Obviously if this was a year-round essentials post I’d include a few heavy sweaters and coats, but figured we’re all over the cold weather right now anyway. If y’all like this post, I’ll be sure to do another one of these in the fall to share coats, sweaters, boots etc! Comment on this post and let me know what you think… enjoy!
#1 – A NEUTRAL TRENCH
If you’ve been following me awhile, you’ll know I have quite the collection of trench coats – it’s one of my favorite toppers! I love how they instantly add polish to any outfit. The ones I wear most are in soft neutral hues like beige/tan. It’s just the most versatile color! I wear a more relaxed drape-neck style most often, but I also love a classic double-breasted trench. You really can’t go wrong!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #2 – A JEAN JACKET
Jean jackets, like jeans themselves, go with everything. I’ve found jean jackets to be the ultimate travel topper, especially in the spring/summer months! They look great over feminine dresses and edgy tee + jean combos alike. I prefer more slouchy, oversized styles to the more tailored and preppy looks myself.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #3 – A UTILITY JACKET
A green utility jacket is also super versatile. It’s actually surprising how much these jackets go with in my closet!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #4 – A LEATHER JACKET
If you live somewhere more chilly, a leather jacket is going to be your best friend! When I was living in London, I wore my leather jacket nearly every day over everything from floral dresses to distressed skinny jeans. They’re so useful and great for travel!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #5 – A LIGHTWEIGHT NEUTRAL SWEATER
While it’s too hot in Texas to wear any kind of sweater in the summer, I always bring a couple when I travel. I tend to get chilly at night in places like San Diego, Carmel, so it’s nice to have one on hand to style with white denim. You can then wear them into fall with darker jeans, jackets and more!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #6 – A STRIPED T-SHIRT
I’m not against prints, but I find stripes to be the one print that can stand the test of time! Highly recommend finding a style with 3/4 sleeves to mix it up from your short-sleeved tees.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #7 – A WHITE BUTTON-DOWN
If you work in an office, you may want to go with cotton poplin. If you don’t, I’d suggest a linen style for spring/summer! It’s more relaxed. Either way, a button-down shirt is a timeless wardrobe staple!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #8 – A CREWNECK TEE
I have a variety of t-shirt styles, but the ones I use most are a black crewneck and a white v-neck! If you don’t wear as much black, get a crewneck in white, grey, or another solid neutral!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #9 – A V-NECK TEE
I love a white linen V-neck tee for summertime, but if you’re looking for year round wearability, get cotton!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #10 – A BLACK CAMI
A black cami is a date night essential! I love wearing them with leather jackets, trenches, blazers and the like. When the weather is super hot, style it solo with a pretty skirt! I prefer one with a lace trim to differentiate it from my more casual tee styles, but I’m including all kinds of styles here!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #11 – A WHITE CAMI
Also including a white cami here, because I truly wear both colors SO much year round!! I style them under all kinds of jackets and wear them with skirts and jeans alike. One of my go-to daytime looks is a trench, white lace-trim cami and skinny jeans.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #12 – WHITE SKINNY JEANS
I wear white jeans the most during summer, for obvious reasons. They’re a great alternative to blue and naturally go with literally everything.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #13 – BLUE SKINNY JEANS
These are obviously a year-round essential in my book! A classic blue skinny jean goes with everything and can be worn with literally any kind of shoe.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #14 – BLACK SKINNY JEANS
While blue and white jeans are usually front and center during spring summer, I do find myself wearing black jeans year round!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #15 – A SHIRTDRESS
While this may not be an essential for everyone, I LOVE a shirtdress! Specifically of the belted, midi dress variety. A sleeveless look may be the most useful as you can style them easily under all kinds of jackets! Wear them to work, dress them down for brunch, dress them up for dinner, wear ’em on vacation… you name it! I prefer white, as I find it the most versatile spring/summer color. Wear it into early fall with earthy colors like the green utility jacket and cognac accessories!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #16 – A LITTLE BLACK DRESS
We all know a LBD is the most classic of wardrobe staples! While I say LBD, these days I prefer midi dress lengths, so that’s what I’ve included here. But if you’re short or prefer something above the knee, just find something that can be styled easily day or night! A dress like the one shown is a great day-to-night silhouette. Wear it with flat sandals or espadrilles during the day, and swap for heels and a clutch at night!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #17 – A LITTLE WHITE DRESS
A little white dress (in addition to the LBD), is an essential in my wardrobe. Again, you’ll want to find a style that can do double duty as a day dress and a night dress. The dress shown in the collage is one I own, and it looks darling with flat sandals and heels alike! It’s a completely different silhouette and length than the black option, which gives me some variety to work with.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #18 – A LARGE TOTE
A flexible, roomy tote is obviously a must-have for everyday wear and travel! I would recommend getting a neutral color like black, nude, or tan that you think you’d wear a lot.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #19 – A SHOULDER BAG
If you can, I’d invest a little more in a shoulder bag than I would the tote. The tote is more likely to get beat up with everyday wear and travel, while the shoulder bag is going to be a more elegant piece you will want to style from day to night. I did the pricing a bit differently in this section! For the low, everything is under $100. For medium, I included bags from $100-$300, and for high it’s all bags above $300!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #20 – NEUTRAL FLATS
Again, a lot of people may opt for mules instead of ballet flats these days, but I find ballet flats to be utterly sophisticated and timeless. They’re also more appropriate for year-round wear as they aren’t backless. I’d opt for a versatile neutral like gold or beige! I have a pair of gold Chanel flats that I’ve had since 2014 that I am obsessed with. I wear them so often I have had to get them resoled 3-4 times! Gold is such a great year-round neutral! Black is also a great color choice, especially if you work in an office and wear slacks a lot. Below is a great roundup to choose from, regardless of whether you’re in the mule or ballet flat camp!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #21 – FLAT SANDALS
If you can, I’d get a pair of flat sandals in black, gold and also beige/tan so you have a variety of options! Slides are what’s currently popular, but if you’re looking for a good travel sandal I’d stick with something more sturdy that will stay on your feet – look for things with ankle straps, lace-up looks, etc! If your feet get wet, slide sandal styles will slip right off your feet!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #22 – NUDE PUMPS
Nude pointy toe pumps are my go-to for church, events and dinner/nights out during the spring and summer months! Depending on what I’m wearing, I may opt for a nude heeled sandal instead (see below!), but when wearing jeans, skirts or more sophisticated dresses, pumps are always it!
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #23 – BLACK PUMPS
I put both nude and black pumps here, because I find I wear one more than the other depending on the time of year. Black I wear mostly in the fall/winter season! If I do wear black shoes in the summer, it’s usually in the form of a flat sandal.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #24 – HEELED SANDALS
My very favorite pair of heels is a nude block-heel pair of sandals by Givenchy from a few years ago. They are my go-to for spring, summer and early fall wear – they go with everything! While I also love stilettos, the block heel is more comfortable and wearable. You can wear them outside/on grass (great for spring/summer weddings and travel!), and they don’t feel too dressy like a stiletto might. They’re a good day-to-night option – not saying I’d wear them all day, but they’d be appropriate for a nice lunch/shower, as well as a night out.
low Turn on your JavaScript to view content medium Turn on your JavaScript to view content high Turn on your JavaScript to view content #25 – SNEAKERS
Sneakers are another comfy, casual wardrobe staple we should all own! Whether you love a preppy look like Superga or a more edge look like Golden Goose, there area ton of cute, comfortable options out there. Again, I would choose a sneaker with a neutral color scheme. The ones I wear most are white with gold and grey accents, or white with black accents!
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