Every year introduces a new wave of fashion trends and must-have pieces that can feel overwhelming to navigate. However, the key to staying on trend without falling into fads is building a solid wardrobe foundation with pieces that always stay in style.
From classic black dresses and chic button-down shirts to your favourite pair of Doc Martens and classic fashion sneakers, building a fashionable wardrobe filled with timeless staples will ensure you have clothes that last for many years and ever-changing fashion landscapes to come.
The Button-Down
Perhaps the most timeless staple piece you can own, the humble button-down is often referred to as the workhorse of the wardrobe, thanks to endless versatility and styling options. Available in a wide range of shades, designs, and materials, you can find a button-down to suit any and every event in your life.
It has the power to elevate what you wear on your bottom half, which is particularly useful when simple jeans and sneakers are all you can manage. Alternatively, you can dress it down as a cover-up to throw over your bathing suit for a day at the beach or wear it with jean shorts for Sunday brunch.
Go-To Jeans
No wardrobe is complete with the perfect pair of go-to jeans. The style, wash, and detailed finishes largely depend on personal preference and the ways you want to style and wear them. With so many different variations available on the market, you are guaranteed to find the perfect pair.
Jeans that are baggy-fit, light wash or feature distressed finishes are considered to be closer to casualwear, while fitted or straight-leg styles in dark blue and black washes can be appropriately dressed up for more formal events.
The Midi Black Dress
The midi black dress, or MBD, is often overshadowed by its more iconic little black dress alternative. But those who have ventured into the midi dress trend know it can be an equally chic dress option that is much easier to dress up or down.
It is a sophisticated and feminine piece that, when styled correctly with the perfect finishes, can be appropriate for weddings, cocktails with friends or a relaxed Sunday morning strolling around town.
Plain White Tee
If there is one item any wardrobe should have, it is the perfect plain white t-shirt. This simple piece of clothing has endless styling opportunities and can be worn throughout the year, regardless of season or occasion.
From a simple pairing with jeans to a layering piece under summer dresses, jackets, sockets, coats, and blazers, the plain white tee is a chameleon of style. Its round-neck design lends itself to casualwear, while a v-neck finish can be elevated with layered, dainty necklaces and a chic up-do. The possibilities are truly limitless.
Goes-With-Everything Belt
When searching for the ideal goes-with-everything belt, sleek leather, and elegant buckle finishes are must-have features for choosing a stylish and understated belt. Whether you loop it through tailored trousers, add it as an elevated feature to your favourite jeans, or wear it over a blazer, the right belt will instantly create a flattering shape with a cinched waist.
If budget or preference means you can only select one belt, traditional black leather will offer the best range of versatility throughout your wardrobe. However, investing in a brown leather belt will allow you to add interest to your look with an alternative colour combination that may suit some of your footwear options more appropriately.
Tailored Pants
Relaxed and tailored trousers can make any outfit look effortless and sophisticated and are a fantastic alternative to denim jeans. The most important aspect of trousers is ensuring they are tailored to perfection because ill-fitting pants can look sloppy and disjointed.
Pleated, straight-leg black or grey pants go with absolutely everything and are incredibly flattering for bodies of all shapes and sizes. However, many fashion experts recommended sampling a variety of different designs and fit to find the ideal option for you, ensuring you get maximum wear from this versatile piece.
Trench Coat
Come rain or shine, the timeless trench coat makes for the perfect weather cover-up. This stylish coat has been dominating fashion trends for decades, with its slightly oversized silhouette and belt detailing making it instantly recognisable.
The biggest appeal of trench coats is their ability to carry you in between seasons while remaining a reliable and fashionable choice for rainy, winter weather. Wear it over everything from ripped jeans and a sexy cropped shirt to your favourite sequin dress and sky-high heels; there will always be a time and place for a trench coat.
Classic Sneakers
Every shoe collection must feature a pair of classic sneakers, which offer the perfect combination of style and comfort to rock throughout the year. Many top brands, including Nike, Adidas, and New Balance, have found a popular middle ground when designing sneakers, giving you a stylish aesthetic with maximum practicality.
Sneakers are a fantastic and versatile shoe option simply because they can be worn with many different pieces, including jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts, and relaxed linen or cotton pants suits for a chic and modern twist. By nature, sneakers are more on the casual side of dressing, which should be considered when styling for more formal events.
