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I am a born and bred shopaholic.
My mom is, my grandma was, and I’d stake my life on my great-grandmother having been one as well. It’s programmed into my DNA. Some people frown upon hoarding clothes, but my wardrobe is stacked — especially since I learned to start buying staple pieces.
When women enter their 40s, there has to be an instinctive switch in our brains that tells us to start staple-buying — it’s the only way to explain it. Maybe it’s instinctual. I can only speak for myself, but I’m not club-hopping every Saturday and my weekends are more restful than socially-driven.
In my 20s, I’d go to the mall and buy an outfit to wear out one night and never wear it again. And I did that a lot. But with age comes wisdom, and I learned that spending $100 for 5 cheaper things I’ll wear once is wasteful. So, in my 30s, I started investing in my clothes, picking out pieces that were costlier, yet classic, and rarely go out of style.
And now, in my 40s, I’ve learned what constitutes a staple piece and why it’s important to have them in my collection.
Am I fully healed of impulse-buying to fill the void in my soul? Nope. I regress every now and then and give in to a trend. But, for the most part, my closet is filling up with items that I can wear forever — and we’re going to tell you what you need to buy to get there too!
What exactly is a staple piece? So many things make something a wardrobe staple, and it can vary from person-to-person.
Versatility
The simplest and most basic form of a wardrobe staple is a garment that can serve multiple purposes and go with several different looks. This is what makes something essential and not just a random piece.
Timelessness
A wardrobe staple is never controlled by trends — it’s timeless and forever stylish, no matter the year. Trends constantly come and go but an essential never goes out of style.
Durability
Clothes that stand the test of time are a staple — when they’re well constructed and durable, these pieces not only look classic, but they stay looking classic!
Denim Jacket:
The jean jacket has been around for decades and there’s a reason why — it goes with everything. Cute dress on a chilly evening? Throw on a denim jacket and you’re all set.
Plain Sweater:
Is there anything better than a cozy sweater? We think not — and a plain color means it can be paired with several different looks, from jeans to skirts, you cannot go wrong with this staple.
Midi Dress:
The midi dress is perfect for almost any day, whether it’s work or play. This classic hits below the knee and can be worn with a ton of other staples for a variety of looks.
Elevated Sportswear:
Elevated sportswear is a fairly new staple but is far from a trend. Working out is part of daily life and you can look fab while doing it in these stylish workout sets from Bandier, Alo Yoga, and Beyond Yoga!
Blazer:
A classic blazer is a wardrobe staple and the myriad of different styles and prints can give you lots of options! Whether you choose oversized, fitted, single or double-breasted, this essential piece looks great with a variety of looks.
Well-Fitting Trousers:
Trousers are fancy pants that look effortless and go with anything. From a classic white button-down to a sweater, well-fitting trousers are a must-have.
Straight Leg Denim:
A flattering pair of denim is key to having a great wardrobe. A good pair of jeans for women comes in a wide array of washes, shapes, and sizes, so find what works for your body and your style.
Black Ankle Boots:
What can we say about black ankle boots when they speak for themselves? They look great with everything — enough said.
A Great Belt:
A great belt is a staple accessory that adds a little something to any look and can be worn with trousers, dresses, and jeans.
White Sneakers:
A simple pair of white sneakers is another staple that has been in fashion forever. You can dress down a look by wearing plain white kicks and they go with almost everything!
Do you agree with our must-have recs for fashion over 40? Tell us in the comments!
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