10 Wardrobe Essentials that Will Make Your Wardrobe Feel More Functional

Platform sandals and party tops can be worn for a shopping spree. But no matter how eager you are to get back into fashion, good wardrobe basics will last forever. A capsule wardrobe makes it so easy to dress for every day. These capsule wardrobes take out the guesswork and provide the foundation for any personal style explorations you might be taking on.

We’re starting the summer with some simple white t-shirts and versatile shoes. But we have a new set of priorities this year. Comfort that doesn’t compromise statement-making style is our top priority. These pieces will help you get started in updating your wardrobe with 2022’s “new” essentials.

Find 10 wardrobe essentials you will treasure for many years, whether you are cleaning out your closet or starting over.

Relaxed Denim

While sweatpants are great, denim is timeless. The easy jeans are the new classic. They’re a relaxed, straight-leg, high-waist pair with straight legs that look as stylish with pumps as they do with your dad’s sneakers.

Shop the trend:

• Reformation Cynthia High-Waist Relaxed Jeans $128
• Re/Done High Rise Straight-Leg Jeans $250
• Madewell Balloon Jeans, Datewood Wash $118
• Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans $98
• Universal Standard Etta High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans $98

The Versatile Layer

Everybody has a shirt that they rotate, but nothing beats a tank top. Today’s tanks are more than just a solid base layer. They also allow you to play with your neckline. No closet is complete without one, whether you wear it with sweat shorts underneath or over a slip dress.

Shop the trend:

• WSLY The Rivington Ribbed tank $68
• Top of the Ribbed Tank by Re/Done $74
• Cotton Citizen Brisbane Tank $80
• It’s as easy to be free as a tank $30
• Meladyan Basic Racerback Camisole $13

The Statement Blazer

A great blazer can be a real workhorse for any wardrobe. You need something extra to complete a dinner look? You need an alternative to your outerwear when the weather is mild? You might consider a jacket that can be worn over the wedding guest’s dress. These are just rhetorical questions.

Shop the trend:

• Zara Basic Blazer $50
• Frankie Shop Samara Double-Breasted Blazer $315
• & Other Stories Boxy Padded-Shoulder Wool Blazer $179
• Wilfred Cherrelle Blazer $228
• Iris & Ink Ebony Double Breasted Linen-Blend Blazer $205

Studio-to-Street Leggings

What does Kendall Jenner, Katie Holmes and J.Lo have in common? Each of them have a pair of leggings that they can rely on for work, running, or just to style with while out and about.

Shop the trend:

• Zella Live-In High-Waist Leggings $59
• Everlane The Performance Leggings $68
• Outdoor Voices Zoom 7/8 Leggings $98
• Girlfriend Collective Beachwood Float High Rise Leggings $68
• Alo Yoga 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging $114

The Day-to Night Midi

Midis are one of the most versatile dresses that you can own. They can be worn casually or for formal events because they are calf-length. You can choose from traditional shirtdresses and trendy silhouettes in bold, 1970s-inspired prints.

Shop the trend:

• Reformation Meadow Dress Es $248
• Sleeper Brigitte Belted Linen Midi Dress $290
• Cult Gaia Cam Cameron Cutout Cotton Blend Knit Midi Dress $460
• Free People Lydia Printed Midi Dress $148
• Universal Thread Floral Dress $30
• Mango Striped Cotton Blend Dress $120

The Leather Staple

Practically every item in our wardrobe has had a leather update, from suit separates and spring dresses to normal suits. However, investing in a leather staple in your wardrobe will make a big difference. Consider a blazer or trousers instead of a collar or headband. The texture of the leather will not only make it easy to style, but will instantly elevate your whole look.

Shop the trend:

• Babaton Pelli Shirt Jacket $178
• Bermuda shorts in Mango Leather with an Effect by Mango $60
• Apparis Women’s Jemma Puffer Jacket $270
• Frankie Shop Zip Front Taupe Leather Pants $109

The Perfect Sweatpants

Sweatpants were the ultimate wardrobe MVP in quarantine. They took us from couch to grocery shop and back again, but we won’t leave them at home. Katie Holmes and other celebrities showed us how sweatpants can make you look good. Joggers are now available in bold colors, striking prints and neutrals.

Shop the trend:

• WSLY Ecosoft Classic Pocket Joggers $128
• Hanes EcoSmart Sweatpants $7
• Pangaia Women’s Cuffed Track Pants $120

The House Dress

The billowing house dress can be adorned with puffed sleeves, smocked details or both. It’s what you wear when you want to feel fancy and playful but also when you want to relax on the couch with a plate full of chicken nuggets. This is another trend that has emerged from our comfort-first lifestyle. It looks great with strappy sandals, or with statement shoes for work.

Shop the trend:

• Sleeper Atlanta Off the-the-Shoulder Shirred Linen Midi Dressm $320
• Hill House The Akilah Napdress $150
• Christy Dawn the Basil Dress Extended $298
• Sleeper Belle Linen Dress $280

The Chunky Shoe

No matter if you’re looking for a loafer or boot style, chunky shoes are perfect. They can be used to enhance your jeans-and blazer combination, and then you can transition the same pair to warm-weather dresses. Your outfits and feet will thank you! You will be a blessing.

Shop the trend:

• Labucq Boomer Cream Sandals $390
• Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo2.0 Penny Loafers $160
• Brandblack Aura 130 Sneakers $225
• AGL Lugged Oxfords $380
• Dr. Martens Jadon Boots $180

Gold Jewelry

For what seems like forever gold jewelry has been dominating our feeds. If you don’t have any piercings, a chunky bracelet or chain can make you look polished and put together on your first date. A cute ear cuff will let you stand out if you do.

Shop the trend:

• Snashi Patron Necklace $54
• Mejuri Croissant Dome Cuff $40
• Eloise Oval Signet Ring $380
• Kenneth Jay Lane 18″ Gold Large-Links Chain Necklace $38
• Missoma Gold Coterie Chain Bracelet $143