The 35 Wardrobe Essentials I Can't Live Without
Plus, my personal style guide for 2025.
I once listened to an interview with a fashion entrepreneur who shared something that stuck with me. She said that in the early days of her career, her closet was a chaotic mix of fast fashion, trendy pieces, and impulse buys (her exact words: it looked like someone had “thrown up” in her closet). It wasn’t until she stopped and asked, “Who do I want to show up as in the world?” that the vision for her timeless, sophisticated style began to take shape.
I love this idea of consciously choosing our personal style based on the person we want to be. At the start of each year, I clarify my vision for different areas of my life—so why wouldn’t I apply that same level of intention to my wardrobe? As we design a life that feels aligned, style is one of the most tangible ways we express that vision. Our outfits shape our mood, and therefore impact how we move through the world.
My personal style is pretty consistent—I love timeless, well-made pieces that are classic, comfortable, and feel effortless. I care most about how an outfit makes me feel since it influences how I show up. The right look can make me feel calm and at ease, bold and confident, or sexy—depending on what the occasion calls for. So, I like to start the year by considering how my style is evolving right along with me.
Create a Personal Style Vision Board
A few prompts that help guide my style evolution:
Which looks feel most like me right now?
What pieces do I reach for over and over?
How do I want to refine my wardrobe this year?
To answer these, I spent an evening curled up on the couch creating my 2025 personal style board. I started by searching Pinterest for looks that resonated with me and pinned them to my 2025 Personal Style board. Then I organized my favorites in Canva to create a cohesive vision for the year. Not only did it reignite my excitement for getting dressed—it will also serve as a personal style guide to help me shop more intentionally this year.
The goal of this process is to uncover patterns and themes in what I’m gravitating towards. This year, that means a color palette anchored in camel, cream, navy, and black; plus boxy tees, oversized button-downs, tailored trousers, and classic sweaters.
Define your style in three words
After curating my visual inspiration, I identify a few words that capture the essence of my style. These act as my north star when I’m building outfits. For 2025, my words are: refined, effortless, sporty. Every time I consider a new purchase, I’ll hold it up against these words to stay true to my vision (and avoid impulse buys that don’t align).
Shop your closet first
The next step? Shopping my own closet. I believe in slowly building a wardrobe over time that can evolve along with me, rather than starting from scratch each season. By identifying what I already own that reflects my vision, I can bring my mood board to life without feeling the need to constantly buy more. And when I do add something new, it’s with purpose.
My 35 Wardrobe Essentials
To illustrate the process (and provide some inspo if you’re into my style direction), here are the essential items I build my wardrobe around. Think of it as a capsule wardrobe of timeless, versatile staples—pieces that feel most me and save me from those "I have nothing to wear" moments.
Keep reading for:
A button-down I own in multiple colors
The most flattering jeans on the planet
My desert-island sneakers
My first-ever “investment piece” that I still love
What I wear to work out in almost daily
PANTS
Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans: These were the jeans that converted me to wide-legs. They’re super comfy but also really long, so I can wear them out to dinner with a stacked boot and blazer.
RE/DONE 90s High Rise Loose Jeans: Vintage-inspired with a modern fit, these jeans are effortlessly cool and endlessly versatile. I wear them most often with a sneaker and sweatshirt.
Khaite Danielle Jean: As discussed here, these are an investment piece and by far the most expensive jeans I’ve ever purchased. That said, the incredibly flattering high-rise and structured denim make these luxurious enough to be worth it.
Aritzia The Effortless Pant: I have these in three colors, and they’ve become what I reach for when I need to look put together with minimal effort.
Spanx Ponte Flare Pant: I bought these very randomly and they ended up being the most flattering pants I own. They’re really supportive and make your legs look a mile long, which is why they’ve become my go-to date night look.
SHORT-SLEEVE TOPS
Quince Linen Camp Shirt: This lightweight top has a timelessness that channels “summer in Italy” vibes.
Nation Boxy Crop Tee: A structured but relaxed crop that pairs perfectly with high-waisted pants.
Target Short Sleeve Boyfriend T-Shirt: My friend Kelti turned me onto this sleeper hit from Target, and I ended up grabbing one in every color.
Aritzia Little Ribbed T-Shirt: Soft, sculpting, and flattering, this tee is an everyday essential (that Phoebe always steals from my closet.)
