11 Wardrobe Must-Haves Every Woman Needs in Her Closet

Shop our favorite high-quality clothing picks that will look chic season after season.

wardrobe-staples-white-shirt-everlane
Photo: everlane.com

Some basic wardrobe pieces will never go out of style. Reliable, effortless picks like a well-cut blazer, crisp, white shirt, or classic pair of skinny jeans have proven themselves to be must-have cornerstones of a stylish and easy-to-navigate wardrobe. Just look at celebrity style icons like Meghan Markle—she always looks put together, even when she's off-duty in a perfect pair of jeans and her go-to white button-up blouse.The exact definition of wardrobe essentials will vary from person to person (you might prefer nude flats to white sneakers, for instance)—but we're willing to go out on a limb and say investing in one of each of these clothing basics will elevate your style, streamline the getting-ready process and change the way you approach your closet once and for all. And doesn't that sound nice?Whether you just purged your closet of clothes that no longer spark joy, or deal with the "I have nothing to wear" conundrum on a regular basis (despite a near-to-bursting closet), do yourself a favor and stock your wardrobe with these must-haves.

01 of 11

White Button-Up Shirt

Everlane white button-up silk shirt
Everlane

Behold, the foundation of effortless style. A classic, white button-up shirt is a perennial must-have for pretty much any occasion. Tuck yours into a pleated metallic skirt and add statement jewelry for a holiday party, or pair it with your fave jeans for weekend errands.

To buy: Everlane The Clean Silk relaxed shirt, $98, everlane.com.

02 of 11

Neutral Blazer

Ann Taylor navy blue blazer
Ann Taylor

You'll start to notice a theme as you read on: Layers are your friend. A well-tailored blazer is one of those essential wardrobe items for a working woman—and beyond. It can easily render the most unexpected outfits office-appropriate: Even if you're wearing a graphic T-shirt underneath, a neutral-hued blazer will make you look and feel amazing (just check the office dress code before pulling this move).

To buy: Ann Taylor The Hutton blazer in Ottoman knit, $169, anntaylor.com.

03 of 11

Denim Jacket

Levi's Ex-Boyfriend denim jacket
Anthropologie

When it's April, but the mornings feel like February and the afternoons remind you of August—that's when your jean jacket really comes in handy. Throw this casual, lightweight layer over anything—a breezy sundress, a cozy turtleneck, a T-shirt and leggings—for an instant outfit upgrade.

To buy: Levi's Ex-Boyfriend Denim Trucker Jacket $90, anthropology.com.

04 of 11

Black Trousers

Eileen Fisher black crepe straight-leg pants
Neiman Marcus

We know, the word "trousers" sounds a little dowdy, but hear us out. Whether you prefer them wide-legged and high-waisted or cropped and slim-fitting, a sleek black pants are the perfect baseline for a polished outfit. They come in handy for anything from job interviews to formal parties you have no idea how to dress for.

To buy: Eileen Fisher washable-crepe straight-leg pants, $168, neimanmarcus.com.

05 of 11

Leather Jacket

Express faux leather jacket
Express

A slightly edgier wardrobe staple, the leather jacket has quite literally never gone out of style. If all you have on is a white tee and jeans, a leather (or faux leather) jacket is all you need to head out the door for dinner and drinks.

To buy: Express (Minus the) Leather quilted Moto jacket, $148, express.com.

06 of 11

Skinny Jeans

Madewell high-rise skinny jeans
Madewell

Nothing beats a flattering, versatile pair of skinnies. But, honestly, they don't have to be pencil-thin; just make sure you own a pair of jeans you adore. Not into super-skinny jeans? Try a tapered or straight-leg cut for a similarly chic and multi-purpose purchase. Shoot for a simple, darker wash that can take you from day to night without having to think twice.

To buy: Madewell high-rise skinny jeans, $135, net-a-porter.com.

07 of 11

Striped Long-Sleeve Tee

Halogen long-sleeve black-and-white striped turtleneck
Nordstrom

Beyond the plain white shirt, you'll be surprised how much wear you get out of this simply patterned staple. Layer a striped T-shirt under a blazer or jean jacket, or tuck it casually into a pair of jeans for Sunday brunch. Worried horizontal stripes won't flatter you? Go for a thinner stripe.

To buy: Halogen Ballet Neck tee, $39, www.nordstrom.com.

08 of 11

White Sneakers

Converse white leather low-top sneakers
Saks Fifth Avenue

White kicks are as close to non-negotiable as wardrobe basics come (some favorites include Vans, Converse, Adidas or Keds). Be they slip-ons or lace-ups, fashionable or functional, a pair of fresh white sneakers won't go unworn. But don't stress about scuffing them: Here's how to keep white sneakers clean.

To buy: Converse Foundational Leather Jack Purcell Low-Top Oxford Sneakers, $70, saksfifthavenue.com.

09 of 11

Black Pumps

J. Crew black suede pumps
Zappos

Whether you typically wear heels or not, do yourself a favor and invest in a quality pair of black pumps. You never know when you're going to need them. Finishing an outfit with a classic black heel streamlines your look and makes you feel crazy-confident. They don't need to be 5-inch stilettos or $700 Louboutins—just make sure they're neat, clean, sturdy, and flattering.

To buy: J. Crew Elsie suede pump, $245, zappos.com.

10 of 11

Floral Printed Blouse

Yumi Kim green and white floral printed shirt
Shopbop

It may be counterintuitive, but a flowy floral-print blouse is actually an impressive wardrobe cameleon. It adds color and dimension to your work-week rotation, but it's always ready for a saturday night out.

To buy: Yumi Kim Back To Back top, $188, shopbop.com.

11 of 11

Little Black Dress

Norma Kamali long sleeve black dress
Shopbop

What's a list of closet staples without this timeless piece? To get the most wear out of your little black dress, go for the simplest silhouette you can find (or the one you know makes you feel like a million bucks). As for fabric, opt for seasonless material such as lightweight wool, silk, or synthetic blend.

To buy: Norma Kamali long-sleeve side draped dress, $150, shopbop.com.

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