The Wardrobe Essentials and Staples That Should Be in Your Closet in 2024

So here’s to raising the bar on stylish essentials this winter season (and beyond) and investing in the timeless, long-lasting pieces you’ll love for years to come. Below, shop a collection of closet must-haves from your friends at Vogue. Happy New Year! 

Feminine and masculine all at once, an oversized blazer is the definition of bona fide cool.

If you’re going to buy just one item from the many must-haves in this guide, make it the perfect plain white T-shirt. No further explanation necessary.

No wardrobe is complete without a pair of Levi’s. Whether you shop them new or vintage, a high-waist, straight-leg pair in an easy blue wash is certainly the wear-everywhere denim you’ll never get sick of. Agolde’s low-slung puddle jean is another heavy-hitter—wear with a pair of heels to dress up the style.

Sleek leather and elegant buckles are the must-have requirements for choosing an understated and stylish belt. Whether you loop it through trousers and jeans or over blazers, these belts come in handy for a quick cinch. Either one of the options below is a timeless choice you’ll return to over and over again.

For the ideal middle ground between workout attire and formal workwear, you’ll want a pair of black leggings that aren’t for working out. With zips, slits, flares, or stirrups, leggings with elevated details have improved the wearability of stretchy black pants. We’d argue they could even compete with a pair of trousers! Let these from Toteme and James Perse—two brands synonymous with wardrobe essentials—be the foundation for your favorite white T-shirts, blazers, trench coats, and more.

Every shoe collection needs a pair of lifestyle trainers, and these cool but classic options check all the boxes, from practicality to comfort to a vintage aesthetic. Opt for Loewe’s trendy trainer or Adidas’ celeb-approved style. 

Few things are better than a luxurious cashmere crewneck when it comes to knitwear. Wear it with everything, like jeans to the office or a sequin skirt. Classic sweaters such as these are truly year-round staples.

Cuyana’s Easy tote is a cherished classic among editors at Vogue. This durable carryall is one of those items that finds itself perfectly balanced between practical and chic. Meanwhile, Little Liffner’s structured leather tote is an ideal companion for both office days and the commutes in between or weekend getaways upstate.

Looking for the perfect layering essential to add in and out of any winter outfit formula? Long-sleeve tops from Buck Mason and Bite Studios have you covered. 

Before getting distracted by each season’s most stylish footwear trends, you’ll want to make sure you first have a great pair of all-year-round, goes-with-everything boots. One with a manageable-height heel, black leather construction, and a slim mid-calf silhouette is likely going to fit within your wardrobe no matter your sartorial preference.

This piece of Western-inspired fashion has become a casual-cool mainstay in our closets as of late. A relaxed or oversized fit denim shirt is perfect for a transitional wardrobe.

Elevated versions of basic items like tank tops and T-shirts have the power to transform your wardrobe. These ribbed tanks will channel the simplicity of the ’90s. For added polish with minimal effort, layer one under a blazer.

A relaxed-fit trouser makes almost any outfit look effortless; and for that tailored-to-perfection look, a pleated black or gray pair goes with absolutely everything.

Fashion’s favorite layering essential? An ultra-crisp striped button-up shirt. Style yours with a worn-in pair of jeans for the ultimate closet combination. Then, for added comfort, layer a slim-fit turtleneck underneath.

For winter, quietly luxurious loafers are a fashion-girl favorite. The Row’s heeled leather loafers are especially chic, while ATP Atelier’s option is true to the classics. 

As for coats, may we present an updated trench for your consideration? Burberry’s classic checked trench instantly elevates any outfit with its ever-so-slightly oversized silhouette. Meanwhile, The Frankie Shop’s cotton version is the easiest way to keep your in-between-seasons wardrobe looking fresh.

As stealthy as they are stylish, a pair of all-black sunglasses is the epitome of timeless chic. Saint Laurent’s retro black sunnies flatter any face shape, while Ray-Ban Wayfarers are a tried-and-true classic often seen at the Vogue office.

For casual coolness this winter, reach for a cargo pant from Citizens of Humanity or Re/Done. Style the staple with a plain white tee or button-up for continued understated elegance.

Ballet flats don’t have to be boring. In fact, small details go a long way when it comes to the flat shoe. Embellishments and other interesting details (think: mesh or a poppy shade) can take a pair of classic flats to the next level while still playing extremely well with the rest of your wardrobe.

Eyeing an investment piece? This season is the time to take the plunge. A high-quality leather jacket can last decades, improves with age, and makes any outfit look effortlessly cool. You can always count on Acne Studios for luxurious leather, while Loulou Studio’s cropped button-up offers a different style.

The nautical-inspired striped sweater is a favorite among a handful of our very own editors; perhaps it’s because La Ligne’s striped knits have been perfected by two former Vogue editors. Kules’s cream-and-navy version is another cozy choice.

A charming pendant necklace is unexpectedly flattering and feels substantive without overwhelming your neckline. Choose one with inherent meaning, or opt for whatever happens to catch your eye—such as these dainty gold nameplate necklaces.

While not necessarily considered a must-have, a wristwatch is the kind of investment piece that will resonate with your wardrobe no matter the decade.

This winter season, we’re nominating the suit vest as one of many wardrobe staples to invest in. Once a classic menswear garment, the best suit vests for women are reimagined in chic, flattering silhouettes that add a depth of formality to any outfit.

If there’s one denim trend we all agree will stick around for a long time, it’s the relaxed and/or baggy fit. Somewhere in between the boyfriend and wide-leg jeans, these are the cool, comfortable, wardrobe staples for effortless style in 2024 and beyond.

