Hear Me Out: 6 Closet Staples You'll Wear for the Next Decade

Every fashion person knows that closet staples are the foundation on which a forever wardrobe is created. The feeling of having a solid set of no-fail pieces that will always work is unmatched. As a fashion editor, I'm constantly surrounded by the most well-dressed people, and many of them rely on the same handful of essential staple items as a jumping-off point to craft chic outfits all year round. I've recently done a deep dive into top-tier retail websites and found some seriously amazing finds you'll want to wear for the next decade.

Since I deeply believe in sharing the love, I've decided to clue you in on must-have closet staples with this fashion editor's seal of approval. Ahead, see exactly what these pieces are and where to shop them. Whether you're building a wardrobe from scratch or looking to do a little refresh, the shopping selections ahead are sure to help you get dressed for years to come.

Blue Jeans

Woman wearing blue jeans.

(Image credit: @aishafarida)

While cuts and washes can vary greatly, there's no denying the strong hold jeans have in fashion culture. If you're unsure of what to get, a straight-leg cut in a medium-blue wash can be great for almost any situation. I love to don a wide-leg pair when I'm trying to dress up a denim look.

Gray Sweater

Influencer wears gray sweater and black miniskirt.

(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Whether you're dressing up for a night out with your besties or a casual day of running errands around the city, a simple gray sweater can make all the difference. It's the type of item you can wear year-round. In the warmer months, trading in a chunkier knit for something lightweight will do just fine with tackling the ocean breeze or mild springtime chill. When the temperature dips, you won't regret having this versatile layering piece.

Button-Down Shirt

Woman wearing a white button-down shirt open over a white tank top.

(Image credit: @dominiqueedangelo)

Endless possibilities exist with a few great button-down shirts in your wardrobe. At the most basic level, I recommend starting with a slightly oversize white or blue-striped cotton option that's great year-round. As you build out your shirt collection, add a linen style for hot weather and a heavy-duty shirt for cold temperatures.

Trousers

Woman wearing dark gray trousers with a light gray blazer and white blouse.

(Image credit: @louisahatt)

A pair of trousers has always been a go-to for professional attire for good reason, but it's also emerged as an everyday staple for almost any occasion. It's hard to look bad in a sleek pair of trousers. I'm partial to trousers with pleats and a wide leg, but feel free to try other varieties as you see fit. I'd change things by dressing them down with a pair of sneakers or occasionally trying them on with some flats.

Versatile Black Shoes

Woman sitting on a bench wearing Doc Marten loafers with dark jeans, a fur-trimmed coat, and a plaid scarf.

(Image credit: @the_oluwaseun)

While I love fun-colored shoes as much as the next person, every fashion person knows it's important to have a couple of versatile shoe options that can go with multiple looks. It's hard to go wrong with black, as it always lends itself to a refined look no matter how dressed up or casual the outfit is.

Trench Coat

Marina wears trench coat and a large handbag standing in front of a fountain.

(Image credit: @marina_torres)

The trench coat is considered a forever piece in a range of wardrobes. This classic has had many iterations over the years, but there's no mistaking its longevity in any closet. Whether you're into a longline style, something with a thicker lining, or even a double-breasted design, your trench coat will be worn for years to come.

Chichi Offor
Associate Shopping Editor

Chinazor "Chichi" Offor is a Georgia-born, Los Angeles–based associate editor who relocated from Brooklyn, New York, and joined Who What Wear's West Coast office in 2022. At WWW, she utilizes over 10 years of editorial experience to dish out shopping advice to the masses and analyze key pop-cultural moments. Chichi previously worked at Refinery29, where she helped revolutionize the brand’s plus-size and inclusive fashion coverage. In her spare time, she’s keeping up with the latest movie releases, enjoying a relaxing day at the spa, or obsessing over her latest ADHD-fueled hyperfixation (e.g., Jesse McCartney's underrated career, the negative effects of bicoastal intellectual elitism, and Gen Z’s loneliness epidemic). You can find her online @thechichio on Instagram.