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2023 is almost here (if you can believe it). That being said, the start of a new year is often synonymous with change, whether it’s to improve personal routines, setting and manifesting goals, or even a sartorial shift—a fresh idea about how you’d like to dress for the remainder of year and the new year ahead. Maybe you’re rethinking how to approach your style, cleaning out your closet of unworn items of your past, or looking to update and elevate your collection of wardrobe essentials altogether.
To help, The Get has gathered a robust list of our favorite, most versatile pieces we consider to be foundational for any closet. Pared-back but never boring, these are the wardrobe essentials our editors find themselves turning to season after season, the mainstay items, and the pieces we’re loving for 2023. And while we’ll still welcome irresistible seasonal and trend-forward pieces like suit vests and sleek jean midi skirts—it’s fashion we’re obsessed with, after all!—we know those need to live alongside a capsule of staple items because every wardrobe needs a yin-yang balance. That shiny new statement item will dazzle even more when paired with, say, the perfect go-to denim. And sometimes, the item becomes a wardrobe essential in itself.
Ahead is a well-curated edit that has helped craft the foundation of our wardrobes. It’s safe to say we’re wearing at least one, if not more, of the highlighted pieces below daily. We’ve covered the classics: white t-shirts, crewneck sweaters, trench coats, tailored trousers, chic sneakers. And also those items that have more recently earned their spot as a wardrobe essential: ballet flats, dresses, menswear-inspired loafers, and sleeveless sweaters. These pieces have transcended their stance as a fleeting trend, becoming notable additions to the list.
So here’s to raising the bar on stylish essentials this winter season and investing in the timeless, long-lasting pieces you’ll love for years to come. Below, shop a collection of closet must-haves from your friends at Vogue.
Few things are better than a luxurious cashmere crewneck or chunky turtleneck when it comes to knitwear. Wear it with everything, like jeans to the office, or layer it into your winter outfits. Classic sweaters like these are truly year-round staples.
No wardrobe is complete without a pair of Levi’s. Whether you shop them new or vintage, a high-waisted straight-leg pair in an easy blue wash is certainly the wear-everywhere denim you’ll never get sick of. Re/Done’s ’90s high-waist jeans are another heavy hitter—wear with a pair of heels to dress the style up.
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One of the many menswear-inspired staples that make up a solid wardrobe foundation, a crisp white button-up shirt is a total must-have that’s sure to come in handy no matter one’s individual style.
For the ideal middle ground between workout attire and formal workwear, you’ll want a pair of black leggings that aren’t for working out. With zips, slits, flares, or stirrups, leggings with elevated details have improved the wearability of stretchy black pants. We’d argue they could even compete with a pair of trousers! Let these from Totême and Wardrobe.NYC—two brands synonymous with wardrobe essentials—be the foundation for your favorite white T-shirts, blazers, trench coats, and more.
As if dresses weren’t effortless enough, here are two that offer maximum style with minimal effort. We’re happy to report that midi dresses are certified forever classics and can be seen around the Vogue HQ; we’re pairing ours with heeled boots, jewelry, and the like.
Every shoe collection needs a pair of lifestyle trainers, and these cool but classic options check all of the boxes from practicality, comfort, and a vintage aesthetic.
This piece of Western-inspired fashion has become a casual-cool mainstay in our closets as of late. A relaxed or oversized fit denim shirt is perfect for the transitional wardrobe.
A relaxed fit trouser makes almost any outfit look effortless; and for that tailored-to-perfection look, a pleated gray or khaki pair goes with absolutely everything.
Eyeing an investment piece? The upcoming fall season is the time to take the plunge. A high-quality leather jacket can last decades, improves with age, and makes any outfit look effortlessly cool. You can always count on Acne Studios for luxurious leather and for an equally chic choice when it comes to the biker jacket, while Totême’s pocketed version offers a different style.
The L.L. Bean canvas tote is a cherished classic among editors at Vogue—owning one is almost like a right of passage. This durable carryall is one of those items that finds itself perfectly balanced between practical and chic. Meanwhile, a roomy leather tote is also an ideal companion for both office days and the commutes in between or weekend getaways upstate.
