15 Must-have wardrobe staples in 2023 – Part I

Hi everyone,

The start of a new year is often synonymous with change, whether it’s to improve personal routines, set and manifest goals, or even a sartorial shift—a fresh idea about how you’d like to dress for the remainder of the year and the new year ahead. Maybe you’re rethinking how to approach your style, cleaning out your closet of unworn items of your past, or looking to update and elevate your collection of wardrobe essentials altogether.

If that’s the case, this blog post is for you. I have gathered a robust list of my favorite, most versatile pieces we consider to be foundational for any closet. Pared-back but never boring, these are the wardrobe essentials I find myself turning to season after season, the mainstay items, and the pieces we’re loving for 2023. And while we’ll still welcome irresistible seasonal and trend-forward pieces like suit vests and sleek jean midi skirts—it’s fashion we’re obsessed with, after all!—we know those need to live alongside a capsule of staple items because every wardrobe needs a yin-yang balance.

For today’s blog post, I’ve narrowed down the list to 15 and will eventually come back to the topic to

The Go-To Denim

No wardrobe is complete without a pair of denim. Whether you shop them new or vintage, a high-waisted straight-leg pair in an easy blue wash is certainly the wear-everywhere denim you’ll never get sick of. Re/Done’s ’90s high-waist jeans are another heavy hitter—wear them with a pair of heels to dress the style up. Go for mid-rise jeans if you are unsure if a high-rise is the best fit for your body shape or if you have a short torso.

The Crisp White Poplin

One of the many menswear-inspired staples that make up a solid wardrobe foundation, a crisp white button-up shirt is a total must-have that’s sure to come in handy no matter one’s individual style. 

The Denim Shirt

This piece of Western-inspired fashion has become a casual-cool mainstay in our closets as of late.  A relaxed or oversized fit denim shirt is perfect for the transitional wardrobe. 

The Tailored Trouser

Relaxed fit trouser makes almost any outfit look effortless; and for that tailored-to-perfection look, a pleated gray or khaki pair goes with absolutely everything.

The Plain White Tee

If you’re going to buy just one item from the many must-haves in this guide, make it the perfect plain white t-shirt. No further explanation is necessary.

The Midi Dress

Happy to report that midi dresses are certified forever classics and can be seen almost everywhere; you can pair them with heeled boots, or pumps, flat shoes or sneakers, high-heeled sandals, or flat sandals with denim jackets. If you prefer pants over dresses, try a jumpsuit. Another great, timeless, effortless wardrobe must-have.

The Goes-With-Everything Leather Jacket

Eyeing an investment piece? The upcoming fall season is the time to take the plunge. A high-quality leather jacket can last decades, improves with age, and makes any outfit look effortlessly cool. You can always count on Acne Studios for luxurious leather and for an equally chic choice when it comes to the biker jacket, while Totême’s pocketed version offers a different style.  

The Oversized Blazer

Feminine and masculine all at once, an oversized blazer is the definition of bonafide cool. 

The Goes-With-Everything Belt

Sleek leather and elegant buckles are the must-have requirements for choosing an understated and stylish belt. Whether you loop it through trousers, jeans, or over blazers, these belts come in handy for a quick cinch. Either of these styles is a timeless accessory to return to over and over again.

The Watch

While not necessarily considered a “must-have,” a wristwatch is the kind of investment piece that will resonate with your wardrobe no matter the decade.

The perfect tote bag or satchel

The structured tote bag is a cherished classic for most women. You can’t go wrong whether you decide to go for a satchel or tote bag. A leather satchel or tote bag -a structured tote bag- is one of those items that finds itself perfectly balanced between practical and chic. Meanwhile, a roomy leather tote is also an ideal companion for both office days and the commutes in between or weekend getaways upstate.

The Minimalist Earring

The search for the perfect everyday earring is over. Instead of the classic diamond studs, opt for those huggies earrings. These small earrings will make a big impact and are low-key enough for everyday wear but equally appropriate for, well, everything else.

The Personalized Pendant

A charming pendant necklace is unexpectedly flattering and feels substantive without overwhelming your neckline. Choose one with inherent meaning or opt for whatever happens to catch your eye. My favorite way to wear my coin pendant is layered with a chain link necklace and my butterfly chocker.

The Understated Shades

As stealthy as they are stylish, a pair of all-black sunglasses are the epitome of timeless chic. Saint Laurent’s retro black sunnies flatter any face shape, while Ray-Ban Wayfarers’ are a tried and true classic.

The Menswear-Inspired Loafer

Despite the many inventive iterations of the style, the flat, no-frills black leather loafer is as iconic as it is classic. Cute flats such as the Ferragamo Varina flats or the Chanel classic ballerinas are trending and effortlessly chic along with white sneakers. I love heels but I must admit that loafers and sneakers have been very dominant lately.

The Invisible Underwear

We’ll admit, Skim’s undergarments have become an instant hit. They’re genuinely comfortable, lay perfectly flat, and are offered in a wide range of sizes and colors. Three for the price of one, Commando’s thong set is the best way to maximize foundational wardrobe pieces.

In part II we will look at the seasonal must-haves. Of course, that list can be personalized from one to another so what are your wardrobe must-have staples? Comment below and let me know. Thanks for stopping by.

Xo,