Wardrobe Staples | Women
We asked 6 ladies and referenced a fashion and lifestyle blogger in NYC for the most go-to items in their wardrobes. Real women tell us among their lives as busy entrepreneurs, moms, city women, and fashion forward thinking individuals, what their go to items are and what they think every closet needs!
Below you will see recommendations by each of them followed by a master list of overlapped items and a recommended shopping list at the end of the post!
Dania Istaitie
Women’s Wear Associate Buyer @ Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdale’s + Ounass Middle East.
fashion forward, frequent traveler.
Uniqlo black, and white, round neck t-shirts - can style with everything and wrinkle free- great for traveling!
Levis 500 jeans in a light wash - good for winter and summer, can either dress up or dress down.
M2k Nike white trainers - perfect for traveling and super comfortable yet cool.
Joseph black knit sleeveless dress - worn with a black turtle neck underneath, or as is, in the cooler months.
Alexander Wang black belt bag - literally perfect for everything - can hold my passports but can also be good for a night out!
Helmut Lang black lightweight leather blazer - can wear both in the summer and winter, and is perfect for a night out or to pop on after a day of running errands. Similar
Weekday super wide leg black jean- can wear with a crop top or a t shirt. Very versatile!
Dr Martens black boot - can be worn in the winter or summer months giving the outfit an edge.
Lauren Williams
fitness trainer, model @ wilhelimina, cookbook CONTRIBUTOR @ ‘models do eat’ + entrepreneur @ chisel club.
fitness enthusiast, busy mama, entrepreneur, activist, and inbetween nyc + vancouver.
Tees - This boxing tee that is great for pairing with jeans and leggings and this this Koral double layer tee that is great for active streetwear!
Hoodie - P.E. Nation and Champion have great hoodies, both cropped and regular.
Leggings - Both these Alo leggings and Stella ones are staples, flattering and comfy!
Pants - These All Access wide leg pants are fun to dress up or dress down, but currently on my wish list. I have 3 of these Nike classics, black and grey. #uniform
Socks - great no show socks are hard to come by, and these New Balance ones are appreciated every workout you do! #facts
Kicks - AF1’s are a classic and you can customize them, this Adidas pair needs no explanation, classic white or a statement color option, Metcon for actual workouts, and these Puma one’s for a great summahhh option! many of Lauren’s recommendations overlap with our reccs here.
UnderThings - Love this Nike Sports Bra for Low Intensity, and this Nike one for High Intensity. I have this on my wishlist :)
Out and About - Great to have a statement dress and then a good maxi dress as well, that you can dress up or down. Have a go to skirt too! Lauren’s selections are no longer available, hence not linked.
Bags - This Sol and Selene backpack that is a swag bag that can do it all and fanny packs are forever #fire, love this one from Herschel also in black and this fun option from P.E. Nation.
Helena Glazer of Brooklyn Blonde
New Yorker, fashion blogger.
minimalist + neutral palette lover, mama.
The following is referenced from Helena’s Instagram post on what are the foundations of a wardrobe in her opinion. Photos also from @brooklynblonde1
White Button Downs - 1-2, one more causal, one more crisp. Frank + Eileen make a variety of options.
Leather Jacket - One that makes you feel cool and sexy. Love Mackage and All Saints!
Staple Tees - White v-neck and a striped tee.
Blue Jeans, Black Jeans - A pair of each that make you feel your best!
Boyfriend Blazer - aka goes past your booty. Cooler cut vs looking dated and mumsy.
Bodysuit - a good black one, and several other versions. Sleek with a pair of jeans and can easily be dressed up or down. The perfect base to an outfit and so many options out there.
Footwear: Black Pumps [personally prefer suede over leather], sleek black boot, and a cool pair of flats.
ARISTOS greatly respects Helena’s style + beauty recommendations for her honest opinions, great sense of style, personality, + desire to only talk about items she loves, has tried, + that fit well into her ‘balanced life’ between work, home, family, social, + travel. We have also referenced Helena’s popular make up removal technique on our ‘How To Remove Your Make Up’ article.
Farzana Khalfan
mom of 4, on-the-go, local community leader, hijabi.
fitness enthusiast, frequent traveler, loves a good day-to-night outfit!
Skinny ankle jeans - my usual go-to.
Boyfriend jeans - for the days that I feel a little blah or want a relaxed look
Sweaters + Pullovers - in winter this is the perfect thing to pair with jeans
Shirts and Cardigans in Spring - Perfect for layering on the go, and switching to a…
Blazer - at night. Great for turning a daytime look into a formal/evening look.
Comfortable pair of heels - to spice up any outfit I’m already wearing.
Palazzo Pants - perfect for causal or formal. Easy and breezy for summer!
A quick sneaker that’s easy to throw on and pair with outfits on the go
Go-to good pair of flats.
Viscose hijab from Culture and this neutral georgette piece from Haute Hijab
Carolyn Centeno
Founder of The We Age, ForbesWomen Writer.
go-to bold pieces to make you feel good, investment staples, doesn’t care much for brands or trends. Dresses according to weather and mood.
