I have quite a few much-beloved pieces of clothing in my closet, but while they all bring me a lot of joy, they don’t necessarily form the backbone of my wardrobe. I could rhapsodize at length about my favourite pieces, but it might be more useful to talk about something slightly different: to wit, the most versatile items in my wardrobe. Even if your style is nothing like mine, you might find some inspiration from seeing the potential represented in these pieces.
Of course, this is still a subjective exercise – as anything fashion-related always is. Don’t take those “Ten Must-Have Items For Every Wardrobe” articles literally; there is no such thing. Clothing needs are never universal unless we are talking generalities like “pants” and “shoes”. And even “pants” are debatable (says the woman who wears skirts and dresses 80% of the time).
With that being said … here’s my list.
- Zara crop top/vest
I’ve had this top since 2018, I think, and it’s certainly one of my most worn clothing items. It can be worn as a top, as a vest, or as a general layering piece. The faux leather front panel give a bit of edge to outfits, often creating a nice juxtaposition with more luxe materials. It can be dressed up or down, and work with anything from glam to rock ‘n roll to witchy styles.
2. Kimchi Blue side zip ponte culottes
This is a bit more subjective a choice, because not everyone likes wide-leg cropped pants. As someone with an almost-petite length inseam, I find that cropped pants work best for me; a modest wide leg feels like a more current cut than the old cigarette style I used to wear. But regardless of silhouette, the key details here are (1) the side zipper, and (2) ponte knit material. The side zipper helps to streamline the fit, eliminating extra bulkiness around the waist, which in turn makes it possible to wear these pants under dresses or tunics, hence increasing their versatility (if that kind of layering is your jam). A thicker ponte material helps to give the pants some structure but also stretch – great for comfort.
3. Mesh turtleneck
This is probably most worn layering piece. It works so well for transitional weather, adding some extra coverage without bulk. It’s also great if your style skews a bit goth/dark romantic/witchy.
4. Topshop polka dot pinafore
Pinafore style dresses are inherently quite versatile because they can be worn alone or over any number of different tops – it’s like a new dress each time. I am very partial to this particular dress because I find the cut to be very flattering but also comfortable, and because the black-and-white geometric pattern is very easy to mix and match with both solid colours and other patterns – minimalist or maximalist, whatever your preference.
5. Re/Done tee
This is a cliché, but a good graphic t-shirt can be super versatile. You can dress it up with a pencil skirt, dress it down with jeans, and lots of other things in between. I love the retro vibes and colours of this Re/Done tee, but the choices here are endless. I do recommend picking a design with a colour palette that complements the rest of your wardrobe.
6. BCBG peplum belt
I find belts to be an easy way to change up the silhouette of an outfit, particularly anything involving dresses. I initially got this belt because of the shape (reads designer even though it isn’t) and was a bit hesitant about the colour. Turns out, the colour is a huge part of its appeal and versatility. Black is a common default “accessory” colour, but I’ve discovered that white can be equally versatile whether your colour palette is monochromatic or rainbow (like mine).
7. Cartonnier fur collar jacket
This piece is a little more niche, but in looking back over my outfits of the past 3-4 years, this jacket crops up again and again. It’s a moto-style jacket, but it’s slightly more unusual being a knit material (not leather) and having a faux fur collar. Again, it’s an item that has served me well as transitional outerwear in a variety of outfits, from preppy to boho to punk-lite.
8. J. Crew check vest
I love vests as “completer piece” in outfits. Vest are inherently versatile; you can wear them with pants, with skirts, and even with dresses. Of all my vests, this J. Crew is probably the most versatile. The neutral colour works well with a variety of other colours, while the subtle pattern adds visual interest without pulling too much attention to itself.
9. Gap striped sweater
Patterns are not for everyone, and stripes are certainly not my favourite type of pattern, but this particular sweater somehow manages to work for almost everyone. I’m pretty sure I’ve managed to “sell” this sweater to at least a dozen people in the last 3 or 4 years, which is definitely my most successful “influencer” achievement. It’s a colourful sweater but not so colourful that it overwhelms. I find that it works equally well with monochromatic outfits as with more colourful ones. And being a relatively lightweight knit, it can even be layered.
10. Poncho
This one came out of left field, so to speak — surprising me with its versatility. I had never paid much attention to ponchos in the past, but I bought this one because the colours attracted me. Turns out, it’s a great “3rd piece” to throw on whenever in doubt; it works with pants, skirts, dresses, you name it. I think the key is finding one that has a nice weight and drape to it, and a colour palette that complements the rest of your wardrobe. The warm tones of this one works well as a contrast to the cool colours in my wardrobe (green, blue) and complements the warm ones nicely.