This post is a revision of one I did back in April 2020 featuring the best 25 wardrobe essentials for every budget! It was funny to revisit it and see the items I considered staples just four years ago – for example, skinny jeans and neutral pumps! While I still own and love pumps, I rarely wear them these days unless it’s for a special event or church or something… and I don’t think I need to explain the transition away from skinny jeans! Most of the pieces highlighted in the original post, however, are featured in this post today – proof that when you have a solid collection of chic basics, your wardrobe will stand the test of time. Keep reading + scroll down to discover and shop 25 of my favorite wardrobe staples at a variety of price points! Just a heads up that the collage above features some more pricey items – the more budget-friendly styles can be found in the shopping widgets below each category. Just hover over each image in the carousel to see the prices!
While today’s post isn’t an official capsule wardrobe, it might as well be! Today I thought I would break down 25 of my most-worn style staples and share options for low, medium and high budgets. Since spring is here for most of us and summer is right around the corner, I decided to focus on the wardrobe essentials I’m able to wear in the spring, summer and fall seasons – i.e., the most transitional of basics. In each section below you’ll find a shopping widget linking to a variety of options for the indicated style at a wide range of price points – from under $50 to more splurge-worthy styles, you’re guaranteed to find the staples you love at a price you can get on board with.
Obviously if this was a year-round essentials post I’d include a few heavy sweaters and coats, but figured we’re all over the cold weather right now anyway. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
#1 – A NEUTRAL TRENCH
If you’ve been following me awhile, you’ll know I have quite the collection of trench coats – it’s one of my favorite toppers! I love how they add instant polish to any outfit. The ones I wear most are in soft neutral hues like beige/tan. It’s just the most versatile color! I wear a more relaxed drape-neck style most often, but I also love a classic double-breasted trench for a more tailored look. You really can’t go wrong!
#2 – LEATHER JACKET
If you live somewhere more chilly or prone to cooler nights, a leather jacket is going to be your best friend! I have a feeling I’ll be wearing them a lot in New York as the weather slowly starts to warm up. They’re so useful and great for travel! Right now I’m more into cropped styles with a slightly edgy vibe – I’m especially obsessed with Khaite’s Hector leather jacket as seen in the above collage, which has been on my wish list since maybe August?! This faux leather jacket is a great lookalike for less!
#3 – A BLAZER
Blazers are the ultimate desk-to-dinner staples! Throw them on over even your most casual tee + jean combos to effortlessly dress up your look. For the most versatility, I’d suggest getting a blazer or two in neutrals you wear a lot – perhaps black or navy, beige or cream, or even green? Shop my favorite styles at a variety of price points below! If you work in a more casual environment, I’d opt for a more boxy, boyfriend-style blazer over something super tailored – it’ll be easier to dress up or down weekends!
#4 – JEAN JACKET
Jean jackets, like jeans themselves, go with everything. I’ve found jean jackets to be the ultimate travel topper, especially in the spring/summer months! They look great over breezy dresses and tee + pant combos alike. I generally prefer a more slouchy, oversized style or something cool and cropped, as opposed to a preppy, tailored denim look. I have this jacket and LOVE it! For something very similar on a budget, try this!
#5 – A NEUTRAL SWEATER
A neutral sweater (for me, a cashmere crewneck), is the ultimate transitional travel staple! Perfect for chilly flights and in-between weather days where you might need an added layer like an Hermes scarf or leather jacket. One is always in my suitcase!
#6 – A STRIPED SWEATER
Stripes stand the test of time, unlike most other prints! Add a Parisian touch to your everyday looks with a black + cream or navy + white striped sweater or 3/4 sleeve tee.
#7 – A WHITE BUTTON-DOWN
If you work in an office, you may want to go with cotton poplin. If you don’t, I’d suggest a linen style for spring/summer! It’s more relaxed. Either way, a button-down shirt is a timeless wardrobe staple! There are so many amazing cropped styles that look great with high-waisted bottoms, so I’m including a mix of cropped shirts and full-length options below!
#8 – A PAIR OF BLACK & WHITE TEES
I have a variety of t-shirt styles, but the ones I use most are crewnecks in black and white!
#9 – A BLACK TANK OR BODYSUIT
An item I’ve gotten so much use out of lately is a black bodysuit! I have a long-sleeved style and a sleeveless style, both of which I’ve worn repeatedly over the last eight or so months. I love that a bodysuit lies flat under your clothes and I don’t have to worry about fabric scrunching up or moving around as I wear it! I have both bodysuits in a medium.
#10 – A WHITE TANK OR CAMI
A white tank or cami is another essential for me, and is something I most often wear styled under blazers and jackets. The perfect layering piece for spring/summer! I recently purchased this white tank and it is SO high quality – thick fabric, wide straps so you can wear a regular T-shirt bra… amazing!
#11 – DENIM SHORTS
I’m all about jean shorts, but they’ve gotta be the right length! So many shorts these days are verging on hot pants, and as a tall gal in her mid thirties, I’m looking for something with a bit more coverage. I picked up this pair and this pair (same style in different washes) a couple weeks ago and can’t wait to wear them when the weather warms up! Shop my favorite denim discoveries below!
#12 – TAILORED SHORTS
If you’re looking for shorts with more day-to-night appeal, try more of a trouser or tailored short. Something with pleating, perhaps?
#13 – BLUE JEANS
#14 – WHITE JEANS
#15 – BLACK JEANS
#16 – BLACK DRESS
We all know a LBD is the most classic of wardrobe staples! Whether you prefer a midi length or something above the knee, scroll through to find some of my favorite black dresses you can style effortlessly from day to night!
#17 – WHITE DRESS
A little white dress (in addition to the LBD), is an essential in my wardrobe. Again, you’ll want to find a style that can do double duty as a day dress and a night dress!
#18 – A TOTE
#19 – A SHOULDER BAG
#20 – SNEAKERS
#21 – FLATS
Again, a lot of people may opt for mules instead of ballet flats these days, but I find ballet flats to be utterly sophisticated and timeless. They’re also more appropriate for year-round wear as they aren’t backless. Mesh styles are also very popular right now, and happen to be incredibly comfortable – another more on-trend option that you’ll get so much use out of!
#22 – FLAT SANDALS
If you can, I’d get a pair of flat sandals in black, gold and also beige/tan so you have a variety of options! Slides are what’s currently popular, but if you’re looking for a good travel sandal I’d stick with something more sturdy that will stay on your feet – look for things with ankle straps, lace-up looks, etc! If your feet get wet, slide sandal styles will slip right off your feet!
#23 – HEELED SANDALS
#24 – CHIC SUNGLASSES
#25 – A VERSATILE BELT