I love that you tackle the infamous list and have figured out what your staples are. There are no universal staples that fits all of us. Even though some the items like a trench coat and a button up are staples for me, I don't own a white tee (and barely any tees at all) and really don't like a crew neck on me
I always find must-haves and wardrobe staples lists to be so misleading. Pinning down what we like/don’t like it so important to not keep buying the “wrong” items. Do you prefer a v-neck?
I loved reading this so much. You really nailed the experience of reading those must have lists! I too have tried and failed at making many of those items work. One piece I have tried unsuccessfully over the years that isn’t always in wish lists but always looks pretty good on other people is a denim shirt. No matter the wash or silhouette, they just don’t align with my style, even though I’m thinking of trying again for the umpteenth time. My like/don’t like list would look so similar to yours if I could ever articulate and nail down my thoughts as well as you have here… my clothing preferences can be so damn mercurial. Also: you have done some great thrifting through the years.
Love your 'Like/Don't Like' list! So valuable and handy when you are just about to fall for an unplanned purchase or even when you are just casually browsing through an online store (God forbid!) and your heart starts beating faster over an item that you in fact ...don't like.
I’ve been trying to make a note of the things I don’t like as I declutter items from my wardrobe, which also highlights the things that I do like to wear. It’s been really helpful!
I'm guilty of buying off the endless lists of “must-have” wardrobe staples that promise to create the perfect wardrobe, only to find that they don’t suit my personal style.
It seems that I cannot vote any more but I'm definitely voting for a post where you take us through your wish list. I have a wish list too. Some items, like a pair of strappy and comfortable but still work appropriate sandals, have been their forever.
That was a great read, Gillian! 💕 I always read those lists and thought, “Who actually wears this stuff?” A trenchcoat? I have come around on white button-downs, as they are good for layering.
Haha, right?!? I think I might be too but I have something specific in mind when I think of the perfect white button down for me and I have yet to find it.
I have enjoyed whering app since 2023. It’s UK based but free compared to indyx. It’s been the best way to truly see what I wear, how often, and help come up with new outfits.
The app Stylebook also lets you have access to the stats without any extra costs. You have to pay to get the app, but I think it was around 5$ when I purchased it years ago. No it might not be as aesthecally pleasing as some of the others, but it does the job, and would be a way to see if it's something for you.
I too was an avid magazine lover and devoured many a 'must have' list that always had the same items on it and was never my 'must have' list. Trench coats are not my style and I just don't wear anything white as I prefer dark colours, I prefer black jeans to blue jeans and my little black dress is more likely to be a maxi. Come to think of it, I can't remember anyone wearing a trenchcoat where I lived but each season they featured on the 'must have' list. Everyone probably had them sitting at home in their wardrobes (or car boots he,he)! I think the lists work if you take away all the descriptors, e.g. coat, tee, sweater, jeans etc is workable. As you say a great starting point but you need to inject your own personality and prefered styles of these items. For me, a winter weather list is dark coloured tee, sweater and cardigan, patterned blouse, black relaxed jeans, dark coloured relaxed pants, patterned maxi dress, pointed toe flats, flat leather boots, cardigan coat and sneakers.
Fun read, and thanks for the inspiration to make my own list of wardrobe staples. I’ve been on Indyx for about a week now (heavily influenced by style people here on Substack) and I’ve found that I really like seeing my outfits on a calendar—I didn’t know what I didn’t know!
My wardrobe staples are clearly informed by my climate. I live in the US Southwest, so it makes sense that, of the 4 bottoms I selected, 3 are linen and 1 is lightweight cotton. I’m also proud to declare myself a T-shirt Girl™️ : I wear a T practically every day, so any wardrobe of mine needs to have a white T, a striped T, and a “personality” T (weird that I went that route instead of saying “graphic T” 🤷♀️). A printed wrap dress, a cashmere sweater, and a wool cardigan round out my list of staples. I made a little collection on Indyx for them ☺️
Sounds like a perfect selection of wardrobe staples! And please spill on your favorite t-shirt brands - I love the simplicity of a t-shirt and jeans but it's definitely an area that I'm lacking in.
Oh, it’s so personal I think! Dependent on how you like them to fit and to drape, how sheer or opaque, full length or slightly cropped… In the past, pre-baby, I liked Uniqlo T’s, both the heavier cotton ones and the thinner ones (Everlane makes a similar, boxier version). But now I like something with slightly less structure, like the Ayr Sno Cone T. And I thrifted a T by Walmart’s sub-brand Free Assembly and later acquired a second because I like the drape a lot.
