I Zoomed Out From My Closet—These Classic Items Will Fix My Wardrobe Holes

Woman taking a mirror selfie and wearing a trench coat, a white tee, and black pants.

(Image credit: @monikh)

My style leans toward that modern-classic side of the fashion spectrum. As a result, my wardrobe comprises many elevated basics with trendier picks reserved for a few accessories. On that note, I certainly have go-to uniforms that are comprised of those trusty basics. One of my signature looks features a black blazer, a white tee, and straight-leg jeans.

After a recent closet clean-out and a cross-reference with some of my absolute favorite saved looks on Instagram, I zoomed out from my wardrobe and concluded that there are a few classic items (those that are timeless at this point) that I don't have a ton of in my offering. Yes, these pieces are the key to creating the outfit ideas I'm coveting.

Below, you'll find a list of the classic items with a modern twist that will fix the current holes in my wardrobe and help me create my desired new looks. You'll also see the outfits inspiring me along with shopping recommendations.

Grey Sweater

A fashion woman in a grey sweater

(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

I used to live in black sweaters (and still do!), but I've been adding more grey sweaters in varying shades to my wardrobe recently. Whether it's a polo style or a cable-knit silhouette, the classic silhouette is always chic and feels elevated.

Shop grey sweaters:

White Jeans

A woman taking a mirror selfie and wearing white jeans and a white tee with a gray sweater tied on shoulder.

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

During my wardrobe clean-out, I noticed a gap in my denim offering. While I had one pair of white jeans, I didn't love the fit as much. I actually just added a straight-leg style from Madewell, and I can't get enough of them. They feel fresh for the season, and I love wearing them with a simple white tee or a black jacket, a tee, and loafers. So good.

Shop white jeans:

Pinstripe Blazer

Woman sitting and wearing a pinstripe blazer, jeans, and ballet flats.

(Image credit: @nnennaechem)

As I mentioned above, a blazer is one of my go-to staples. I think a pinstripe silhouette is a worthy addition because the style just exudes sophistication. I'd team a pinstripe blazer with jeans—even the white jeans!

Shop pinstripe blazers:

Denim Shirt

A woman sitting and wearing jeans, a denim shirt, and purple ballet flats.

(Image credit: @oliviafaeh)

I live for a good denim jacket, but a modern denim shirt seemed to be missing from my wardrobe. I'm particularly loving the below option from Banana Republic. Yes, I'd totally go for the denim-on-denim vibe.

Shop denim shirts:

Gold Chain Bracelet

A woman wearing a black dress and holding a black clutch.

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

I adore a bracelet stack, and I'm always on the hunt for a forever piece to incorporate into my collection. I actually don't have a simple yet gorgeous gold chain bracelet. It's next on my list. There's a stunning silhouette from David Yurman I've been eyeing because it's so dreamy and timeless.

Shop gold bracelets:

Barn Jacket

A woman wearing a barn jacket with a red shirt, black pants, and red sandals.

(Image credit: @monikh)

Barn jackets are having a major moment right now, but the style really is timeless. That ideal silhouette is one that will add an instantly chic spin to any ensemble.

Shop barn jackets:

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.