Really Good Staples That Are the Backbone of Your Wardrobe

There's a certain kind of piece that quietly does all the work in your wardrobe: the white button-down, the cable knit you've had for years, the flats that somehow go with everything. They're rarely the things that stop you on a hanger, but they're what you reach for again and again, and they're what everything else gets built around. I've been thinking about them especially now, in that in-between stretch when it's still too warm for a real coat but the mornings have started to turn. Everything below is something I genuinely wear on repeat, much of it for years, and it all passes the same test. It works with bare legs and sandals today, and it'll work with boots and a trench come October.

• You can never have too many white button-downs, and this boyfriend shirt from Ann Mashburn is one of the best. The tulip shaped hem keeps it tucked all day, and the slim fit is perfect under sweaters. I have two of these in white, one XS for the slimmest silhouette under sweaters, and another in small to wear on it's own with jeans, skirts, shorts, truly anything.
• Midi skirts are having a major moment, and this stone cotton skirt is the versatile neutral you'll style with fitted tees now and cozy knits once fall fully arrives. The flared silhouette is so flattering, I have it in 3 colors. (Dress it up, or dress it down, for summer or winter!)
• Tan leather goes with absolutely everything, which is why this top-handle bag is such a smart investment. I've had the Hermes Picotin on my wishlist for ages, but this bag fits the same use cases and is a fraction of the price. Use the crossbody strap for errands and the top handles for dinners out.
• Every woman needs a pair of classic diamond studs she never takes off. These lab diamond ones have incredible sparkle and work from the gym to a black-tie dinner without missing a beat, and I also own these that I mistake for my diamond pair all the time. (Sometimes I'm wearing one of each. Oops!)

• Ralph Lauren does cable knit better than anyone, and this cashmere sweater is proof. A forever piece that looks just as good over a white shirt and jeans as it does paired with a silk maxi skirt. I own this sweater in at least 7 colors, and reach for them weekly, year-round.
• This cashmere cardigan has just the right cut and a great price. It layers beautifully over white tees and tanks, or button it up and wear it as a top with a skirt or trousers for a more polished look.
• Cotton ribbing gives this cream crew neck sweater (15% off with stacie15) such a beautiful texture. It's the ideal weight for those in-between days when cashmere feels too heavy but a tee isn't quite enough. When you're ready for cashmere, this medium weight crew neck is amazing quality for the price.
• I said this recently, but you can't have enough sweater tees. Whether you opt for a silk-cashmere blend, or a lightweight 100% cashmere version or a fun argyle version, you'll wear these constantly: under blazers, with jeans, or tucked into skirts. Stock up in multiple colors.
• For cooler days, this camel cable-knit turtleneck is incredibly cozy in a wool-cashmere blend. They make a version of this sweater every year, and it's perfect with chino shorts and a belt now, or thrown over a button up with trousers later.
• If you have this navy waffle-knit belted cardigan (on sale!) in your wardrobe, you'll be reaching for it on repeat. The shawl collar and tie belt give it a cozy but polished look over jeans, dresses, shorts, or even pajamas on a lazy Sunday.

• I could write a whole blog post/love letter to striped button-ups. They're comfortable, versatile and never ever go out of style. So many to choose from, but my striped button-down is such a great, relaxed fit. Roll the sleeves to reveal the contrast cuff, tuck into jeans or trousers, and you've got an effortlessly polished look for any day of the week. I love the fit of this shirt as well and all of the stripes are gorgeous.
• Sezane has been offering this embroidered shirt year after year and it's a classic for a reason. Just the right amount of lace so it's not overly frilly, I especially love wearing mine for everyday with jeans.
• Truly the best white tank (15% off with stacie15) I own. The fit is more elevated than your average tank, so it works under blazers and cardigans or on its own with high-waisted jeans and gold jewelry.
• Navy gingham poplin in a relaxed popover shirt is one of those pieces that looks pulled together with zero effort. Great with white jeans now and layered under a sweater come fall.
• I just love a crochet top, light enough for summer, with enough texture to stand up to heavier fall fabrics. This crochet tee is just so beautiful, and can be worn casually with jeans, or dressed up with silk trousers or a skirt like I did here.

