Wardrobe Staples - The 10 fall pieces every classic wardrobe needs
How do we determine what clothing has staying power? For me, it’s the pieces that no matter how many years and seasons pass, the silhouette is unchanging, the fabric only gets better with wear, the color is still…just right. It’s the piece that stops your scroll on eBay, or your hand rushes to on a thrift shop rack. You pull it back to see the well known label of Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Burberry, and the other handful of coveted brands making these said staples, and know you’ve struck pure gold. It’s the pieces that even after they’ve switched hands they’re still perfect. They still work.
These are the ten classic wardrobe staples to invest in - the ones your daughter will find in your closet during her sophomore year of college and squeal with excitement. These are the ones that will get you plenty of compliments until that moment of handoff.
The Trench Coat
Speaking of silhouettes not going anywhere, the classic trench has changed very little over the years. I have yet to experience a fall season where a trench coat wasn’t shown on the runway, or displayed on inspiration boards. This is a piece that has plenty of opportunity for fun, secondhand treasure hunting.
Avec Les Filles: Belted Trench
Lioness: Double-breasted Trench
Barbour: Water Resistant Trench
Vintage/Secondhand Options:
Coach 1941: Trench Coat
Ralph Lauren: Trench Coat on Ebay
2. The Loafer
The loafer comes in all shapes, so this piece can be confusing when finding the one for you. I recommend staying with a classic structure that doesn’t have any added detailing that will give away a certain trend within the season. While something like the Gucci loafer has seen many versions, the classic style has always remained. Keep the heel low, the tongue not too high, and the leather finish low-key.
G.H. Bass: Flat Strap Weejuns Loafer
3. The Gray Sweater
Is there anything better than finding the perfect gray sweater? Whether it’s wool, cashmere, or cotton, it’s the perfect shape you’re searching for. The ideal sweater looks great either draped over a coat for layering later in the day, or over a white tee with worn-in denim.
J.Crew: Cashmere Classic Crewneck
Vince: Shaker Stitch Pullover Sweater
Reformation: Cashmere Crew Sweater
La Ligne: Lightweight Knit Sweater
4. The Trouser
Once you invest in 2-3 pairs of well fitting trousers, you really don’t need any additional pants outside of denim. I recommend a black, brown, and a lighter shade that works for both fall and spring. Look for a pair that is well tailored at the waist, and won’t wrinkle easily when you sit down. Opt for a pair with belt loops so you can switch up the look with pairing different leather shades and hardware.
5. The Belt
Which brings us to the belt. Like trousers, once you have a few good ones, you should be set. Belts are another opportunity to scour the internet for the best of vintage and secondhand. I look for leather shades that are repeated in multiple pairs of shoes, and hardware that is well made and special, but not so overly unique that it can’t blend with multiple different types of outfits.
Anderson’s: Narrow Calf Leather Belt
B-Low the Belt: Kennedy Mini Croco Belt
6. The Boots
Boots are going to change based on your lifestyle and the majority of what is already in your closet. For a classic look, I lean towards an equestrian-style boot that can be dressed up or down. If you’re looking for an additional style in a flat, the Chelsea boot is the most functional to pair with denim or a trouser. When choosing between shades, look at what is already in your closet as far as coats and accessories. If you usually grab a black bag, black belt, etc., you should do the same for your boots.
Anne Klein: Knee High Riding Boot
Sam Edelman: Platform Chelsea Boot
Loeffler Randall: Black Mid Lug Boot
Loeffler Randall: Suede Mid-Calf Boot
7. The Denim
Denim is another category that varies widely based on your body type and what naturally fits you best. For myself, I look for a high waisted, wider leg that doesn’t grasp at my hips but has a natural line from waist to ankle. I think that all closets should have a good pair of full-length denim in a medium wash that can be paired with a button-down and a blazer.
Levi's: Ribcage Wide Leg Jeans
8. The Blazer
Blazers are where your personality comes in - it’s not a one style fits all. Adding a subtle color that is present in your closet already like burgundy, navy, or dark green are all good options when selecting the perfect blazer addition. The fit is really where you have to be specific on selection. For wider hips, try a more structured shoulder to balance. If you’re shorter, opt for a mid to short length blazer that ends right at your hips, paired with a high waisted pant. If you’re tall, make sure the blazer matches your length and go longer.
Reformation: Brown Herringbone Relaxed Blazer
J. Crew: Plaid Double-faced Wool Blend Blazer
ASTR the Label: Bellmere Wool Blend Jacket
9. The Wool Overcoat
The best overcoats are those that can be worn over a dress for a night out, thrown over sweats to grab coffee, or a more polished look with trousers and a sweater. I prefer overcoats to meet at least at mid-calf for a more elevated look. When choosing between colors, it’s similar to the boot and belt advice - look at what is already in your closet. Camel is great to pair with black and brown, black looks stunning and sharp over a winter white or light gray.
Ralph Lauren: Wool Blend Coat with Faux Leather Piping
COS: Oversize Double Breasted Wool Blend Coat
10. The White Shirt
There is no classic closet without the white button down. As versatile as it is necessary, the white button down might repeat itself a few times in a classic closet based on fabric, length, and material weight. I love everything from the iconic Ralph Lauren button down, to something silky to pair with a midi skirt for dinner. There can never be too many white shirts.
J. Crew: Garçon Classic Shirt in Cotton Poplin
Ralph Lauren: Oxford Classic Fit Button-Down Shirt
J. Crew: Slim Shirt in Stretch Cotton Poplin