EVERY WOMAN SHOULD OWN THESE BASICS 

A Plain White Tee Shirt
Is there anything more versatile? Whether you layer this perfect T-shirt under a sweater or over a tank top, tuck it into a skirt or let it hang free with a pair of denim cutoffs, one thing is for sure: Nothing is more essential to your closet than this trusty staple.

Ballet Flats
There’s a reason everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Alexa Chung loves a good pair of ballet flats: They’re equal parts chic and comfortable! Use them to dress up your jeans and button-down combination, then seamlessly transition that same pair to a cocktail dress for night. Your outfits (and feet!) will thank you.

An Elegant Blazer
Need an extra something to pull together an office look? Blazer. A great outerwear substitute when it’s not quite cold enough for a heavy coat? Blazer. The can’t-go-wrong jacket to throw on over your cocktail dress? Blazer, blazer, blazer.

Slip On Sneakers
The slip-on sneaker hit critical mass this season, solidifying its place on the wardrobe-essentials list. Comfortable enough to walk miles in but way chicer than traditional running shoes, these sneakers give any outfit an extra dose of cool.

A Striped Shirt
How many tops look sophisticated with a pencil skirt, sexy with a pair of leather pants, and effortlessly relaxed matched with slouchy denim? We can think of only one: The Breton tee. Mix it with solids, florals, plaids, or other striped pieces—we’ve never met a piece of clothing it didn’t complement.

Classic Black Pants
Every gal needs one pair of black pants that will alwaysmake her feel good—the cut (high-waist or low rise, cropped or wide-leg) is up to you. Wear them with a silk blouse and pumps for work or a T-shirt on a chill Saturday.

A Classic Pair of Pumps
Flats may have had a major revival this year, but there’s no escaping that heels are still a strong must-have. One pair in a neutral hue like black or gray will take you from the boardroom to the bar with ease.

Dark Denim
If you own one pair of denim, make it a dark-wash. Not only are they super slimming (no matter the silhouette), they also work for a wider range of events than other washes.

A White Shirt
With endless options for how to wear it, consider the classic white shirt your wardrobe’s pinch hitter. Since finding the right one can be a bit of a process, heed our advice: Go with a popover if your chest is on the larger side, or a style with more detailing on the front to make a small chest look bigger.

A Little Black Dress
No item is more of a blank slate for accessorizing and styling yet completely chic on its own. Bravo, LBD! You’ve gotten us through some tough times and we don’t know what we would do without you.