I'm a Fashion Expert—These 7 Essentials Are the Backbone of Any Chic Closet (original) (raw)

Fashion collage featuring Lorna Humphrey, Lucy Alston, and Clara Dryhauge wearing chic wardrobe essentials.

When I find myself needing a closet reset, I ask, If I could only wear a select group of key fashion pieces, what would they be? This has helped me tremendously in refocusing my future shopping goals and streamlining my current wardrobe. It's never easy to narrow it down, but it does really put things into perspective. Plus, it's incredibly helpful when getting ready and brings me peace of mind to know that I have a solid set of wardrobe essentials to rely on.

When pondering this question recently, I came up with some reliable and chic closet staples that I wouldn't mind wearing over and over again without sacrificing style. The pieces that I landed on are all timeless and can withstand the ever-evolving trend cycles as well. Think classic blazers, trend-proof jeans, polished shoe options, and more. Keep scrolling to see and shop seven wardrobe essentials that are the backbone of any chic closet along with visual outfit inspiration on how to wear these pieces seamlessly.

White T-Shirts

Influencer Lorna Humphrey poses on a sidewalk in London wearing oversize black sunglasses, a white t-shirt, neutral sweater over the shoulders, faded gray jeans, a black mini Bottega Veneta bag, and black suede mule heels.

There's no denying how handy a white T-shirt is in any season. The easy basic pairs with everything from jeans to trousers to skirts.

Shop:

Nordstrom

Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

J.Crew

Relaxed Linen T-Shirt

Madewell

Supima Cotton Rib T-Shirt

MANGO

100% Cotton T-Shirt

Nordstrom

Pima Cotton Blend Crewneck T-Shirt

Straight-Leg Jeans

Scandinavian influencer Clara Dyrhauge wears a black leather blazer, white tee, straight-leg jeans, mini black bag, and black slingback heels.

Straight-leg jeans are a classic for a reason. They are universally flattering and come in just about any wash or length preference, making them great for a variety of personal styles.

Shop:

Reformation

Abby High Rise Straight Jeans

Madewell

The '90s Straight Jeans in Rondell Wash: Crease Edition

MANGO

Mid Rise Straight Leg Jeans

Madewell

The '90s Straight Crop Jeans

Ballet Flats

Fashion influencer Sara Ramen sits on stairs posing in a striped sweater over the shoulders, a white top, cropped straight-leg jeans, and black ballet flats.

Since the aughts, ballet flats have been consistently on-trend, adding an instant level of polish to any outfit they complete. Go for timeless black or bold red, which is trending at the moment.

Shop:

Madewell

The Anelise Ballet Flat

Jeffrey Campbell

Arabesque Ballet Flat

J.Crew

Zoe Ballet Flats in Leather

Sam Edelman

Felicia Luxe Flat

Button-Down Shirts

British fashion influencer Lucy Alston poses for a mirror selfie wearing a white button-down shirt, yellow-gold earrings, and white jeans.

Whether it's a crisp white button-down shirt or a striped pick, this top is a versatile closet hero. You can wear one alone or layered with a variety of bottoms and dresses or even as a swim cover-up.

Shop:

Treasure & Bond

Cotton Voile Button-Up Shirt

& Other Stories

Long Sleeve Satin Button-Up Shirt

Citizens of Humanity

Kayla Cotton Shirt

Blazers

Fashion influencer Karina of Style Idealist leans against a white wall next to a garden wearing tort oval sunglasses, a neutral tan blazer, white t-shirt, cream maxi skirt, and a woven brown shoulder bag.

Blazers are a fashion-person go-to since the effortless piece will instantly elevate even the most basic of looks. A black or neutral option is always a great idea.

Shop:

Reformation

Drew Oversized Linen Blazer

English Factory

Curved Lapel Stretch Cotton Blazer

& Other Stories

Single Breasted Blazer

Rolla’s

Kail Oversize Linen Blend Blazer

Little Black Dresses

British influencer Alexis Foreman poses for a mirror selfie in a minimalistic bedroom with white wood floors wearing a neutral tan sweater tied over her shoulders, a black slip dress, a black clutch bag, and black leather flats.

When it comes to dresses, no style compares to the ever-celebrated little black dress. The options are endless in both style and price point.

Shop:

COS

Square Neck Maxi Slipdress

Madewell

The Ariana Midi Dress

& Other Stories

Sleeveless Satin Midi Dress

Reformation

Natlaly Sleeveless Organic Cotton Knit Minidress

Marcella

Clara Ponte & Cotton Midi A-Line Dress

Black Heels

Fashion editor Kristen Nichols poses outside a building in Los Angeles wearing a white button-down with statement sleeves, straight-leg jeans, and black slingback kitten heels.

If you ask just about any fashion editor what color heel they recommend for anyone, you're guaranteed to get a resounding "black!" in response, regardless if they're pumps, heeled sandals, or slingback styles.

Shop:

Marc Fisher

Posey Kitten Heel Slingback Pump

Open Edit

Tori Kitten Heel Sandal

J.Crew

Zadie Double Ankle-Strap Heels in Leather

Steve Madden

Mod Pointed Toe Mule Pump

Jennifer Camp Forbes is currently an editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities for over a decade, including creative director and various editor roles. She’s well-known as a shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups, digital moodboards, and extensive knowledge of up-and-coming brands, plus the new arrivals sections of the chicest retailers. Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in fashion which led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion. While she has called Los Angeles and New York City home in the past, she currently works remotely from Massachusetts. When she’s not obsessing over and writing about her latest fashion finds, she is delighting in raising two little ones with her highschool sweetheart, perusing TikTok religiously, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, creating abstract photographs, and eating the best Mexican food she can get her hands on.