Some might argue that “timeless fashion” is a contradiction, as fashion has a way of changing on almost a month-to-month basis. Semantics aside, there are quite a few highly versatile fashion pieces that are widely considered to be essential in every woman’s wardrobe. These pieces can be easily dressed up and down and combined with a variety of statement pieces to create different classic and on-trend looks. Let’s take a look at 11 truly timeless items that no women’s wardrobe should be without.
1) Leggings
Leggings are incredibly versatile and are one of the few items that can be worn as undergarments, athletic wear, casual layers, or even dressed up as part of formal wear. The usual reason not everyone has them is either lack of access to high-quality pieces or insufficient understanding of their potential. Fortunately, thanks to these garments’ explosion in popularity, you can now easily shop leggings and other similar garments in a variety of materials, patterns, colors, and textures.
2) Little Black Dress
The Little Black Dress, or LBD as style enthusiasts sometimes call them, is a classic fashion piece with origins dating back to Coco Chanel’s designs in the 1920s and 1930s. Almost a century later, there is no end to the popularity of LBDs as their sheer versatility makes them a must-have for every woman. Easily dressed up with heels for cocktail parties or combat boots for rock concerts, the LBD still has decades of style relevance left in it.
3) Black Pumps
Speaking of heels, if you’re not a big fan of them and want just one pair, make sure that it’s a pair of quintessential black pumps. In a minimalist wardrobe, black pumps are a classic—if not the only—choice for the office or a night out on the town. More traditional pairs can be easily worn with a dress, jeans, skirts, and anything else you have in your wardrobe. A well-constructed pair made in a more traditional style is worth investing in, as these not only tend to last longer but are often more comfortable to wear for longer periods.
4) Wristwatch
A classic ladies’ wristwatch is a timeless accessory that is woefully underused, especially now that everyone uses smartphones and smartwatches to tell the time. However, the right one will not only complete your outfits but also set you apart from everyone who isn’t wearing one. Choosing the right watch can be a very involved and personal process, so make sure to do plenty of research before buying a classic timepiece.
5) Jeans
Jeans are a classic piece of Americana and we’d argue that every woman should have a few pairs in her wardrobe. While conventional wisdom says that jeans are casual wear, today you’ll find pairs worn in offices all over the world. Once they’re broken in, they can be extremely comfortable, and you can find different shades, finishes, and silhouettes that will suit every style and occasion. If you only want one pair, consider getting them in a dark wash and a classic cut for maximum wardrobe versatility.
6) White Button-Down Shirt
A crisp, white shirt is the perfect template for a wide variety of styles. Simpler cuts that fit well can be effortlessly dressed up or down as needed, usually with the other items on this list. Whether you live in your jeans or prefer a more business-ready look, white button-down shirts won’t disappoint.
7) Blazer
More than just office wear, you can wear blazers with virtually anything. Wear them on top of casual street clothes for an instant smart casual look, or use them for extra warmth over business and formal attire. While you can get excellent blazers in a variety of cuts and patterns, as with jeans, you want to stick with well-fitted, more classic-looking pieces for maximum versatility.
8) Leather Jacket
Originally a protective garment meant to protect aviators and motorcyclists, leather jackets are now classic pieces that can add a hint of toughness to any outfit. They’ve outgrown their utilitarian roots and are now widely considered the perfect all-around top layer for the fall as well as milder winters. Whether you prefer dresses, jeans, or skirts, a classic leather jacket will give your ensemble a bit of an edge without making it look like you’re wearing a costume.
9) Scarf
If you live in a colder climate, scarves are a must-have, not just for warmth but also for giving your outfit some texture and a pop of color. The great thing about scarves is that you can wear them with just about any ensemble imaginable, from the most casual jeans and sneakers to the aforementioned LBD. What’s more, you can easily get a few pairs of them for mixing and matching with different outfits.
10) Trench Coat
Unless you live in a particularly hot part of the world, trench coats are must-have pieces that can be used during winter, spring, and fall. They can be put on top of almost any outfit, and they usually have nice, big pockets that are often lacking from a lot of womenswear. This makes trench coats an essential piece for the practical but stylish woman.
11) Tote Bag
Lastly, every woman should have at least a couple of tote bags that they like in their wardrobe. Again, because not all womenswear has enough pockets, tote bags can give you a lot of flexibility in your on-the-go storage, regardless of whether you’re going to the gym or the office. What’s more, you can roll one up and keep them in your main bag for those times you need extra storage.
By investing in these key fashion pieces, you’ll have a solid foundation for a wide variety of looks and ensembles for a variety of occasions. What’s more, once you’ve collected enough of them, you’ll have a great foundation for other fun and personal statement pieces that would be otherwise tricky to pull off. And best of all, because of the added ease of creating so many solid looks, you can avoid cluttering your wardrobe full of clothes that don’t go together. This makes having these essentials not only great for your style but also good for keeping your wardrobe small and truly enjoyable.