LONG-SLEEVE TOPS
Sezane Max Shirt: This is my official uniform. The crisp white button-down was my gateway drug that soon led to the blue ecru striped… and then the denim. Which do I need next?
Haven Well Within Shaker Stitch Cardigan: Cozy, textured, and made for weekend lounging or WFH days.
Sezane Trudy Jumper: I love a striped sweater, and this is a classic version with total French girl vibes.
OUTERWEAR
Sezane Christie Jacket: A structured, soft blazer that instantly elevates a white t-shirt. I ordered a size up for a boxy oversized fit.
Aritzia The Super Puff Shorty: If you’re thinking of splurging on a Canada Goose puffer, stop and get this $235 version instead. Everything from the length to the material is absolute perfection.
Sezane Scott Trench Coat: I’ve worn this timeless trench for years—it’s the quickest way to pull together any outfit, from dresses to sweats.
Cuyana Wool Cashmere Sweater Coat: A wool coat is the best investment piece, and this one is luxuriously soft for a sophisticated layer. I just took it to Paris and it worked for every occasion.
ACTIVEWEAR
Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging: Sculpting and so supportive, these leggings move seamlessly from workout to errands.
Form Scoop Bra: This is my go-to sports bra with the perfect mix of support and comfort. I have it in 3 colors and wear it daily for morning workouts. I love Form’s leggings, too.
Varley Catherine Half-Zip: I always go for the preppy vibes of a half-zip pullover, and this one is butter-soft and the perfect length.
Daily Drills Unisex Oversized Crew: The coziest sweats hands-down; this is my uniform for lounging and weekend errands. There’s something about the cut and material that never looks sloppy, despite the oversized fit.
SHOES
Common Projects Original Achilles Low Sneaker: I love these sneakers so much, I’m on my third pair (and they were the #1 shopped item from this newsletter last year!). They’re the perfect minimalist sneaker that makes any outfit look sporty-chic.
Adidas OG Sambas: I wore these all over Paris last month, and the black stripe added just the right amount of vintage sport to every outfit. Most importantly, they’re insanely comfortable.
Madewell The Ardin Ankle Boot: These are sleek, with a not-too-high heel so I can actually walk around them all day pain-free.
Sezane Fausta Clogs: I’m not really a heels girl, so when the occasion calls for it, this platform clog feels elevated without trying too hard.
New Balance 327 Sneakers: My go-to workout sneaker, these are basically perfect. I love the platform sole that adds support and makes my legs look a few inches longer.
ACCESSORIES
Los Angeles Baseball Cap: This cap is the perfect shape for my head, and I throw it on whenever I need to get out the door fast. I love the sporty touch it adds to a white button-down and jeans.
Celine Cat Eye Sunglasses: When it comes to splurges I’m all about cost-per-wear, and what gets more wear than our sunglasses? These are the class, oversized shape I love.
Quince Barcelona Sunglasses: That said, if you tend to lose your sunnies as frequently as I do, these are an amazingly affordable alternative that looks and feels luxurious.
Sezane Romie Hoops: These sculptural hoops add a minimalist touch to both casual and elevated outfits. I wear mine literally every day.
Sezane Taylor Belt: I have this truly classic, high-quality belt in both black and brown. It’s an easy way to add structure and polish to jeans, trousers, and even linen shorts.
BAGS
Celine Luggage Tote: This was my first (and one of my only) true investment pieces, and it’s probably my most treasured wardrobe possession. I love it as much now as I did when I got it a decade ago—it’s truly stood the test of time! I’m linking to some well-priced used Celines which is both smart and sustainable.
Sezane Farrow Raphia Bucket Bag: Every wardrobe needs a classic “basket” bag for warm-weather months. I have a few because I’m obsessed, but this is my favorite.
Clare V Midi Sac: This chic crossbody is compact and incredibly versatile. It’s surprising how much it holds considering its size. I have it in both tan and forest green, and wear it constantly.
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Share your own recos! Tell me in the comments about a wardrobe essential that you love and wear all the time.
Hi! I really love your bag on the 3rd pictures (airport style) could you tell me more about it? So i can find it? Thank you
Claire
Love this list! What's the sizing like for the Sezane Max Shirt? Have read reviews that scared me away - help!