Ballet flats don’t have to be boring. In fact, small details go a long way when it comes to the flat shoe. Embellishments or interesting details or take a pair of Mary Janes or classic ballerinas to the next level while still pairing extremely well with the rest of your wardrobe.
A longline tailored coat is an effortless and eternally chic way to pull together a look, even with casual clothes underneath. You’ll never get tired of a single-breasted wool silhouette in neutral colors.
If you’re going to buy just one item from the many must-haves in this guide, make it the perfect plain white t-shirt. No further explanation necessary.
The search for the perfect everyday earring is over. These small earrings will make a big impact, and are low-key enough for everyday wear but equally appropriate for, well, everything else.
As stealthy as they are stylish, a pair of all-black sunglasses are the epitome of timeless chic. Saint Laurent’s retro black sunnies flatter any face shape, while Ray-Ban Wayfarers’ are a tried and true classic often seen at the Vogue office.
Turtlenecks are the foundational heroes of a cold-weather wardrobe; they’re warm, sophisticated, and stylish when worn on their own or layered. Thanks to its fair price, Everlane’s version (with a fine rib feel) makes stocking up easy; because we’re sure you’ll want more than just one. A black turtleneck like this one from Wolford can be just as dressed up as it can be dressed down.
One of 2022’s most popular items was the long denim skirt, thanks to brands like Khaite. Many editors adopted the look this fall, and we don’t predict the momentum slowing down for 2023 either.
Feminine and masculine all at once, an oversized blazer is the definition of bonafide cool.
Often times bold, colorful items get left out of “essential” roundups, but it’s time to reconsider. Once The Row showed saturated hues of knits and tops layered into their Fall 2022 collection, it had even the most minimalist of our staff gravitating towards adding color to their looks. Mix things up in 2023 and opt for an unexpected knit in a familiar silhouette.
Speaking of coats, may we present an updated trench for your consideration? The Frankie Shop’s take on the timeless beige outerwear instantly elevates any outfit with its ever so slightly oversized silhouette. When draped in Raey’s cotton trench, it’s the easiest way to keep your in-between-seasons wardrobe looking fresh.
While the leather blazer has become a staple in our tailoring repertoire, like the aforementioned structured blazer, a luxurious tuxedo-style jacket offers up a similar twist to the classics. Many of the Spring 2023 collections showed tuxedo jackets, and whether styled with denim or trousers, it’s a sophisticated staple we can get behind.
On the Fall 2022 runways, it was about all things tubular–clavicle-baring, body-hugging tube tops. Try the refined version of the “going out top” out for yourself courtesy of Tibi and Paris Georgia.
Wear it in your hair, around your neck, as a belt, as a top, as a bag charm. Silk scarves like these can play many roles in the wardrobe, which is all the more reason to make sure you’ve got one.
Perhaps the most underrated wardrobe staple of all is the classic knit vest—like this cashmere one from Everlane or Frame’s turtleneck version. From the High Street to the ultra-luxe, designers are also leaning toward the sleeveless style. Throw on over your favorite white T-shirt or sleek button-up, this is a garment that has fully completed its happy transformation from geek to chic.
This cold weather season, we’re nominating the suit vest as one of many wardrobe staples to invest in. Once a classic menswear garment, the best suit vests for women are reimagined in chic, flattering silhouettes that add a depth of formality to any outfit.
If there’s one denim trend we can agree on sticking around for a long time, it’s the relaxed and/or baggy fit. Somewhere in between the boyfriend and wide-leg jean, these are the cool, comfortable, and top wardrobe staple for effortless style in 2023 and beyond.
Sleek leather and elegant buckles are the must-have requirements for choosing an understated and stylish belt. Whether you loop it through trousers, jeans, or over blazers, these belts come in handy for a quick cinch. Either of these styles is a timeless accessory to return to over and over again.
Before getting distracted by each season’s most stylish footwear trends, you’ll want to make sure you first have a great pair of all-year-round, goes-with-everything boots. One with a manageable height heel, black leather constructions, and a slim mid-calf silhouette is likely going to fit within your wardrobe no matter your sartorial preference.