• If you need a versatile white mini skirt (15% off with STACIE15), this cotton one is it. (Seen above.) I love it so much I have it in navy and ivory boucle, and a brown patterned version (15% off with STACIE15). It is on the shorter side, so I size up for a touch more length. My petite girls will love this one!
• My go-to jeans right now are these jeans from Agolde. The pinch waist is incredibly flattering, and the vintage wash works with blazers, knits, and simple tees alike. I'm 5'9" and wear my normal denim size. These hit at just the right spot to show a little ankle, and look especially great with ballet flats and loafers. (They come in a cropped version with a shorter 27" inseam for petites.)
• There's a reason these jeans have had a 5,000-person waitlist, several times! The fit through the waist and hip is incredibly flattering, and they come in three lengths so you can get a near-custom fit. (I wear my normal denim size.)
• I also recommend having a pair of white wide leg wool trousers (mine were Tory Burch but are sold out now, I need to dig to find new ones!) and black slim-fit cropped trousers like this (15% off with STACIE15) or this!

• Ann Mashburn consistently nails the classics, and this trench coat is no exception. The tailoring is sharp enough for the office but relaxed enough to throw over weekend denim. I've had several trench coats and this one is the closest to Burberry's iconic coat without the super high price tag, but I also own and love J.Crew's Icon Trench and Brooks Brothers' trench, though BB may have discontinued theirs.
• Barbour's Beadnell jacket is an icon in its own right and these are a must whether you live in the city or the country. I have several iterations, but I wear this cream one (currently on sale!) and this trusty olive waxed version the most. (The waxed Beadnell looks best worn in, so don't be afraid to look for it secondhand!) If you want a more polished style, this quilted barn coat is at the top of my fall wishlist!

• Special jewlery is always a worthy investment. I've been thinking of a few pieces I saw at Boucheron's boutique in London last winter. I love love love these delicate diamond studs, and this bracelet. They remind me of a paisley, and have a similar everyday luxury feel like Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra collection, without being so easily identifiable. I'm also drooling over this chunky cocktail ring, which looks like the modern cousin of my vintage snake ring David gave me for my 30th birthday, which I wear almost every day.
• I've been meaning to take my great grandfather's signet ring to the jeweler to have it resized for my pinky, and I'm obsessed with every version of a signet...from the modern diamond border on this one (less expensive here) to gorgeous custom options like this with your own initials in a scrolling font. (Love that they offer it in different metals to fit your budget.) Either way, it's the kind of forever piece you'll never want to take off.
• Tiger's eye is one of my favorite stones, especially for autumn/winter. I don't have anything in this stone, so this pendant necklace caught my eye, it adds such warmth to fall outfits.
• I love knots as a jewelry motif, they feel slightly nautical yet feel right for year-round enjoyment. Aside from my beloved Bottega huggies, I also fell for this diamond studded knot cuff but have yet to pull the trigger. Well, the knot detail on this gold cuff gives the same elegant look at a much friendlier price tag, and I just ordered these pavé knot studs to try. They're just so beautiful! I just discovered Caintè, but love that everything they make is waterproof so you never have to take it off.

• I love a crossbody bag, especially when it has a saddle bag feel to it. There are so many beautiful options available right now. Two investment bags I own and love include this and this, and others that have incredible quality and craftsmanship for the price include this (I own in taupe) and this.
• We all need a trusty tote, and these by Parisian brand, Rue de Verneuil, really is the chicest option out there. I always love a monogrammed boat and tote too!
• Rich chocolate leather makes this bucket bag feel luxe but not precious. It holds everything you need and looks gorgeous with fall earth tones or as a contrast to a light toned outfit. (I just found another favorite hobo bag restocked in black here!)
• Lightweight and endlessly spacious, this suede hobo is the kind of bag that works from school drop-off to dinner. The warm brown tone pairs with virtually everything in your closet.
• This little top handle bag is one of the most versatile out there. I have it in black, but love all the colors. Simple, elegant, and works with casual and dressy looks alike.

• These pointed toe flats look gorgeous with almost anything, shorts, skirts, pants, dresses! The pointed toe elongates your leg and it comes in so many beautiful colors. The deep burgundy I'm wearing was a sample, and will be launching in late August/early September!
• I've had these loafers for years and they really are so special. Thank you to Sabrina, who shared this Sam Edelman loafer as a beautiful wallet friendly alternative! (And it's available in so many beautiful leathers and suedes.)
• These woven ballet flats are wear-all-day comfy and look so flattering on foot. I'm probably not supposed to tell you this, but they're launching in a bunch of gorgeous suedes tomorrow (!) so stay tuned, I expect they'll go fast.
• These pumps are the unsung hero of any shoe collection. They pair with everything from dark denim to midi skirts, and the 85mm heel is comfortable enough for a full day. I have in a handfull of colors, you really can't go wrong.
• Ok, I love a leopard accessory and these ballet flats were just restocked in almost all sizes. They act as a neutral, and add a little flair to classic outfits.

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