On any particular day in theBazaarfashion closet, you’ll hear us mention “the good rack”—a unit that displays our selection of the finest basics we’ve ever discovered. The good rack serves as a center of consistency amidst the rush of runway samples being delivered and picked up. We rely on it whenever we need a wardrobe staple for a photoshoot, whether it’s a, an old-fashioned pair of, or the ideal smooth triangular bra.
We are proud of our selection of essential pieces in our closets as well. Many of our editors, including myself, prefer a uniform style, so you’ll frequently see us at the office wearing a perfectly tailored button-down shirt with classic dress pants, or a top-quality t-shirt paired with well-fitted jeans.
As autumn approaches, there’s no better moment to consider refreshing your collection of essential items. I always suggest beginning with universally flattering separates and investing in versatile styles that can be mixed and matched. Below, you’ll find a compact selection of the top basics that we’ve thoroughly tested across six important wardrobe categories.
Tops & Shirts
When it comes to tops, the most important factor is the fit. You might need to try several, but when you discover the ideal one, feel free to purchase multiple copies.
T-Shirts & Tank Tops
A white shirt is, naturally, the perfect basic item in any closet. It pairs well with everything and serves as an excellent layering piece during the. Khaite’s Mae t-shirt is a must-have piece. Crafted from exceptionally thick cotton with a sheer texture, it easily tucks into pants but also has enough structure to be worn alone over a skirt. Alternatively, consider Leset’s Margo, which sits perfectly at the waist, giving any outfit with mid-rise or high-waisted trousers a refined look.
Button-Down Shirts
A timeless button-up shirt paired with pants makes a simple and comfortable outfit for the office. Loose-fitting styles are just as suitable with pants and pencil skirts, and can also be worn open over a ribbed tank top. When it comes to poplin shirts, white, blue, and striped patterns are the most traditional choices. To add some variation during the week, consider a western denim style for a fresh twist on the classic oxford look.
Tops & Blouses
To build a versatile top collection, incorporate standout pieces such as a black blouse with puffed sleeves (ideal for an evening out) or a long-sleeved striped Breton top (which serves as a neutral essential). A blouse with a necktie detail is a timeless choice for the workplace; pair it with high-waisted jeans for a relaxed look or with slim-fit trousers for a more formal option at night.
Knitwear
are crucial for autumn and serve as the key element in nearly every winter outfit. When you discover one with a flattering shape, it can become your go-to piece for the season.
Sweater Staples
When looking for sweaters, the neckline is an important factor to keep in mind. The most traditional option, which provides the most versatility in styling, is the crewneck. During the fall, a slightly smaller crewneck makes an ideal layering piece to wear under jackets and blazers. As an alternative, you might layer a thick cotton crewneck over a thin turtleneck or shirt. To add some variety, consider wearing a loose-fitting turtleneck sweater or a polo-style sweater with a pencil skirt for work, or with leather pants for a casual weekend look.
Knitwear Layers
For the autumn season, knitted layers offer a more refined take on your go-to t-shirts, acting as essential base layers with extra warmth. Henleys and lightweight ribbed sweaters make excellent substitutes for regular dress shirts, complementing your favorite jeans or slacks and worn under a suede or leather jacket for a transition from day to night.
Cardigans are equally timeless and serve as an excellent layering item, ideal to wear with a coordinating knit top or a lace camisole, and paired with a skirt. Alternatively, for a versatile knit that works all year, consider a short-sleeved sweater.
Pants
Discovering the ideal pants can be an adventure, but options such as wide-leg trousers and traditional straight-leg jeans suit most people well. We’ve tested our top picks in the office to determine which ones are most suitable for women of all heights.
Trousers
The secret to a flawless pair of pants lies in the waist pleats; choose a double pleat for a more generous leg opening. (Pair it with a snug sweater to create a balanced look.) For a more casual yet well-structured appearance, go with a single pleat or no pleat, based on how sharp and straight you want your trousers to appear. If you’re someone who loves pants like I do, consider buying styles in various colors to vary your outfit. Black is the timeless choice, but white and beige offer equal versatility.
