The Hardest-Working Staples to Buy Now and Love Forever
You can't get much more classic than tailored trousers. Whether you dress them down with a slouchy knit and boots or add polish with a shirt and heels, this is a chic staple that is sure to serve you for many seasons to come. Trust us.
Not only the perfect tailored trousers, but there's also hidden elastic at the back to ensure the right fit at the waist.
COS always knows how to nail tailoring, and if you like your trousers longer with a wider leg, these are the pair for you.
The jumpsuit is one of those pieces that work for every season and are so easy to style. For winter, add a roll-neck and chunky boots. In summer, just add a pair of strappy sandals.
A slouchy, relaxed fit for those weekends when you don't want to have to plan an outfit.
For a closer fit, a retro-inspired kick-flare jumpsuit works with heels, trainers, sandals… The list goes on.
Comfy, sturdy and cool, the chunky boot will never let you down in the shoe stakes.
A chunky black boot but with a decidedly more ladylike finish.
When it comes to dresses, a vintage-style floral tea dress will have a place in your wardrobe for years and years.
For delicate florals and contemporary silhouettes, look no further than Rixo.
For trans-seasonal appeal, dark florals will work just as well in summer as they will in winter.
Longer lengths have proliferated over the last couple of years, with midi skirts becoming one of the fashion crowd's go-tos for a polished getup.
Flattering, timeless and chic, the shirt dress is the wardrobe icon that looks good on everyone.
It might not look like it, but there is a slight stretch to this cotton fabric, so comfortable wear is guaranteed.
When it comes to denim, we believe everyone should own a pair of white jeans. They work year-round.
Allow this pair to convince you why flared jeans deserve a comeback.
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Who What WearIn our experience, a neutral bodysuit is a serious multitasking wonder. Wear it with high-waisted trousers, slip it under a dress or layer it up with a shirt.
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Style Stalker
As Burberry proves, a classic trench coat never goes out of style.
This was a wardrobe staple for Audrey Hepburn, too.
Another Audrey-approved buy? A little black dress that will last you decades if you opt for a classic shape.
The long sleeves and collar make this dress a strong desk-to-dinner candidate.
When it comes to leather jackets, the ACNE Studios biker is the dream.
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Emma Spedding
A pair of slip-on leather sandals is a wardrobe classic whether you go for Hermès Orans or a high-street equivalent.
White shirts aren't just for work, as they will slot into your weekend wardrobes, too.
All of the Who What Wear editors are sold on this poplin shirt in different colours, but the white in particular works with every outfit.
Belts might seem like a boring purchase, but they can actually make any outfit look so much more put-together.
A gold pendant is another chic item that will survive all your wardrobe clear-outs.
A piece of fine jewellery is a lifetime investment.
When it comes to handbags, a Chanel 2.55 quilted bag is the definition of timeless.
Whatever age you are, a cashmere jumper is always considered a stylish luxury.
You might have to replace your white T-shirts regularly, but they will forever be wardrobe building blocks.
The kind of thick cotton that doesn't go sheer and expose your underwear.
Ballet pumps are the skinny jeans of the shoe world. They are making a comeback this year in cool, fun tones and were definitely one of the trending flat-shoe styles of 2021.
Velvet, patterned, pointed, heeled or flat, Pretty Ballerinas has every type of ballet shoe you could possibly need, but we love the leather ruched Camilla.
When it comes to outerwear, a classic camel coat never dates.
As for jewellery, a pair of gold hoops is a solid investment whether they are tiny, simple rings or a more statement silhouette.
A chunky everyday hoop that makes a statement.
Simple white trainers—whether they're Veja or Converse—are also not going to date.
It's always worth having a polka-dot dress in your wardrobe.
Maxi-length dresses can be dressed up for weddings, parties… in fact, any occasion that requires dancing.
We can already imagine this on an alfresco summer evening.
A.P.C.'s Half Moon bag is a timeless accessory.
A printed silk scarf is the sort of item you'll pass on to your grandchildren. And the good thing is they can be styled in dozens of ways.
This tropical-print scarf is the pop of colour a minimal outfit needs.
Black pumps are the pièce de résistance of trends, and you'll have them as long as the stilettos remain standing.
The archetypal black pump has to be Louboutin.
Denim trends come and go, but skinny jeans remain timeless.
If you aren't already familiar with Aussie brand Cotton On, its recycled cotton jeans are the perfect introduction.
Thankfully, there are plenty of expensive-looking jackets on the high street this season.
Arket blazers are a firm favourite among Who What Wear editors, so we're well-placed to say expect premium tailoring for a high-street price.
Not only does this double-breasted jacket look sharp, but it has functional pockets too, meaning no more stitched-shut seams.