Always In Season
Black tank. A white tank has its place—at the gym or on casual outings—but a black one is more universal. Dress it up with dark jeans or a skirt.
Short-sleeved white T-shirt. White tees become unwearable quickly, so skip the costly designer versions and buy a bunch of good-looking inexpensive ones. Then replace as needed.
Short-sleeved black T-shirt. The best short-sleeve length is about 1/2 to 1 inch longer than a typical cap sleeve—it shows just the right amount of arm.
Long-sleeved white T-shirt. For a trim silhouette in white, choose a slim-fit T-shirt that skims your body but doesn't cling.
Long-sleeved black T-shirt. A surprisingly sophisticated layering piece, this works well under a dress shirt—or even a dress.
Black turtleneck. Consider investing in cashmere: You get more warmth with less bulk.
White button-down shirt (one cotton, one silky). Fitted ones will get the most wear: They're easier to tuck in and look neat when left out.
Crisp white blouse. Softer looking than a button-down, a white blouse is a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
Crewneck sweater. Thin knits, in cotton or wool, layer easily for versatility and comfort.
Cardigan. A neutral shade goes with everything, and a longer style that hits at the hip flatters most figures.
A black dress. The “little black dress” is a cliche for a reason: It’s a wardrobe necessity.
Pencil skirt. This classic piece should be tailored so it grazes the tops of the knees.
Jeans. It's worth paying extra for jeans that fit and flatter. Your best bet? A dark, bootcut pair made from stretch denim with no more than 2 percent Lycra. (The fabric will follow your curves while keeping its shape.)
Black pants. To get the most from this wardrobe staple, select a style made of an all-season fabric, like tropical wool or viscose.
Skinny jeans. Once considered a trend, they are now a denim staple. Skinny jeans look best when they don’t fit too snugly at the waist.
Khaki pants. For a casual, comfortable look, forget the pleats (a flat front is more flattering) and forgo the front crease.
Denim jacket. A dark wash and a slim fit look the most polished.
Cropped jacket. Made famous by Coco Chanel, this item has become a fashion mainstay. You’ll have more opportunities for pairing with one in a solid color or traditional tweed.
Black cashmere wrap. A fabric that was once seen only in fall and winter has become a year-round regular.
Ballet flats (in a neutral or a versatile red). Equal parts sophisticated and practical, ballet flats, especially those with rubber soles, are easy on the feet but more polished than sneakers.
Basic black pumps. The workhorse of shoes, a good black pump can take you from day into evening without losing a step.
Metallic evening shoes. No shoes make you more party-ready than strappy sandals or pumps in a metallic tone. The surprise? Gold and silver are remarkably versatile.
Winter Basics
Heavy sweater. Look for a big, chunky knit that’s both comfortable and stylish.
Cashmere hoodie. More luxurious than the cotton variety, this layering piece is a sportier version of the cardigan.
Dark-wash jeans. A wardrobe standby in the cold winter months that’s available in a variety of cuts. Keep in mind that boot-cut and wide-leg styles work well over boots.
Pantsuit. Wear the jacket and pants together to show you mean business—or treat them like separates to maximize their use.
Gray flannel pants. These stylish standards look great with brown, navy, and black—and also with brights.
Wool trousers. Look for a lined pair in fine gabardine wool, made with a twill weave, which won’t feel too heavy.
Down vest. Works best in a neutral color like brown, black, or navy, so you can wear it with anything.
Black cashmere wrap coat. Whether calf or fingertip length, this elegant item will work for day or evening.
Winter coat. Fur-trimmed, down, or wool, a winter coat should offer enough room to accommodate a sweater or jacket.