Thanks to Miu Miu’s FW23 collection, chic cardigans are the It items of fall and winter. Shop similarly sophisticated styles, courtesy of The Row and Nili Lotan.

Turtlenecks are prized pieces of layering; they’re warm, sophisticated, and stylish when worn on their own or underneath an outstanding outerwear offering. Thanks to its fair price, Uniqlo’s version (with a fine-rib feel) makes stocking up easy, because we’re sure you’ll want more than just one. A black turtleneck like this one from Wolford can be just as dressed up as it can be dressed down.

The search for the perfect earrings is over. These small jewelry items will make a big impact and are low-key enough for everyday wear but equally appropriate for, well, everything else.

On the fall 2023 runways, structured overcoats could not be ignored. Try the trend for yourself in The Frankie Shop’s classic black duster or Frame’s camel coat. 

One of 2023’s most popular items was the long denim skirt, thanks to brands like Khaite. Many editors adopted the look last spring, and we don’t see the momentum slowing down in 2024 either.

Statement red clothing is another top trend this winter. From dresses to overcoats, we’re especially loving these cozy, cherry red sweaters from &Daughter to Massimo Dutti. 

Leather midiskirts are a closet mainstay amongst the street style set. Shin-grazing styles from Proenza Schouler White Label and Reformation belong on your winter shopping list. 

Kitten heels are the fashion crowd’s favorite shoe for low-key polish. From catwalk to closet, discover Prada’s bow-embellished sling-backs or Aeyde’s little black style. 

Every woman needs a sophisticated day bag that fits not only her essentials but her style. These are just a few of our editors’ favorites.

As if dresses weren’t effortless enough, here are two that offer maximum style with minimal effort. We’re happy to report that midi-dresses are certified forever classics and can be seen around Vogue HQ; we’re pairing ours with kitten heels, jewelry, and the like.

Beloved for its toothy rubber sole, the lug-sole boot is ideal for navigating any inclement weather. And while it does have roots in functionality, that doesn’t mean lug-soles aren’t great for everyday wear or even special occasions, say with a printed day dress or knit midiskirt. 

Luxurious leather is a must-buy in any winter capsule wardrobe. Err on the edgier side with these prized pant picks from Agolde to Mother. 

In the colder months, few things are as comforting as cozying up in a yummy, chunky cashmere sweater. Treat yourself to sumptuous options from Khaite and Everlane. Pair any of these oversized silhouettes with a great jean and polished loafer for instant sartorial success.

Knit polos are a polished option to the otherwise classic crewneck. A cashmere polo is a chic and understated choice, whether it’s Leset’s oversized style or Everlane’s black button-up.

This season’s trendiest colorway? Chocolate brown, of course. But more importantly, we’re eyeing sleek suede bags in the autumnal hue. Choose The Row’s chic crossbody or Reformation’s slouchy style.

Wear it in your hair, around your neck, as a belt, top, or bag charm. Silk scarves like these can play many roles in a wardrobe, which is all the more reason to make sure you’ve got one.

Perhaps the most underrated wardrobe staple of all is the classic knit vest—like this grey one from Arch4 or Guest in Residence’s navy crewneck style. From the high street to the ultraluxe, designers are also leaning toward the sleeveless style. Throw on over your favorite white T-shirt or sleek button-up; this is a garment that has fully completed its happy transformation from geek to chic.

We dare you to think of a single occasion for which a slip dress isn’t appropriate—seriously, we’ll wait. Wear this ’90s-inspired staple with a plain white tee or a cozy sweater, or dress it up for one of the many weddings you’ll be attending in the new year.

Thanks to Miu Miu, miniskirts were the fashion item heard round the world in 2022. And while the above-the-knee silhouette isn’t for everyone, there are many options that feel polished—dare we say professional? (Perhaps in a fashion office.) Either way, we couldn’t leave out the miniskirt for  2024.

The season for party dressing lives long past New Year’s Eve—and Khaite’s off-the-shoulder satin LBD is fabulous as it is festive. Styling-wise, keep things sleek and pair it with a sheer tight and kitten heel. Consider Staud’s sequin minidress, another editor favorite, if you’re all for a heavy dose of sparkle.

Speaking of eveningwear, a clutch, pouch, or mini bag is another essential with endless mileage. You can’t go wrong with something that shines, be it for a date night, wedding ceremony, or black-tie event.

An elegant evening shoe deserves to be in your rotation. Embellished sling-backs or satin sandals look just as good with a gown as they do with jeans and a T-shirt—who can resist versatility? Plus, it makes the cost per wear not so bad after all.

While the leather blazer has become a staple in our tailoring repertoire, like the aforementioned structured blazer, a luxurious tuxedo-style jacket offers up a similar twist on the classics. Many of the spring 2023 collections showed tuxedo jackets, and whether styled with denim or trousers, it’s a sophisticated staple we can get behind.

On any given night, up your outfits ante with a sultry top. Try a refined version of the going-out top for yourself, courtesy of Anine Bing. Meanwhile, Reformation’s off-the-shoulder asymmetric top is elegant enough for any evening out. 

We’ll admit it, Skims’s undergarments have become an instant hit among our editors. They are genuinely comfortable, lay perfectly flat, and are offered in a wide range of sizes and colors. Three for the price of one, Commando’s thong set is the best way to maximize foundational wardrobe pieces.

Like a bralette but with more support, Cuup’s plunge bra is made of sheer power mesh that’s so comfortable you might forget you’re wearing anything at all. Meanwhile, Araks’s lace Tamara bralette is perfect for those peekaboo moments.

It’s important to have a nice sock that feels totally luxe without sacrificing function, and Comme Si’s and The Row’s do just that. Trust us when we say you’ll want to show these off with a loafer.