Statement Jewelry - bold earrings, necklaces
Bold Lipstick
Unique clothing pieces - one of a kind finds like colorful pants or dresses
Investing in a good jacket.
Investing in a good bag.
Investing in a good pair of heels.
Rain boots - that are both utilitarian, yet stylish, to make me feel great if in not so great weather!
Sumaiyah Akhtar
Fashion Designer, Founder of Vingt Quatre.
lives between dubai + NYC. Designed for internationally known contemporary wear brands, recently founded her own line of elevated essentials.
An oversized tailored coat to throw onto any outfit for a chic and cozy feel
Luxe shearling - for a colder day.
Tailored novelty jogger pant - for a versatile casual setting or dressing up for an evening.
Basic crew neck - in neutral colors for layering, or for balancing a novelty pant
A pair of well-fitted high waisted blue denim + black skinny jeans.
A fun / novelty pant with a fun detail.
A well tailored midi dress - can be worn during winter season with boots or with tie up sandals during summer.
A classic high waisted midi skirt.
A fun / pop colored pair of stilettos - add flare to a neutral toned, minimal look
A pair of clean white sneakers - love Common Projects, that are elevated enough to work for day and night
A burgundy bag - that elevates every look.
Zaynab Issa
freelance creative, content strategist + writer , student, city - suburbs commuter.
A keen eye for detail, interest in fashion trends + pairing classic go-to pieces with edgy details + accessories.
Nike AF1s - Sneakers are an absolute essential for me. Often my days start at 8 am & end closer to 9, so comfort when it comes to footwear is my number 1 priority; I swear by these for my long days.
Leather Jacket- This one by The Arrivals! Also like this one from Reformation as an alternate. Leather jackets are a classic option, but always love playing with silhouettes. This season, I’m on the hunt for a leather blazer! Functional and the perfect finishing touch to any look.
Carry All Bag - I’m physically incapable of going anywhere without my laptop so I’m constantly looking out for a large tote that can carry that + everything else I think I “need”. Recently invested in this Dior Oblique Tote [actually a mens piece]. I don’t regret it at all. 1. Its huge 2. Dior’s classic print = heart eyes 3. Thick straps that don’t leave indents in my shoulders!! The Celine option was another gorgeous contender, especially because of all the color ways. Both styles from Oak + Fort offer a great value! This Oak + Fort piece is a good back pack version or this simple but perfect sized tote.
Cropped Cardigan - As seasons transition and the weather fluctuates through the day, an easy cardigan I the perfect removable layering piece. A million and ten ways to wear this style and color.
Straight, Light, Denim - Relaxed fit straight leg jeans are a must. Comfortable and super versatile. Perfect to pair with a blazer or a basic oversized tee.
Accessories - Apple watch, Davek Mini Umbrella, Modern Picnic Luncher [can’t say much about this, because I never take lunch haha, but looks like a good option].
Master List of Wardrobe Essentials
Denim
Looser cut light blue denim, straight or boyfriend cut.
Skinny black pair.
Skirt/Dresses
Knitted dress, you can layer this for even colder days, or wear with great boots for fall/spring day or evening.
Flow-y maxi or midi dress, that is your go to for summer, and can layer with a denim jacket, leather jacket, or heels, but also wear with sneakers.
A go-to midi or maxi skirt. Silk, chiffon, flow-y, pleated, straight, up to personal preference.
Jackets
Greatly structured winter jacket.
Leather jacket
Long blazer
Tops
Basic tees, good structured ones, black and white.
White button down shirt.
Body suits for wearing inside blazers, jackets, with high-waisted jeans.
Neutral shade, good quality knitwear, sweatshirt and,
Big buttoned cardigan.
Shoes
Fashionable, streetwear sneakers.
Workout sneakers.
Go to pair of heels [classic pumps or a colorful pop of color heels, or both] and,
Everyday flats, and
Great boots, combat style, and/or regular leather option.
Accessories
Bold statement jewelry pieces according to personal preference. Depending on your style, and what you would wear the most - statement earrings, bracelet/cuff, necklace.
Bold lipstick and go-to neutral/nude shade lipstick.
Carryall bag, large tote, or fanny pack.
Worry-free socks, aka socks that will wear well.
Go to baubles, simple metal bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, for layering or simple everyday wear.
Bobby pins + Hair ties.
If you wear hijab, or like a nice head scarf options for windier days in summer or an extra layer during colder evenings, a good quality georgette and viscose scarf.
Athletic Gear
Great sports bra.
Well structured and supporting athletic leggings.
Quick dry, comfortable, athletic top.
Loungewear
Comfy sweats or wide leg comfy pants.
Hoodie
Underthings
Bralettes
Supporting, wire-free, bra for extra support, if needed.
Organic cotton, or breathable, panties.
SHOP athletic:
SHOP clothing essentials + Accessories:
