What to Wear When Your Closet Feels Full but Nothing Works

So many women have overflowing closets and still feel like they have nothing to wear. If you're like me, you fall hard for statement pieces, but the secret to getting a lot of wear out of them is having the right closet staples to make those statement items shine, and allow you to style them in countless ways. A perfect tank top for a dramatic maxi skirt, crisp white shorts for a beautiful floral blouse, or an easy linen set that lets a colorful tote take center stage — these are the pieces that quietly do the heavy lifting. With elegant staples in the right silhouettes and versatile colors, getting dressed becomes effortless, and the pieces you love most suddenly feel so much easier to wear.

Well-fitting tops in a variety of silhouettes and fabrics ensure you always have just the right thing to top off a look.

• This elevated ivory knit tank (15% off with STACIE15) (size up) is the definition of a closet hero. The square neck is so flattering, and it looks incredible tucked into my sweeping maxi skirt, under a blazer, or with high-waisted trousers. (Wear with this wire-free t-shirt bra which is completely invisible under tanks and tees.)
• This knit tank is my casual counterpart to the tank top above. I own it in several colors and it's a flattering high-neck cut to pair with everything from my favorite jeans, to silk trousers (gorgeous!), or this fun patchwork maxi skirt. (I just ordered and it's so good!) If the high neck isn't for you they have a scoop-neck version that's subtly sexy and endlessly versatile.
• I love a good halter top and just ordered this one with a built-in shelf bra in white (also available in black). The halter style works with a bright eyelet midi skirt for a garden lunch, then feels very evening paired with a silk midi skirt.
• This perfect cotton crewneck sweater is a must for New England summers, and looks fab with everything. (The cut is SO GOOD.) Throw it over your shoulders with a tennis dress (so good) when you're headed to the courts, then pair it with silk trousers for a dinner out.
• This crisp short-sleeved shirt is perfectly slouchy and an ideal match tucked into statement skirts like this or this or this basket skirt (seen here).
• A classic tee in cashmere or silk is a polished alternative to your classic t-shirt. I own both this cashmere and silk tee and this lightweight cashmere tee in several colors, and they always do the job tucked into a beautiful skirt. Add a belt like I did here, or don't!
• A linen shirt with just the right cut will always save the day. My two favorites are this boyfriend linen shirt (perfectly relaxed) and this Britt shirt (15% off with STACIE15) which has a slimmer cut.

These are some of my most-worn shoes in neutral hues and versatile silhouettes that complete the look.

• These block-heel sandals are my summer MVPs. Their 60mm block heel gives all-day comfort and won't sink into the grass at summer's outdoor events. I have it in 6 colors, but get the most wear out of the white, sand and gold versions because they go with everything. They were just restocked in raffia which is also an amazing neutral with just a little more interest. Gorgeous!
• A strappy pair of flat sandals can transition effortlessly from day-to-night, whether you opt for a wrap ankle or this leg-elongating style.
• These minimalist slingback sandals elongate your legs and go with everything from mini skirts to denim.
• Gold T-strap sandals (15% off with STACIE15) go with everything from beachwear to dressy dinner looks. I wear them so often I have them from two brands. My other pair was just restocked and has more sizes here.
• These gold embellished flat sandals feel ike jewelry for your feel and seem to go with everything. These sleek black leather sandals are a similar look for a fraction of the cost.
• I have these leather slides in two colors and they are insanely comfortable, add polish to almost any look, and can take a beating and still look beautiful. Worth every penny!
• The sailor knot sandals I'm wearing above launched two weeks ago and are already sold out in every color. Worth keeping an eye on the page in case any are returned, and I know they'll be reordering for next year!

Make sure you have a few bags in simple shapes and neutral colors to compliment any outfit.

• If you want a summer bag that doubles as a conversation piece, this wooden bead basket bag is stunning. While the beadwork is intricate, it reads as very neutral and I was surprised by how often I reached for it while in Italy, whether pairing it with bright silks or striped linens. (Get the look for less with this or this!)
• This bag is a favorite for good reason. It's large enough to carry what you need for a day on the go or a night out, and works with everything from a casual linen look to a cocktail dress. I have a black suede version, and love it so much I think I need the summer equivalent in raffia or a light suede hue.
• I bought a little wicker Miu Miu bag while on Capri three years ago, and there's just something about it... the color is the perfect neutral, the size is great day or night, and the weave is beautiful and pairs with any print or solid outfit. My bag is sold out, but I saw this Prada bag while on Capri this year, and it checks all the same boxes. This clutch has a similar weave, and walks the line between fancy and casual with style. All look amazing with anything from a sunset-hued floral number to a cool blue striped dress.
• This large straw tote has a simple, refined weave that works with a broad range of outfits. Other totes with similar versatility include this (under $200!) and this.

Statement tops call for streamlined bottoms to let the top really shine.

• I tried on this bouclé cotton mini skirt (15% off with STACIE15) at Julia Amory's Nantucket store and instantly got it in two colors. (I sized up.) It's the perfect, easy throw-on-and-go piece that looks great with a button-down shirt, ruffled statement blouse, cardigan or crewneck sweater.
• Zimmermann has been making these white trousers for years and they're the perfect polished cut to complement everything from striped shirts to tanks to an eyelet blouse.
• Two pairs of jeans that always look right are these pinch waist jeans (run TTS) and these secret sauce jeans (also TTS). The high waists on both of them look great with a top tucked in, a cardigan or statement blouse.
• This flare midi skirt has gorgeous movement and flattering seams that elongate your legs. I own it in several colors and have worn it with everything from crewneck sweaters, to a strapless top, to a vintage Saint Laurent silk blouse.
• High-waisted shorts feel ladylike and versatile. I've been wearing this pair on repeat, though it's almost sold out; these are also gorgeous.
• These denim shorts with the perfect cut to flatter your legs, will work with all of your casual tops and knitwear. (Size up, tight denim shorts are not it.)

Streamlined silhouettes in solid colors create a blank canvas for your most special accessories.

• A white midi-dress is a summer staple, and works for almost every occasion. This linen dress has the most flattering embroidered seams, and an elastic waistband at the back. So comfortable! (You can find all of my favorite white dresses here.) This dress works with everything from colorful bags to rich neutral options (obsessed with this)!
• Irish linen doesn't get better than Baird McNutt, and this linen shirt and matching linen shorts are pieces you'll live in all summer. These pieces will go with almost any swimsuit in your collection, and are a blank canvas if you like carrying a statement beach bag like this or this.
• A simple shift dress is a wardrobe workhorse, especially when it's in a solid color with a bit of texture. This one is a blank canvas for your most colorful accessories and beautiful neutral ones too! (This is another great option.) Whether it's a fun flat sandal, or a statement flag sweater on July 4th!

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