Trends come and go, but the timeless pieces in your wardrobe will have your back season after season. Though LBDs and loafers have hung in capsule wardrobes for decades, new pieces have made their way into the "essentials" category—your grandma wasn't sporting leather trousers, for example, but the edgy pant is here to stay. Creating a modern but long-lasting capsule wardrobe isn't all "in with the old and out with the new"—instead, it's about adding some current classics to your wardrobe. The pieces on this list make getting dressed every day easier than ever, and even with minimal effort you'll look put-together. From boyfriend blazers to gold hoops, these modern classics are must-haves in your wardrobe.
Christian Vierig
Wearing a white button-down is always a chic style decision. You can't go wrong with this one.
Everlane The Silky Cotton Relaxed Shirt
A white button-down can be worn on its own or layered with sweaters and jackets.
Straight-Leg Jeans
We've said goodbye to skinny jeans and hello to straight-leg jeans, a.k.a. mom jeans. The straight-leg jean is an easy style that can be dressed up with pumps or dressed down with sneakers.
RE/DONE '90s Relaxed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
The key to a great pair of jeans is finding the perfect fit. RE/DONE's straight-leg jeans are a cult favorite.
Gold Hoop Earrings
The hoop queen herself, Jennifer Fisher, sporting one of her designs.
Jennifer Fisher Baby Samira Hoops
Gold hoops can transform any look. Throw them on with your sweatsuit and bam, you instantly look more polished.
Classic Black Slip Dress
A slip dress is one of those pieces that's truly transitional. During the day, rock a laidback look with sneakers; at night, throw on stilettos and pile on the jewelry.
Satin Slipdress
You can't go wrong with a classic black slip dress. Wear it in the summer with sandals and your favorite shell jewelry. In the fall, style it with a blazer and some boots.
White Sneakers
Crisp and clean, the white sneaker is a comfortable go-to.
Veja Esplar Leather Low-Top Sneakers
A new white sneaker is stealing Stan Smiths' thunder: Vejas. The French brand's classic sneaker comes in a ton of chic colorways.
Oversized Blazer
An oversized blazer is a great layering piece. Style it with jeans, skirts, leather pants...the list goes on.
Frankie Shop Bea Oversized Single-Breasted Blazer
A blazer in a neutral color is a piece you can wear with anything.
Relaxed fit black t shirt
This one is a no-brainer: A relaxed fit black t-shirt is a must-have in your wardrobe. It's a great layering piece for a sleek outfit. Style idea: Pair your black T with a pair of leather pants, black sandals, and black sunnies for an effortlessly cool look.
Hanes x Karla The Original Cotton-Jersey T-shirt
Hanes partnered with celebrity stylist Karla Welch to create the perfect t-shirt.
A Trench Coat
A trench is the ideal transitional coat for in-between weather. Not to mention, they're extremely chic and will never go out of style.
H&M Trenchcoat
Trench coats come in all different colors and prints—but if this is your first trench, I suggest going for a classic beige.
A Touch of Leather
In 2020, we saw a ton of leather—leather pants, jackets, trench coats, boots, dresses, and more. Leather pants in particular are a great staple because they make any look cooler.
Zara Leather Pants
These pants give any outfit a cool-girl upgrade. Pair your edgy pants with a black t-shirt and an oversized blazer.
Gold Paper Clip Chain Necklace
Along with your hoop earrings, a gold paper clip chain necklace is another great way to dress up an outfit.
BaubleBar Hera Link Necklace
This necklace looks great on its own or can be layered alongside other chains.
A Denim Shirt
Take note of Gabriela-Karefa Johnson's Canadian tuxedo. Denim on denim (on denim) always looks chic.
Madewell Denim Oversized Ex-Boyfriend Shirt
You will automatically look put-together in a denim shirt and straight-leg jeans. Spruce things up with hoop earrings and a paper clip chain necklace.
A Cashmere Knit
A cashmere knit is a key layering piece come winter. It'll keep you warm and looking cute.
Wilfred Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
A turtleneck sweater is the perfect choice for style and warmth purposes. We love functional fashion!
Black Combat Boots
This season we saw different variations of combat boots, from lug sole to platform. The classic shoe adds an edge to any look.
Stuart Weitzman Mckenzee Boots
Toughen up your wardrobe with these Stuart Weitzman boots.
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