Classic Wardrobe Staples for Women | Do Say Give

12 Classic Wardrobe Staples Every Lady Needs

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Classic Wardrobe Essentials

Lately there has been a shift in fashion, where terms like ‘quiet luxury’ or ‘old money aesthetic’ have all but taken over — when, really, it’s simply a new way to say ‘classic’ or ‘timeless.’ I have always been a proponent that classic pieces never go out of style and that there are a few things that everyone needs in their closet to look put together and polished. So I’m glad to see that the tastemakers now agree!

Today I want to share 12 classic pieces that will serve any wardrobe for many years. From accessories to dresses to a really great pair of jeans, these are pieces you can wear time and again — and if they ever go out of style it’s only for a bit because they always back! So hold onto these things for the long hail. We’ve included a mix of price points in case you’re in a season where you might want to splurge on one item but save on another. The great thing about shopping these days is that there are so many wonderful affordable options out there!

Consider this your DoSayGive classic capsule wardrobe. Click on the items below to shop and start building yours!

DOSAYGIVE’S 12 CLASS WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

1. Understated Black Dress

A good black dress will take you from meetings to church to — sadly — even funerals. Focus on finding a classic silhouette that will stand the test of time so that you can wear for years. You can layer it with a blazer (below) or level up the dressiness with flats or heels.

A pretty sweater dress!
Great all year long!
The perfect A line dress.
Pretty silhousette!

2. White Button Up Shirt 

Nancy Meyers showed us that a great white blouse is timeless! Pair it with jeans or shorts, wear with a skirt, tie it in the front and wear over a dress, or tuck into sleek pants. The options are endless! These are some of our favorites.

One our favorites on Amazon.
You'll get a lot of use out of this one.
So chic.
Frank and Eileen makes great shirts!

3. Great Pair of Jeans

It used to be that in order to find a great, well-fitting pair of jeans, you’d have to pay an arm and a leg. Now? There are so many amazing options! Look for a fit that’s classic and flattering — such as straight leg — and have a bit of stretch, in a medium wash. These are some of our team’s favorites. 

J. Crew Factory!
Can't get more classic than Levi's!
A favorite from Madewell!
Love these in white and blue denim!

4. Timeless Flats

Looking for a classic shoe you can wear anywhere? Look no further than a great pair of flats! Of course Chanel flats are the ultimate classic, but style is all up to preference: Ballerina, mules, loafers. They’re great to take you from day to night and season to season. 

Sam Edelman makes a great shoe for the price point.
Tod's are so pretty!
Tory Burch flats are so classic!
Madewell flats

5. Trench Coat

The trench coat gained popularity a while back thanks to the iconic Burberry version, and nowadays you can find an equally chic trench coat at almost every major retailer without paying Burberry prices. Throw it on over a black dress for evening, or with a white tee and jeans for day!

You'll have a Burberry for decades!
Barbour makes a great coat.
Get the look for less from J.Crew Factory.
Sezanne makes great clothes!

6. Elegant Wrap or Scarf

Elegant accessories can elevate any outfit and add warmth. Thistravel cashmere wrap is one of the best selling gifts on our guide because it’s SO versatile! Wear as a wrap or scarf or to cover up on the cold airplane. A beautiful scarf can be worn over the shoulders, or tied around the neck or a handbag. The possibilities are almost endless!

Love this for fall!
J. Crew cashmere wrap!
A Burberry scarf makes a great gift!
Our favorite travel wrap comes in many colors.

7. Black and/or Nude Pumps

Another versatile item! Are you noticing a pattern? Every closet needs a go-to pair of heels you can wear to work and to dinner — and every moment in between. A classic pointed-toe heel in black is always a good place to start with. But if you already have a favorite pair, opt for one in nude next!

You'll have these for years.
Classic nude pumps are a wardrobe staple.
Loeffler Randall makes a great shoes.
So pretty!

8. Classic Earrings

Studs or hoops, silver or gold. Earrings are really a matter of preference! I think everyone should have a pair of diamond (or CZ) earrings, a simple pair of hoops, and a pair of pearl studs. Earrings are a sure way to dress up any outfit!

Favorite faux studs from Nordstrom.
Pearls are always timeless.
Our favorite brand for gold hoops!
Wear with jeans or dressy attire!

9. A Great Belt

Don’t give away your nice belts! Every lady needs a good brown belt, and a woven belt will always come back around. A wide statement belt adds a fresh look to an old dress, too!

Everyone needs a thin belt!
Pretty mini belt.
A braided belt will always come back in style so don't give away!
A wide belt adds interest to so many outfits!

10. A Fantastic Dress

Find a silhouette, style, and color that flatters you — then build from there. This will serve you well for church, luncheons, and maybe even weddings. And if you find a great dress that you love and it comes in different colors, there’s nothing wrong with buying a couple of the same!

Giving Duchess vibes.
The "Jackie" dress comes in 11 colors!
You can always count on DVF to make a great dress.
Check Ann Taylor, too!

11. Great Blazer

Another “trend” that has popped up everywhere these past few years. But I think we can agree that blazers have always been in! I love them styled with a pair of jeans, button up shirt, belt, and flats. Have a nighttime event? Swap your flats for heels, or wear over your favorite black dress. 

Love this from J.Crew.
A pop of color is always fun to add to a classic piece.
Pretty plaid for fall.
Princess Diana made the navy jacket + jeans look classic!

12. Elevated Tee

Don’t underestimate the number of ways you can wear a great tee! Start by finding your favorite in white — look for the quality of the material (cotton is always a winner), then choose what type of sleeve length and style you like. And look for a neckline that’s flattering, like a crew or boat neck. 

A great tee!
Make sure you have a go-to white tee for layering.
People love this vintage tee from J.Crew.
Another team favorite.

Looking for more classic finds? Head over to LTK and shop our favorites!

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