There’s nothing worse than standing in front of a packed closet and whining that you have “nothing to wear.” Panic sets in as you try on and discard six outfits, while the clock is ticking and your roommate reminds you how late you’re running. Take a breath: if you have ten classic pieces, we have eight timeless outfits for you that will always look good. When your wardrobe is stocked with classics, you’ll never need to worry about what to wear.
Ten Classics You Need To Own
Top row:
Dress, $80, Nordstrom.
Pencil skirt, $98, J. Crew.
Tee, $11, H&M.
Blazer, $70, Nordstrom.
Jeans, $70, Gap.
Bottom row:
Black pants, $35, Mango.
Trench coat, $50, Target.
Cardigan, $85, J. Crew.
Blouse, $40, ModCloth.
Body-con skirt, $5, H&M.
If nothing else, your wardrobe should include:
- A fitted white tee
- A button-down cardigan in a flattering color
- A long-sleeved blouse
- A basic black blazer
- Jeans that make you feel like a million bucks
- Black pants (not denim)
- A black mini-skirt
- A pencil skirt
- A versatile dress that highlights your shape
- A khaki trench coat
On their own, these classic pieces exude an effortless vibe. But head-to-toe classics sometimes need a little boost from accessories. This is where your personal style comes in. Are you a red lipstick and leopard print kind of gal? Glam it up. Are combat boots and a worn-in parka more your style? Go right ahead. Below, we remixed these ten classic pieces into eight fail-safe outfits by mixing and matching accessories. Change up our add-ons to make these outfits feel uniquely yours.
Class
Jeans + tee + trench coat
Extras:
Scarf, Michael Kors, $65.
Boots, Steve Madden, $99.99.
Jeans and a tee don’t have to be boring! The leopard print scarf, lace-up boots, and trench coat add instant personality with hardly any effort. On mornings when you’re running late, this can be your go-to style. Could getting dressed be any easier?
Dress + cardigan
Extras:
Earrings, $9, Miss Selfridge.
Backpack, $49, Chic Wish.
Belt, $17, Dorothy Perkins.
Loafers, Urban Outfitters, $59.
A fit-and-flare dress like this one is almost universally figure-flattering and versatile enough for nearly every occasion. For class, add a cozy cardigan. To tone down the schoolgirl vibes, we added studded accessories and a sassy pair of earrings (one says “KISS,” the other says “ME”) to entice the boys.
Cardigan + mini skirt
Extras:
Beret, $8.50, Wet Seal.
Tights, $18, Hue.
Nail polish, $8, Essie.
Boots, $79.95, American Eagle.
Put your body-con skirt on double duty: with a prim sweater (your basic cardigan buttoned up) and riding boots, it works for frat parties and for class. Punch up your basics with a few accessories – we chose a pair of floral lace tights, a slouchy beret, and a shocking citrus nail polish to keep things fresh.
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Going Out
Blouse + mini skirt
Extras:
Pumps, $49.99, Heels.com.
Bag, $14.70, Kohl’s.
Lipstick, $4.49, Milani.
There’s something about a classic blouse, a sleek skirt, and leg-lengthening nude pumps that make you look as tall as Gisele – it’s a tried-and-true outfit for a reason! Tuck the blouse in to show off your waist, or leave it loose to highlight your legs.
Dress + trench coat
Extras:
Pumps, $89.90, Zara.
Bag, $35.90, Zara.
Lipstick, $5, Cover Girl.
Necklace, $148, Kate Spade.
Earrings, $48, Kate Spade.
Did someone say va-va-voom? Channel your inner Old Hollywood glamour girl: the fit-and-flare silhouette of the dress gives you an instant hourglass, while the stately accessories scream sophistication. Add a dash of red lipstick and go paint the town red.
Jeans + tee + blazer
Extras:
Statement necklace, $31.49, White House Black Market.
Wedges, $99.99, Jessica Simpson.
A good blazer can take you anywhere. When paired with jeans, a tee, and dressed-up accessories, it’s perfect for girls’ night out or a family dinner at your favorite restaurant. Wear this to class in the morning with flats, then swing by your dorm room to switch to heels at night.
Internship
Blazer + blouse + pants
Extras:
Lipstick, $5.24, Cover Girl.
Earrings, $48, Kate Spade.
Pumps, $62.30, Steve Madden.
While your internship wardrobe may need to be on the conservative side, that doesn’t necessarily mean boring. A pretty blouse brings just enough color into the office, while the blazer and slim-cut trousers keep you 100% professional.
Cardigan + blouse + pencil skirt
Extras:
Pumps, $89.90, Zara.
Purse, $79, Dorothy Perkins.
Paging Joan Holloway! Bold colors and curve-hugging pencil skirts give us visions of Mad Men. With tone-on-tone color being back in a trendy way this year, the monochrome effect is chic, not costume-y. Leave your cardigan unbuttoned to show off the blouse or drape it over your chair for when it’s warm.
To get the most mileage out of your classic pieces, opt for items that highlight your figure, work seamlessly with pieces you already own, and fit into a basic color scheme (here, we stocked up on complimentary blues, reds, and neutrals). Experimenting with trends can be fun, but these eight timeless outfits will never fail you.