We’ve been working on expanding our wardrobes: giving in to fewer trends, buying up basics, and shopping for pieces that’ll last a lifetime. There’s a particular thrill we get when we can wear the same piece in multiple ways. Here are five core pieces, each style in four ways for Work, Weekend, Beach and Boardroom. Use this guide as inspiration for buying fewer, better pieces that get more mileage.
1. A White Button Up
The lynch pin of any woman’s wardrobe. It’s a background base layer for so many ways of dressing it’s also the hero when paired with simple jeans for a walk in the city.
Work
Weekend
Beach
Boardroom
2. A Pair of Dark Denim Jeans
Understated and classic, this is a major player in your closet. Dark denim jeans can dress up for work with a heel and a structured jacket as seen below or stroll the boardwalk with signature sunnies and a crop top.
Work
Weekend
Beach
Boardroom
3. A Mule Style Sandal
An upscale slide or mule is one of the chicest shoes out there. Like our other picks here, it does more than double duty. The key is to find a pair that is not overly trendy (like the Yeezy slides) but more toned down for multi-wears.
Work
Weekend
Beach
Boardroom
4. A Cable Knit Sweater
A classic for the ages! One of our editors has had hers for 30 years and it still looks fantastic and ages perfectly. The cable knit is made for the weekend, but with a few stealth accessories and layers (see below), it easily transitions to work and boardroom.
Work
Weekend
Beach
Boardroom
5. A Classic T-Shirt
The secret to this pick is to keep it crisp and fresh-out-of-the-pack-white. No graphics, no flourishes. it’s really one of the most advanced styling power move, just style around it (as we have below) and it will yield more looks than almost any item in your wardrobe.
