With new trends popping up on our Instagram feeds every day and hundreds of new styles being added to our favorite online sites each week, it can be so difficult to keep up with what is “in” and what is “out.” Us millennials always want to be wearing whatever is hot at the moment. But there are certain pieces that stand the test of time; pieces that are essentials in our closet. We need these basics to tie together our wardrobes and create great everyday looks. Let’s take a look at these must-haves.
1. A great pair of boyfriend jeans.
No wardrobe is complete without the perfect pair of jeans. This item is something that comes in all different styles, colors, cuts, etc. but I think the most versatile version is the plain blue “boyfriend jean.” The less rips and fringes the better; a great jean speaks for itself and details like that can go out of style at any moment. Also, the baggier fit makes them easy to wear with a wide range of tops and adds a cool, chill spin to the look. Pair boyfriend jeans with a graphic tee and Converse for class, with a flowy top and sandals for a day exploring NOLA, or even a bodysuit and booties for a night at the Boot. With winter wools or summer florals, this item is the perfect staple piece for every season.
2. Fun sneakers!
Sneakers can be worked into any outfit. Not only are they a comfortable and sensible every day shoe, but they also leave room for so many opportunities to add a pop to your everyday wardrobe. There are hundreds and hundreds of cool, casual sneakers out there; vintage athletic, high platform, metallic leather, patterned suede—the list goes on and on. It doesn’t even matter if you only have one great pair that you wear almost every day. They can look totally different when paired with a different outfit. For example, pair your sneaks with jean shorts and a T-shirt for a causal, everyday look or funky pants and a bomber jacket for a sporty, street style look or even a frilly dress or romper for a cutesy, preppy look. What I love most about this item is that you can truly reinvent them every time you wear them.
3. A kick-ass moto jacket.
Everyone needs a go-to piece in their closet that they know they can just throw on and immediately feel stylish and put together. A moto/bomber jacket is the perfect piece to do this. For years and years, women have been rocking the leather jacket look; it always creates an aura of fierceness, which is both empowering and FUN. For an item like this, which is something you may wear for a more special occasion like a birthday dinner or for traveling in an exciting place, I would recommend making your jacket “special.” For example, buy it in your favorite color. Even though a plain black jacket can be worn with anything, the item may lose its value to you over time if it doesn’t add anything special to your wardrobe. I have a pink leather moto jacket that is hands-down one of my favorite items in my closet. Even though it is so unique, I never feel weird about wearing it often because it really speaks to my individual style/personality and is something I know I will never get sick of.
4. A go-to flirty top.
Now we all know that as young, wild college students, one of our favorite occasions to get dressed up for is a night out. When Wednesday happy hour comes around, I know all of my friends and I are always scrambling through each other’s closets to put together the perfect look. For these kind of nights, it is vital to have those tops we can just quickly pull out and know they are going to work. Every girl should have a going out top that they feel FABULOUS in and that gives them that extra boost of confidence to take on the night. I don’t think there is necessarily a perfect style to choose for this item because everyone has different opinions on what they feel most comfortable in for when they want to be a little more revealing. For some, it might be the perfect black bodysuit or a cropped tube top or even a flowy tie top. It doesn’t even matter as long as you feel amazing in it and you know you can wear it with a variety of different looks.
For anyone struggling to put together looks or feeling overwhelmed by constantly changing trends, try and start with these four pieces and work from there. One of the keys to finding true style is starting with the basics and really rocking those pieces. Once your wardrobe has a solid foundation, it is easier to work in more out-of-the-box trends and items. Check out all of the sites in this article and start building your essentials!
COVER PHOTO: Sabrina Kogut
