While I've certainly made questionable fashion purchases this year (my green velvet flares immediately come to mind), my current mindset has been to buy smart. That means scaling back on things I don't need, items I don't instantly love, and pieces that are so fashion-y that they'll likely fade in a few months' time. Here's where my newly adopted cost-per-wear approach comes in: The more you wear it, the less the item theoretically costs over time leading to a bigger value. And a low cost per wear is precisely how I'm hoping my future wardrobe operates.
As I continue to build out my wardrobe for the season ahead, I'm looking for staples that don't require me to think—pieces I can simply slip it on and be confident that it works. Below, I've assembled all of the new clothing staples that fit this category. Classic with a hint of trendy, they're so versatile, they just make sense to add them now. Keep clicking below to see the full list.
My default outfit these days is a pair of tailored trousers and a simple tank top. I love how these feel summery in a light gray shade, yet practical enough to wear with everything.
Styling this vest with the above trousers is entirely optional, but it's truly a shortcut for a classic polished look. On casual days I can see myself wearing it with jeans.
I'm a firm believer in fitted knits—they make an outfit look sophisticated like nothing else can.
I'd usually consider a dress like this more of a superfluous purchase, but the muted color combo and simple silhouette add to its versatility.
It's true: maxi dresses really look incredible on everyone. A one-piece garment is the ultimate five-second outfit.
I'd wear this set til the wheels fall off. A few occasions I'm thinking of right now? Brunch, a garden party, an easy-going summer Friday, a Saturday yachting… the list goes on.
It's the year of the big shirt, so I'm majorly stocking up on the staple. Wear it open and unbuttoned as styled, or buttoned up with trousers, or as a cover-up on the beach.
It may be too warm for leather pants, but leather shorts are another story. It may seem too seasonal, but consider styling them with stockings or tall boots for the cooler season.
Summer is made for shirts like this.
Whenever I'm traveling, I love to throw in a classic skirt like this pair down the amount of stuff I take with me. Also, if you wear it more than once within a week, no one's looking.
The glowing reputation of this dress says everything. I can also style it with sneakers or heels, which means it basically pays for itself.
There's really nothing you can't wear these with, and that's exactly what I'm looking for when factoring in cost per wear.
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