7 All-Season Closet Staples You Need, Stylists Say
by Rebecca Strong for BestLife
While there’s a place in every closet for some trendy pieces, those aren’t the items you’ll be reaching for year after year. That’s why stylists recommend focusing on building a strong foundation with some all-season clothing staples that never go out of style. For example, think of a pair of well-fitting straight-let jeans or a sleek brown leather jacket.
According to Sunica Du, a fashion designer and founder of Sunica Design, investing in these kinds of pieces is smart for several reasons. It simplifies the process of putting together a stylish outfit, it’s better for the planet, and it’s more budget friendly in the long run.
“Seasonless pieces guarantee maximum cost-per-wear because they can be mixed and matched with seasonal items,” explains Yenia Hernández Fonseca, a stylist, luxury fashion expert, and constributor to Margo Paige. “This easily allows you to create an infinite number of outfits suitable for varied weather conditions. Seasonless staples also simplify the need for extensive seasonal storage or decluttering.”
So, which of these key closet must-haves do stylist recommend shopping for? Read on to find out.
Trench Coat
”The iconic trench coat couldn’t look dated even if it tried,” says Elizabeth Kosich, a certified image stylist and founder of The EveryBody Wrap®. “It’s just about the most sensible purchase anyone could ever make.”“Look for quality features like removable quilted liners, back vents, and double-breasting to maximize its versatility and overall function, and choose a color that’s in your most flattering neutral,” she recommends. Adidtionally, she says the fabric weight should be neither too heavy nor too light to ensure year-round wearability from temperate April showers to brisk October nights.
“In summer, a trench acts as a lightweight cover-up for chilly evenings,” adds Fonseca. “Layer a trench over a cozy sweater for extra warmth in the fall or a turtleneck for a chic winter look. Once spring comes, you can drape it over a slip dress, or a cami and jeans combo.”
White button-down
Experts agree that everyone, regardless of age or personal style, should have a white button-down in their closet.During the spring, Du suggests pairing it with a floral midi skirt and a light scarf. Come summer, you can wear your white button-down as a swim cover-up, says Fonseca — or, Du recommends wearing it unbuttoned over a tank top with linen or chino shorts. As the temperatures drop in the fall, try layering it under a chunky knit sweater with skinny jeans.
“In the winter, it goes perfectly with a wool skirt and a double breasted blazer,” adds Dominique B. Dupuis, fashion expert and owner of URAD.
Tailored blazer
”A tailored blazer is a classic menswear-inspired look that never goes out of style,” says Kosich. “Invest in a quality one with a timeless cut — no shoulder pads or oversized boyfriend styles — and make sure the hem sits above the hips for the most flattering look.”Kosich suggests avoiding materials that are less flexible for all-season wear, like velvet and wool, and opting for a mid-weight fabric instead.
Jaclinne Cheng, style expert and director of sales and marketing for Spicy Lingerie, notes that a blazer can also be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a more casual take, try pairing your blazer with rolled-up jeans, a striped T-shirt, and tennis sneakers. For a more polished date night look, pop your blazer over a sweater dress with high boots.
Maxi dress
A maxi dress is another timeless piece that works for all ages and all seasons.“For summer, just pop on a pair of embellished sandals and some beaded bracelets and you are all set,” says personal stylist Margaret Stone. “When fall comes around, consider using a belt to cinch in the waist for some definition, and then pair the maxi dress with some ankle booties.”
According to Kosich, you also can’t go wrong with a wrap dress. “Play it safe with solid black, or consider a print in your best accent color,” she tells BestLife. “Pair it with a fashion sneaker and safari jacket by day, or a classic pump and trench by night. Accessorize the look with a statement handbag during the daytime or dangly chandelier earrings at night.”
Denim jacket
Dupuis calls her jean jacket the most versatile piece of clothing she owns. And is it any surprise? It can be worn with almost anything in your closet, regardless of the time of year. You can even use it to dress down a little black dress or patterned pencil skirt for more casual occasions.Dupuis suggests throwing your denim jacket over a maxi dress during the spring and summer, or with a cozy sweater and leggings during the colder months. You can even pair it with black or white for a laid-back yet trendy look.
Cozy cardigan
”A cardigan is another seasonless wardrobe staple that can be worn in different ways, depending on the weather,” says Fonseca.In the springtime, she recommends layering a cardigan over a sleeveless blouse or basic T-shirt. “You can always take it off and wrap the sleeves over your shoulders when the temperatures rise,” she adds.
In the fall and winter months, try pairing your cardigan with jeans and wearing an elegant belted wool coat on top — or wear your cardigan as a button-down shirt with a knee-length skirt, tights, and boots.
Kosich advises having one cashmere cardigan since this ultra-soft material is just warm enough for chilly winter days yet lightweight enough for spring and summer nights.
T-shirt dress
Du says a comfortable T-shirt dress is another seasonless must-have. “Wear it with espadrilles and a straw hat during summer, and add some bangles and hoop earrings for a beachy vibe,” she suggests. “In fall, a leather jacket, scarf, and ankle boots give your dress a new life.”Some T-shirt dresses can have a boxy, shapeless fit — so, keep in mind that you can use a belt to cinch the waist, adds Du.
See published article on BestLifeOnline.com here.