I’ve looked at the Everlane boxy tee in the past so I’m glad to see that show up in your recs. And oddly enough, I have the Ayr Practice tee in dime knit on my current wishlist. I think I just need to stop trying to find the best one and try some 😅
I am a jeans and T-shirt girl. I love the “third piece” jacket or cardigan, but I run hot and live in a very mild climate. I try to use earrings and bracelets to add interest.
I got a pair of American Eagle barrel jeans this year and I love them. They fit perfectly (I sized down one size). I usually have a big gap in the waist, but I could wear these easily without a belt. Maybe their other styles fit well too?
Jeans are one area where I feel like I'm lacking and I'd like to explore this more. I remember loving American Eagle jeans once upon a time but it's been years since I tried them.
Love your staples, and how they work for YOU! Thanks also for highlighting my pet peeve, the ubiquitous trench coat in all these lists!
My staples are a boxy top- high neck cashmere in winter or sleeveless round-neck linen in summer - and a slight crop with a little volume on the bottom, always with a lug sole on my feet.
I loved your article ! I bought a tan trench and camel coat and cream sweater because they were supposedly “must haves” for women; and they made me look absolutely ill 😣. I’ve learned my lesson (mostly ;)
Must haves for me are: navy instead of black, blue and white striped button downs, denim on denim, navy blazer, white tee:-)
Thanks for sharing your staples, Rebecca! You really can't beat a good blue and white striped button down can you?? Definitely one of my summer wardrobe staples!
Check out Sezane’s site for a trench. I’ve been on the fence about getting one myself and not sure if I’d actually wear it. But their trenches are lovely and they offer a variety of colors and looks.
Thanks for the recommendation, Bean. I'll have a look! My dream one would be The Studio Nicholson Holin Trench coat - single breasted, no belts, great silhouette but I'd have to find it on a steep sale 😅
I love that you tackle the infamous list and have figured out what your staples are. There are no universal staples that fits all of us. Even though some the items like a trench coat and a button up are staples for me, I don't own a white tee (and barely any tees at all) and really don't like a crew neck on me
I always find must-haves and wardrobe staples lists to be so misleading. Pinning down what we like/don’t like it so important to not keep buying the “wrong” items. Do you prefer a v-neck?
I definitely prefer a v-neck or turtle neck. Sometimes boat necks. But crew necks just feels too closed on me, though I liked them on others.
And I love the "security" of a crew neck and a mockneck over a turtleneck - it's a good thing there are so many different necklines 😅
I loved reading this so much. You really nailed the experience of reading those must have lists! I too have tried and failed at making many of those items work. One piece I have tried unsuccessfully over the years that isn’t always in wish lists but always looks pretty good on other people is a denim shirt. No matter the wash or silhouette, they just don’t align with my style, even though I’m thinking of trying again for the umpteenth time. My like/don’t like list would look so similar to yours if I could ever articulate and nail down my thoughts as well as you have here… my clothing preferences can be so damn mercurial. Also: you have done some great thrifting through the years.
Love your 'Like/Don't Like' list! So valuable and handy when you are just about to fall for an unplanned purchase or even when you are just casually browsing through an online store (God forbid!) and your heart starts beating faster over an item that you in fact ...don't like.
I’ve been trying to make a note of the things I don’t like as I declutter items from my wardrobe, which also highlights the things that I do like to wear. It’s been really helpful!
Yes! Definitely a great approach 🙌🏻☺️
I'm guilty of buying off the endless lists of “must-have” wardrobe staples that promise to create the perfect wardrobe, only to find that they don’t suit my personal style.
It seems that I cannot vote any more but I'm definitely voting for a post where you take us through your wish list. I have a wish list too. Some items, like a pair of strappy and comfortable but still work appropriate sandals, have been their forever.
Well at least we now know that they don’t work for us 😅 I must have forgotten to set it past the default, but your vote is noted!! Thanks Ewelina!
That was a great read, Gillian! 💕 I always read those lists and thought, “Who actually wears this stuff?” A trenchcoat? I have come around on white button-downs, as they are good for layering.
Haha, right?!? I think I might be too but I have something specific in mind when I think of the perfect white button down for me and I have yet to find it.
I have enjoyed whering app since 2023. It’s UK based but free compared to indyx. It’s been the best way to truly see what I wear, how often, and help come up with new outfits.
Thanks for sharing! I definitely don’t like how you have to pay $10 a month for stats.
The app Stylebook also lets you have access to the stats without any extra costs. You have to pay to get the app, but I think it was around 5$ when I purchased it years ago. No it might not be as aesthecally pleasing as some of the others, but it does the job, and would be a way to see if it's something for you.
Agreed. I’m sure there are some true differences for that payment. But whering works so well for the no cost, for me.
