12 Items EVERYONE needs in their closet
When picking the items for this post I originally wanted to have more, but as I researched and thought about the items I couldn’t live without, these 12 were the only true musts. I wanted the items to be able to stand alone, but also be that finishing touch that tops off the so-so outfit. I also was very careful that I could see all my choices fitting into a variety of styles, and that I could see everyone enjoying the twist they bring. These 12 items are affordable, classic and will never go out of style. I am aware that some of these items seem like no-brainers, but that’s why they are on this list, because they are so clearly a must have. I also made sure that all my links were to sustainable companies, or if I couldn’t find something sustainable I really liked, I only linked one for an idea and I made clear that thrifting is the way to go. As when livening up your closet, shopping worn or sustainable clothing is a must. I hope these items are a helpful way to freshen up your style while still dressing uniquely you.
Black High Top Converse: Black High Top Converse are a need in everybody’s closet, they can dress down an extravagant outfit or turn a casual outfit of sweats sleek and high fashion. They will never go out of style and can be paired with anything. I have linked a pair from the converse website however checking your local thrift stores and online websites is worth a try as the worn converse look is chic as well. (https://www.converse.com/shop/p/chuck-taylor-all-star-high-top-unisex-shoe/M9006MP.html?pid=M9006MP&dwvar_M9006MP_color=black&styleNo=M9160&pdp=true&cgid=womens-high-top-shoes)
Neutral Blazer: Where do I start with this one? A blazer is just the perfect piece, it can turn a simple outfit of jeans and a tee-shirt into something much more stylish. My favorite way to wear a blazer is 1-2 sizes up as I love the structure it adds to an outfit. Another great way to wear a blazer is with the sleeves rolled up, this is a look I have seen Kaia Gerber do a few times and its a great way to dress down the blazer while still dressing up and adding structure to your outfit. I didn’t include a link for this one because the best blazers can be found thrifting, online or in store. (no link for this one)
Dress Pants: Dress Pants are increasingly becoming more on trend. With the ethical brand Djerf Avenue’s “Favorite Pants” being sold out and pants of this style popping up in every store, its no surprise that these are a must have. Pair with a simple baby tee to keep the look trendy or a more glam top to dress them up. These pants can be worn anywhere. I linked those from Djerf Avenue, just to give an idea of what the look I like is, but I think the best Dress Pants can be found thrifted. (https://djerfavenue.com/uk/product/favorite-pants/)
White Dress Shirt: I love the white dress shirt because you can wear it a million different ways, tucked into jeans, with the collar peeking out over a sweater. The most recent way I wore a white dress shirt is under a black cropped tee with red trim. It will never go out of style and is so chic and simplistic, just a must. I like the one I linked because the V neck adds something new to the classic piece. But as H&M is a fast fashion brand (as so many brands are) I would recommend checking your mom’s closet. (https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0762846001.html)
Cropped Cardigan: The cropped cardigan, much like the dress pants, are becoming increasingly popular. The cropped cardigan is versatile, as it can be worn slightly unbuttoned for a trendier twist or buttoned up matched with a sleek pant or skirt to dress it up. The cropped cardigan is one of my favorites and something I possibly wear too often, however with the variety in which it can be styled and the rewearability of a cropped cardigan, I don’t know if that’s possible. No link for this one, all my cardigans are from my mom’s closet and thrift stores. Thrifting is the best way to find cropped cardigans, as you have a chance of finding one from the 90’s, or if you find one with a little more of a grandma vibe, its a super easy thrift flip. (no link for this one)
Non-Jean Skinny Pant: Recently, I have noticed how often I wear jeans. Not that there is anything wrong with jeans, there are just so many other options. So I bought a pair of pleather pants from Zara, and they are my new favorites. I love them because not only are they comfortable, but they are something different. They can be worn in place of skinny jeans and add a twist to so many simple outfits. These pleather pants are not the only options. My friend has this pair of blue corduroy pants that are so cute and totally her style. It’s all about finding a few other pant options that aren’t jeans to switch it up every so often. I linked my pleather pants, but there are so many pants of this category in thrift, so be sure to check those out too. (https://www.zara.com/us/en/faux-leather-leggings-p07102229.html?v1=34757741&v2=1281627)
Under the Knee Boots: I was scrolling on Twitter one day and saw a picture of Kaia Gerber wearing the cutest outfit with this pair of under the knee boots. They were such a trend in autumn, and I think they will continue to be in winter as well. I love them because unlike thigh high boots, they aren’t super “trendy” or basic. They are classic and chic and something that can be paired with almost anything and are a staple in every closet. I linked some that I thought were super cute but all mine are my mom’s old boots, so thrifting or digging through your mom’s closet is definitely worth a try. (https://www.beyond-skin.com/lyra-brown-vegan-leather-knee-high-boots.html)
Low Heel Booties: When I say low heel booties, I don’t mean booties with heels that cover the whole heel part of the shoe. I mean boots with short thin heels. I always get compliments when I wear this style of shoe. They are super chic and are perfect to wear with pretty much any bottom. They’re just a simple comfortable shoe that are a great thing to have in the back of closet to pull together an outfit. I got my favorites on Thread Up. I tried to look for a link of a pair that I liked, but honestly most booties made today have heels that are thick, so checking your local thrift stores is what I would do. (no link for this one)
Beautifully Knit Sweater: A beautifully knit sweater is a perfect thing to have, because not only is it comfortable, but it’s the perfect top to wear to any events or family functions that have a high class dress code. Its a classic piece that you can pull over any dress, tee-shirt or tank top and instantly add an elegant twist. My favorite place to find inspiration for sweaters of this style is Lucia Zolea. I have a stunning periwinke Ann Taylor knit that I love to pair with white jeans and a thick belt. Thrift stores are chock full of these, but if you’re looking for an online option Lucia Zolea is my recommendation. (https://www.luciazolea.com)
Neutral Turtleneck: There is not much to say about this other than I LOVE TURTLENECKS. They are just a classic piece that will never go out of style. They can be paired with any bottom and are available in so many styles and colors. I like the one I linked because it is very similar to the grey turtleneck I wear all the time. (https://www.anntaylor.com/turtleneck-sweater/517546?skuId=28806165&defaultColor=5351&catid=cata000011&selectedColor=5351)
A Black Sheer Long Sleeve: Sheer tops are something I’ve been seeing a lot of in stores like Urban Outfitters. However I think a black sheer long sleeve is the only worthwhile version of this style. It can fit into almost anyone’s taste as it can be layered under a teeshirt for an edgier look, worn alone for an off-the-runway vibe, or even worn peeking out of a dress shirt for a twist on a classic look. Whichever way you choose to style this piece, its perfect for making that slight change to an overworn outfit. I linked an Urban Outfitters one with a looser fit, but my personal favorites are the tight ones. https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shop/uo-catherine-sheer-chiffon-mock-neck-blouse?category=womens-tops&color=001&type=REGULAR)
Canvas Tote Bag: Canvas bags are sort of my new obsession. I love them because they can be thrown into any outfit, and instantly add the chic on-the-go vibe. They can hold enough to be your school bag and yet be chic enough to wear them out and about. I go into Cotton On just to stock up on these bags. They are a staple of High Fashion twitter working girl culture and rightfully so. Here is a link to a Cotton On canvas bag, I don’t really like the minimalist print on it but Cotton On online doesn’t have as cute bags as the ones in store. (https://cottonon.com/US/minimalist-washed-tote/425225-19.html?dwvar_425225-19_color=425225-19&cgid=womens-bags-wallets&originalPid=425225-19#start=40)