Denim
Jeans are always a smart choice, particularly during the fall season. The Levi’s 501 is a staple in any denim collection; it’s the perfect straight-leg jean and becomes more stylish with each use. For a more pants-like experience, opt for wide-leg jeans, which provide maximum comfort. It’s essential to invest in black jeans because they appear more refined than blue denim, making them an excellent substitute for trousers in the office and equally suitable for an evening out.
The Extra Staples
Fall is the time when we reach for our pants closet the most, and having different options to mix into your outfit rotation can make daily dressing feel less repetitive. A great pair of leather pants adds instant style to any sweater or shirt combination. For a stylish twist, a pair of beige canvas chinos is always a timeless choice and can easily be elevated with a pair ofand a black ribbed knit top. To emphasize your favorite, a kick flare short pant is a good option.
Dresses & Skirts
This concise selection of the most suitable dress and skirt styles will be useful for when you have a significant meeting or need to go to a more formal occasion.
Dresses
The top three essential dresses in a wardrobe are a day-to-night midi dress, a little black dress, and a shirt dress. Mid-length dresses pair well with boots during the fall and are versatile enough for office wear, yet stylish enough for post-work gatherings. A little black dress is always useful and can serve as a versatile piece that can be dressed up or downFor a more defined daytime appearance. A basic shirt dress offers numerous styling options, but one of our preferred choices is to wear it under a blazer. Alter the silhouette by tightening your waist with a belt or wrapping a sweater around your waist.
Skirts
For these, you really only need two styles: a pencil and an A-line shape. Maintain a sleek appearance with a Henley or a sweater, and for the most fashionable return-to-work style, combine it with kitten heels or ballet shoes.
Jackets & Coats
The best part about In the autumn, it’s enjoyable to revisit your favorite jackets. During the winter, your coat can define your entire outfit.
Blazers
Two main styles of blazers are the oversized and collarless versions. Blazers often have a formal appearance, but with an oversized fit, you can drape them over your shoulders at work or style them with a t-shirt and jeans for a more casual vibe. TheA collarless jacket has emerged as a viral favorite and a must-have in any closet. Its well-structured fit allows you to wear it alone, similar to a top; pair it with white pants or jeans for a fall look.
Jackets
Having a great jacket is incredibly rewarding; it’s an essential item for versatile styling. A timeless leather jacket offers a stylish option instead of a structured blazer, and similar to a blazer, it will appear equally appropriate in the office as well as during your daily travelhave traveled all over during the last few seasons, but Barbour is the pioneer; their waxed jacket is perfect for unpredictable autumn conditions. Alternatively, for a bolder look, opt for a high-end suede jacket or a relaxed denim trucker.
Coats
Living in a place like New York City makes having a versatile coat collection a top priority. A pea coat is among the most traditional options, adding a refined touch to professional daytime outfits. As the weather gets colder, a coat featuring an integrated scarf is ideal for winter months (thanks to Toteme, who first introduced this concept). A trench coat is a classic piece that can be worn for many years, so it’s wise to choose a high-quality one.
Underpinnings
The true key to any style is the foundation. Withcurrently popular, occasionally your favorite camisoles and slip dresses appear most flattering when worn alone.
Bras
To enhance your tops and dresses, it’s important to have several bra options in your wardrobe. After finding a bra that fits well and is the correct size, choose a style that matches your preferences and purchase multiple copies to alternate between them. Triangle bras and strapless styles are ideal for tops with a lower neckline or button-up shirts; for added support, opt for a balconette or a t-shirt bra.
Bodysuits, Slips, and Camisoles
Including items such as camisoles, bodysuits, and slips in your closet provides more choices for creating different looks. These foundational pieces make it easy to combine with pants, jeans, skirts, as well as tops, sweaters, and jackets. Camisoles with a lace edge add a stylish touch when worn under a white t-shirt, allowing the lace to show at the bottom. A slip dress is always useful for adding depth to a delicate outfit; for a seductive look on a fall evening, try wearing it alone with just a blazer.
Kit
Keeping a compact set of maintenance and care tools for your closet is the ideal method to maintain your go-to essentials. Whether you have a travel-sized Tide-to-Go pen in your bag during a work lunch or a small sewing kit at your office in case a button on your shirt becomes undone, these items will always be there for you. I prefer purchasing two-packs whenever possible, and I keep one near my desk at work.