I too was an avid magazine lover and devoured many a 'must have' list that always had the same items on it and was never my 'must have' list. Trench coats are not my style and I just don't wear anything white as I prefer dark colours, I prefer black jeans to blue jeans and my little black dress is more likely to be a maxi. Come to think of it, I can't remember anyone wearing a trenchcoat where I lived but each season they featured on the 'must have' list. Everyone probably had them sitting at home in their wardrobes (or car boots he,he)! I think the lists work if you take away all the descriptors, e.g. coat, tee, sweater, jeans etc is workable. As you say a great starting point but you need to inject your own personality and prefered styles of these items. For me, a winter weather list is dark coloured tee, sweater and cardigan, patterned blouse, black relaxed jeans, dark coloured relaxed pants, patterned maxi dress, pointed toe flats, flat leather boots, cardigan coat and sneakers.
It sounds like we have very similar tastes in clothes, Rach! And your wardrobe staples make up the perfect little capsule wardrobe too!
I also should have added an olive green utility jacket and a jumpsuit to my must have list!
Fun read, and thanks for the inspiration to make my own list of wardrobe staples. I’ve been on Indyx for about a week now (heavily influenced by style people here on Substack) and I’ve found that I really like seeing my outfits on a calendar—I didn’t know what I didn’t know!
My wardrobe staples are clearly informed by my climate. I live in the US Southwest, so it makes sense that, of the 4 bottoms I selected, 3 are linen and 1 is lightweight cotton. I’m also proud to declare myself a T-shirt Girl™️ : I wear a T practically every day, so any wardrobe of mine needs to have a white T, a striped T, and a “personality” T (weird that I went that route instead of saying “graphic T” 🤷♀️). A printed wrap dress, a cashmere sweater, and a wool cardigan round out my list of staples. I made a little collection on Indyx for them ☺️
Sounds like a perfect selection of wardrobe staples! And please spill on your favorite t-shirt brands - I love the simplicity of a t-shirt and jeans but it's definitely an area that I'm lacking in.
Oh, it’s so personal I think! Dependent on how you like them to fit and to drape, how sheer or opaque, full length or slightly cropped… In the past, pre-baby, I liked Uniqlo T’s, both the heavier cotton ones and the thinner ones (Everlane makes a similar, boxier version). But now I like something with slightly less structure, like the Ayr Sno Cone T. And I thrifted a T by Walmart’s sub-brand Free Assembly and later acquired a second because I like the drape a lot.
I’ve looked at the Everlane boxy tee in the past so I’m glad to see that show up in your recs. And oddly enough, I have the Ayr Practice tee in dime knit on my current wishlist. I think I just need to stop trying to find the best one and try some 😅
Don't forget "a sharp blazer" to add that list! Still unsure what they meant by sharp, but boy did I try back in the days.
Omg, YES! Forgot about that one!
I am a jeans and T-shirt girl. I love the “third piece” jacket or cardigan, but I run hot and live in a very mild climate. I try to use earrings and bracelets to add interest.
I got a pair of American Eagle barrel jeans this year and I love them. They fit perfectly (I sized down one size). I usually have a big gap in the waist, but I could wear these easily without a belt. Maybe their other styles fit well too?
Jeans are one area where I feel like I'm lacking and I'd like to explore this more. I remember loving American Eagle jeans once upon a time but it's been years since I tried them.
These are the first I’ve ever had. They’re my go-to right now.
Love your staples, and how they work for YOU! Thanks also for highlighting my pet peeve, the ubiquitous trench coat in all these lists!
My staples are a boxy top- high neck cashmere in winter or sleeveless round-neck linen in summer - and a slight crop with a little volume on the bottom, always with a lug sole on my feet.
Thanks, Louise! And why is the trench coat that they recommend always tan? Your staples sound perfect - love a lug sole!
I loved your article ! I bought a tan trench and camel coat and cream sweater because they were supposedly “must haves” for women; and they made me look absolutely ill 😣. I’ve learned my lesson (mostly ;)
Must haves for me are: navy instead of black, blue and white striped button downs, denim on denim, navy blazer, white tee:-)
Thanks for sharing your staples, Rebecca! You really can't beat a good blue and white striped button down can you?? Definitely one of my summer wardrobe staples!
Check out Sezane’s site for a trench. I’ve been on the fence about getting one myself and not sure if I’d actually wear it. But their trenches are lovely and they offer a variety of colors and looks.
Thanks for the recommendation, Bean. I'll have a look! My dream one would be The Studio Nicholson Holin Trench coat - single breasted, no belts, great silhouette but I'd have to find it on a steep sale 😅