Every woman needs a sophisticated day bag that fits not only her essentials but her style. These are just a few of our editor’s favorites.
While not necessarily considered a “must-have,” a wrist watch is the kind of investment piece that will resonate with your wardrobe no matter the decade.
Despite the many inventive iterations of the style, the flat, no-frills black leather loafer is as iconic as it is classic. For a bit of contrast, choose Weejun’s black and white leather loafers.
The nautical-inspired striped sweater is a favorite among a handful of our very own editors; perhaps it’s because La Ligne’s striped knits have been perfected by two former Vogue editors. Toteme’s oversized striped turtleneck knit is another cozy choice.
Elevated versions of basic items like tank tops and t-shirts have the power to transform your outfits and transform your wardrobe. These ribbed tanks will channel the simplicity of the ’90s. For added polish with minimal effort, layer it under a blazer.
We dare you to think of a single occasion for which a slip dress isn’t appropriate—seriously, we’ll wait. Wear these ’90s-inspired staples with a plain white tee or a cozy sweater, or dress it up for one of the many weddings you’ll be attending this season.
Despite its sporty origins, the puffer has quickly become one of the most important outerwear pieces; designers are taking their own spin on the style. You can’t go wrong with a retro-inspired classic. It’s time to add one to your fall and winter wardrobe if you haven’t already.
Knit polos are a polished pick to your otherwise classic crewneck. A cashmere polo is a chic and understated choice, while Prada’s polo shirt with an integrated bra was a hit on the runway and now it can be all yours.
Thanks to Miu Miu, miniskirts were the fashion item heard round the world in 2022. And while the above-the-knee silhouette isn’t for everyone, there are many options that feel polished–dare we say professional? (Perhaps in a fashion office.) Either way, we couldn’t leave out the miniskirt for 2023.
A charming pendant necklace is unexpectedly flattering and feels substantive without overwhelming your neckline. Choose one with inherent meaning or opt for whatever happens to catch your eye—such as these dainty gold name-plate necklaces.
You never know when you’ll need a party dress, so why not keep one mini on hand? Winter whites are a forever winter staple and Khaite’s off-the-shoulder ivory mini dress will secure your spot on the best-dressed list.
Speaking of eveningwear, a clutch, pouch, or mini bag is still an essential in our eyes. You can’t go wrong with something that shines, be it for a date night, wedding ceremony, or a black-tie event.
An elegant evening shoe deserves to be in your rotation. Embellished slingbacks or satins sandals look just as good with a gown as they do with jeans and a T-shirt—who can resist versatility? Plus, it makes the cost per wear not so bad after all.
Sweatsuits have long been accepted as more than just clothes for going to and from the gym. That being said, loungewear should be presentable for both indoor and outdoor wear; you won’t mind bumping into someone you know in Les Tien’s well-curated color palette of stylish matching sweats.
Give your sweats a night off and get dressed up for bed with this striped and piped set of pajamas. Lake’s polished yet ultra-comfortable sets are a favorite among a handful of Vogue editors. Meanwhile, Tekla is the current sleepwear brand to know.
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We’ll admit, Skim’s undergarments have become an instant hit amongst our editors. They’re genuinely comfortable, lay perfectly flat, and are offered in a wide range of sizes and colors. Three for the price of one, Commando’s thong set is the best way to maximize foundational wardrobe pieces.
Like a bralette but with more support, Cuup’s plunge bra is made of sheer power mesh that’s so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing anything at all. Meanwhile, Arak’s lace ‘Tamara’ bralette is perfect for those peek-a-boo moments.
It’s important to have a nice sock that feels totally luxe without sacrificing function and Comme Si and Raey do just that. Trust us when we say you’ll want to show these off with a loafer.
Eres’ retro-inspired strapless swimsuit isn’t your average black one-piece. It has coverage just where you’ll want it, yet its U-ring detailing offers an elegant reveal of just the right amount of skin. Jade Swim’s scoop-neck swimsuit is a must-have on any upcoming vacation.
