt The best short-sleeve length is about ½ to 1 inch longer than a typical cap sleeve—it shows just the right amount of arm. Long-sleeved white T-shirt For a trim silhouette in white, choose a slim-fit T-shirt that skims your body but doesn't cling. Long-sleeved black T-shirt A surprisingly sophisticated layering piece, this works well under a dress shirt—or even a dress. Black turtleneck Consider investing in cashmere: You get more warmth with less bulk. White button-down shirt (one cotton, one silky) Fitted ones will get the most wear: They're easier to tuck in and look neat when left out. A great place to find one and other affordable work clothes for women is Uniqlo. Crisp white blouse Softer looking than a button-down, a white blouse is a timeless addition to any wardrobe. Crewneck sweater Thin knits, in cotton or wool, layer easily for versatility and comfort. Cardigan A neutral shade goes with everything, and a longer style that hits at the hip flatters most figures. A black dress The "little black dress" is a cliche for a reason: It's a wardrobe necessity. Pencil skirt This classic piece should be tailored so it grazes the tops of the knees. Jeans It's worth paying extra for jeans that fit and flatter. Your best bet? A dark, bootcut pair made from stretch denim with no more than 2% Lycra. (The fabric will follow your curves while keeping its shape.) Black pants To get the most from this wardrobe staple, select a style made of an all-season fabric, like tropical wool or viscose. Skinny jeans Once considered a trend, they are now a denim staple. Skinny jeans look best when they don't fit too snugly at the waist. Khaki pants For a casual, comfortable look, forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease. Denim jacket A dark wash and a slim fit look the most polished. Cropped jacket Made famous by Coco Chanel, this item has become a fashion mainstay. You'll have more opportunities for pairing with one in a solid color or traditional tweed. Black cashmere wrap A fabric that was once seen only in fall and winter has become a year-round regular. Ballet flats (in a neutral or a versatile red) Equal parts sophisticated and practical, ballet flats, especially those with rubber soles, are easy on the feet but more polished than sneakers. Basic black pumps The MVP of shoes, a good black pump can take you from day into evening without losing a step. Metallic evening shoes No shoes make you more party-ready than strappy sandals or pumps in a metallic tone. The surprise? Gold and silver are remarkably versatile. Bonetta/Getty Images Fall Basics Cotton waffle robe Perfect over pajamas or after a shower, this robe is far less bulky than its terry cloth cousin. The tuxedo shirt The ultimate day-to-night top, it has a crisp quality that makes it a great multitasker. Fleece vest Terrific over a turtleneck or peeking out from under a coat, a vest offers versatility in unpredictable autumn weather. Athletic sweatshirt As comfortable as a flannel pajama top—but it's appropriate for wearing in public. Lightweight waterproof coat Ideal for traveling, this practical item looks as right with a skirt as it does with a pair of jeans. Khaki trench coat Structured and stylish, it's a true classic. Leather blazer A trim leather blazer brings a little sophisticated edge to any piece. Add a scarf and you're ready to go anywhere. Peacoat No longer just navy blue, peacoats come in a range of colors and a variety of lengths. Flat boots (black or brown) Knee-high styles work well with anything from full skirts and A-line dresses to narrow silhouettes—even dressing up with black leggings. Black-heeled boots or booties High-heeled boots are a fall-to-winter essential. Ankle-grazing booties fall somewhere on the daintiness scale between pumps and boots and make a stylish alternative to both. Winter Basics Heavy sweaterLook for a big, chunky knit that's both comfortable and stylish.Cashmere hoodieMore luxurious than the cotton variety, this layering piece is a sportier version of the cardigan.Dark-wash jeansA wardrobe standby in the cold winter months that's available in a variety of cuts. Keep in mind that boot-cut and wide-leg styles work well over boots.PantsuitWear the jacket and pants together to show you mean business—or treat them like separates to maximize their use.Gray flannel pantsThese stylish standards look great with brown, navy, and black—and also with brights.Wool trousersLook for a lined pair in fine gabardine wool, made with a twill weave, which won't feel too heavy.Down vestIt works best in a neutral color like brown, black, or navy, so you can wear it with anything.Black cashmere wrap coatWhether calf or fingertip length, this elegant item will work for day or evening.Winter coatFur-trimmed, down, or wool, a winter coat should offer enough room to accommodate a sweater or jacket. Spring Basics Cotton poloMore tailored than a T-shirt, it offers cool comfort on even the stickiest days.Cotton blouseIt's an airy and attractive springtime fundamental.Printed topsA few boldly patterned pieces add life and color to spring basics.Lightweight cashmere sweaterSingle-ply cashmere offers comfort in over-air-conditioned offices and movie theaters.Cotton button-up cardiganCombines the softness of a sweatshirt with the elegance of a cashmere sweater.Lightweight waterproof raincoatEasy to carry as a guard against spring's fickle skies, it blocks wind and rain without weighing you down.One-button blazerA cotton or lightweight wool jacket is a pulled-together layer that can be removed when the temperature rises.Inverted pleat skirtAs good-looking with a tailored button-down shirt as it is with a tank top, it can be paired with a jacket for a more professional look.Capri pantsThese ankle-baring bottoms look great with ballet flats or strappy sandals.ChinosComfortable cotton pants that are durable enough for a day in the park but still look proper in the office. 7 Sustainable Fashion Brands to Shop If You Want to Ditch Fast Fashion Summer Basics Bathing suitA well-fitting one- or two-piece in a go-anywhere color like black, white, or navy never goes out of style.Convertible strapless braThis adjustable undergarment looks smooth and natural under a strapless dress, tank top, or halter.Cotton pajamasA pretty patterned pair works as both loungewear and sleepwear.Built-in bra tankOffering coverage and support (and an end to visible bra straps), this tank can be worn to workouts or cookouts—and even to the office, under a jacket or sweater.Ribbed cotton tankOriginally made for men, these shirts are now available in gender-inclusive shapes. Pick one that fits your figure—it works well alone or under a suit jacket.Cotton blouseChoose a lightweight top from a range of colors and a variety of prints.Cotton printed dressStay comfortable even in heavy-duty humidity.Strapless dressA white one will show off a great tan, but black, navy, and camel also work beautifully.Khaki shortsThe summer-wardrobe equivalent of air-conditioning, khaki shorts keep you cool, comfortable, and looking crisp.Cotton drawstring pantsA good-quality pair will take you straight from yoga class to lunch with a friend.White jeansAvailable in a wide range of styles, white jeans look chic with almost any warm-weather top.Flat leather sandalsA good pair of flat sandals will pair up with virtually anything from shorts to jeans to flowing skirts to bathing suits—and can even sub in for slippers, for minimal vacation packing. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit