Wardrobe Core: The Staple Pieces Everyone Needs
You guys know I love a sequin and a bit of bright colour; give me sparkle, give me bold, give me drama! But no matter what you’re into (whether you’re into sparkles like me or you’re more of a neutral babe), staples are a must. By staples, I mean items that pair with anything and everything, from sparkly tops to boring winter puffers.
After all, trends come and go… but core pieces? They’re forever. They’re the items you reach for when you’re in a rush, having a “nothing to wear” moment, or building an outfit around the fabulous statement piece that you just had to buy.
So, here are the core items I think everyone needs in their wardrobe.
Jeans
If there’s one thing that will never let you down, it’s a good pair of jeans. Actually… a few good pairs.
Light Blue Jeans:
Perfect for spring and summer, these give an effortless, off-duty vibe and look amazing with a simple white tee or dressed up with heels and a blazer. Add a sequin top? Even better. (I told you I love sparkles…)
Dark Blue Jeans;
Dark blue jeans feel a little more polished. They’re ideal for dinners, casual Fridays, or when you want to look more put-together while still feeling comfortable. They basically act as a middle-ground between casual and chic.
Black Jeans:
A must. Black jeans are chic and go with literally everything. Bright pink jumper? Yes. Metallic top? Absolutely. Oversized knit? Always. They’re the ultimate styling base.
Grey Jeans:
Grey jeans are underrated, in my opinion. Grey is a softer alternative to black while keeping things smart and neutral. They’re perfect for tonal outfits and look amazing with both bold colours and muted shades alike.
The key with jeans is finding a cut that suits you. Once you’ve nailed your fit, these become the backbone of your wardrobe.
These are some of my faves:
Levi’s are icons for a reason! They have so many styles; I highly recommend going into a store and trying on different types. Their teams are usually really helpful, too. Also, did you know that Levi’s does a custom service where you can design your own jeans and get them embroidered or embellished? I did it for my tenth anniversary jeans and it was such an amazing experience.
These classic ’90s straight-leg jeans are relaxed and timeless, mid-rise with just the right amount of loose fit through the hip and thigh, making them a perfect everyday pair that are comfortable but still stylish. They’re great with everything from trainers and a tee to heels and a blazer, adding a vintage-inspired edge to any outfit.
Think of these as your go-to slightly cropped take on the classic 501: still laid-back and straight-leg, but with an ankle length that makes them especially easy to style with boots, trainers or sandals. They give off that effortless vintage vibe without feeling dated.
These are the relaxed, oversized jeans to make the baggy trend feel more wearable. They feature a mid rise with an extra baggy, curved leg that’s roomy yet flattering. They’re perfect for when you want a bit of comfort. I personally wear them with a fitted top or a slouchy jumper for a cool, laid-back look.
Jean Shorts:
I love denim shorts… any opportunity to get my legs out! There’s something so easy and carefree about them.
In the summer I pair them with a vest top, oversized shirt, or even a lightweight blazer. But don’t pack them away when it gets colder; I love jean shorts with a pair of tights. Add boots and a chunky knit, and you’ve got a great transeasonal moment.
Denim shorts are versatile, comfortable, and can be styled casually or dressed up depending on your mood.
A classic high-waisted ‘mom’ short to give you that effortless vintage feel that’s super flattering. The mid wash makes them easy to style with everything, from a crisp white tee to a bright, bold top.
These are such a reliable everyday pair – simple, comfortable and made from pure cotton so they feel sturdy and breathable. The classic cut means they’ll never go out of style, and they’ll work with literally anything in your wardrobe!
If you want something a little different to the same-samey-ness of blue denim, these washed grey shorts are perfect. They feel relaxed and modern, and the softer tone makes them look amazing with neutrals, blacks, and pops of colour too.
These are the ultimate cool-girl, slightly undone denim shorts and they just get better with each wear. The vintage cut and raw hem give a laid-back edge, but they still look polished enough to dress up with a blazer or statement top. And jewellery!
The Simple Tops:
Every wardrobe needs a rotation of easy layering pieces. Think: crisp white tees, black fitted tops, neutral bodysuits and white shirts.
These are the pieces that balance out the sequins, bold prints and statement jackets. They’re the calm to your fashion chaos. You can throw them under blazers, tuck them into jeans, pair them with skirts and they just work. I also think it’s worth spending a bit of cash on these staples because you want them to last.
Everyone I know loves a shirt from With Nothing Underneath. This is because the quality and fit is utterly sublime; they hang perfectly on every kind of body. Wear it open and layered atop a vest for a casual look, or buttoned up with chunky hoops for a work-ready vibe.
There’s nothing I hate more than wearing a vest and having it ride up every two seconds. Bodysuits are fab because you know they’ll stay in place, and this one from Skims has a really flattering, scooped neck with a modern, straight cut that looks good alone or with layers added on top.
If the oversized, androgynous vibe takes your fancy, then you need to get this. It’s baggy but still makes you feel sexy, and it’s super stretchy and comfortable too.
The Breton Stripe is a forever staple, and this Uniqlo long-sleeved top embodies the trend perfectly. I like to wear this layered under a strappy dress or with baggy jeans and converse.
Rugby shirts dominated the high street last summer, and this Free People stripy top lands somewhere in-between a casual top and a fun rugby shirt. I love the colours, especially when paired with simple, comfortable jeans or smart flared trousers.
A Go-To Blazer:
Whether oversized or tailored, a blazer instantly elevates an outfit. Jeans and a tee? Add a blazer and a chunky necklace or a pair of hoops and suddenly you look like you’ve made a huge effort. It’s the perfect layering piece to go with dresses, shorts, trousers everything.
I love a vintage blazer especially; you can’t beat a good ’80s shoulder pad. Look on Vinted, eBay or your local charity shop for some gems, and don’t forget about tailors! Most local dry cleaners have in-house seamstresses. Ask them to tailor your blazer so that it fits you perfectly. You won’t regret it.
Shoes That Go With Everything:
Okay, so this is coming from someone with over two hundred pairs of shoes… (Yep, I’m obsessed). But, if we’re talking staples, I think you need one pair of white trainers, a pair of black ankle boots, and a simple heel.
When it comes to white trainers, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Converse high tops. I particularly love their leather versions because they hold up better against the weather. Zara’s a safe bet for black ankle boots, and the world’s your oyster when it comes to your heel choice. Obvs mine would be glittery…
Why Staples Matter:
The magic of staple pieces is that they act as a base for all sorts of outfits: bold, sparkly, colourful, or as minimal as you like.
When your wardrobe is built on these core items, getting dressed becomes easier. You can mix, match, layer, and experiment without feeling overwhelmed. Your statement pieces stop feeling “too much” because they’re balanced by classics.
So yes, buy the sequins. Wear the bright pink. Rock the bold print. Just make sure you’ve got those staple pieces sitting quietly in your wardrobe, ready to make it all come together.
Because, just like makeup, a great outfit starts with a great foundation.
Love,
Lisa xx