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The Wardrobe Essentials and Staples That Should Be in Your Closet in 2024 | Vogue
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# Mid-Summer Must-Haves: The Wardrobe Essentials We’re Wearing in 2024

August 2, 2024

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Photo: Hunter Abrams

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Fall—and its cooler temperatures—are on the horizon, which means there’s no time quite like the present to transition your closet into one more suitable for the dawn of a new season. While everyday wardrobe essentials, like crisp button-ups, great pairs of jeans, and notable yet lightweight knitwear, are the usual suspects in a late-summer uniform, our staples for the foreseeable future look slightly different. For fall 2024, we’re giving great white dresses, sleek suede blazers, fashion flats, and even raffia bags (which are no longer just a summer staple!) a front row seat.

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With that being said, we could never forgo those aforementioned closet classics all together, especially since the start of a new season is often synonymous with change, whether it’s to improve personal routines, set and manifest goals, or even make a sartorial vibe shift. (Maybe you’re rethinking how to approach your style, cleaning out your closet of unworn items of the past, or looking to update and elevate your collection of wardrobe essentials altogether.)

## Vogue’s Ultimate Wardrobe Essential Edit:

To help, the Vogue shopping team has gathered a robust list of our favorite, most versatile pieces we consider to be foundational for any closet. Pared back but never boring, these are the wardrobe essentials our editors find themselves turning to season after season, the mainstay items, and the pieces we’re loving for 2024. And while we’ll still welcome irresistible seasonal and trend-forward pieces like pairs of menswear-inspired boxer shorts and sleek denim midiskirts (it’s fashion we’re obsessed with, after all!), we know those need to live alongside a capsule of staples, because every wardrobe needs a yin-yang balance. That shiny new statement piece will dazzle even more when paired with, say, a polished trouser. And sometimes that item in question becomes a wardrobe essential itself.

Ahead is a well-curated edit that has helped craft the foundation of our wardrobes. It’s safe to say we’re wearing at least one, if not more, of the highlighted pieces daily. We’ve covered the classics ( white T-shirts, crewneck sweaters, oversized blazers, tailored trousers, chic sneakers) alongside those items that have more recently earned their spot as tried-and-trues—think minimalist strappy heeled sandals, barn jackets, and editor-approved, leopard-print dresses that transition from workwear to evening wear seamlessly.



So here’s to raising the bar on stylish wardrobe essentials this fall 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.

## The Great White Dress

Wearing white during the warmer months is a given, but we’d argue that a great white jean, or in this case, an easy breezy white dress for women have a style shelf-life long after summer. Should your style of choice be a crisp poplin or tailored shirtdress, its effortless sophistication is what makes it a fall staple fit for any scenario—from a casual weekend stroll to your nine-to-five.

Wardrobe.NYC

oversized cotton-poplin maxi shirtdress

Cos

open-back tiered midi dress

Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator, Vogue Runway

## The Go-To Denim

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.

Levi’s

501 original-fit jeans

Agolde

low-slung puddle jeans

## The Timeless Trench

As for coats, may we present an updated trench for your consideration? Khaite’s strong-shouldered trench instantly elevates any outfit with its slightly oversized silhouette. Meanwhile, Mango’s cotton version is the easiest way to keep your in-between-seasons wardrobe looking fresh.

Khaite

Roth belted long trench coat

Mango

double-button trench coat

Laia Garcia-Furtado, senior fashion news editor, Vogue Runway

## The Chic Sneaker

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 Dries Van Noten’s retro trainers or Adidas’ celeb-approved style.

Dries Van Noten

leather sneakers

Adidas

Samba OG shoes

## The Plain White Tee

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.

Hanes

Perfect short-sleeve T-shirt

Leset

Margo shirt

Lisa Aiken, executive fashion & beauty director, Vogue.com

## The Oversized Blazer

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

The Row

Phil oversized wool blazer

Cos

single-breasted linen blazer

## The Trouser-esque Leggings

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 Alo Yoga—two brands synonymous with wardrobe essentials—be the foundation for your favorite white T-shirts, blazers, trench coats, and more.

Toteme

Cork stretch-jersey leggings

Alo Yoga

high-waist airbrush leggings

## The White Poplin Skirt

First came the little white dress, and now, the easy, breezy white poplin skirt. Like the LWD, elegant cotton midi skirts were a fixture on the spring runways, spotted at The Row, Ulla Johnson, Marni, and Alexander McQueen to name a few. Styling-wise, the staple is the ultimate blank canvas, adding an element of effortlessness and bohemian charm to any outfit in mind.

Co

paneled midiskirt

Zara

box pleat midiskirt

## The Goes-With-Everything Belt

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.

Anderson’s

textured-leather belt

Déhanche

Hollyhock belt

Mai Morsch, editor

## The All-Purpose Knitwear

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.

Lisa Yang

Sony knitted cashmere sweater

Loulou Studio

Anzor cashmere sweater

## The Minimalist Handbag

This fall, chic city girls from all over are trading their trendy It bags in favor of quietly luxurious, minimalist styles from brands like The Row to Madewell. As temperatures begin to cool down, follow suit and stick to a solid foundation of wardrobe essentials, anchored by a timeless tote (or two!).

The Row

small N/S Park tote

Madewell

The Essential Curve Shoulder Bag

## The Wax Jacket

Last spring, we deemed barn jacket the official new bomber jacket, spotted on nearly everyone from the street style scene to the runways. And this fall, the new(ish) closet staple is back and better than ever with chic, waxy iterations from Loewe to Nili Lotan. Whichever you pick, trust that it’ll transition from the countryside to the city streets seamlessly.

Loewe

corduroy-trimmed jacket

Nili Lotan

Kedem waxed parka

## The Day Clutch

A chic clutch that can only be worn in the evening—eh, no thank you. But what about one that seamlessly crosses over into daytime elegance territory? Sign us up, ASAP. Not to mention that day clutches made their stamp on the spring 2024 runways with effortless ease. Choose the below from Loewe to Toteme.

Loewe

Flamenco leather shoulder bag

Toteme

T-Lock textured-leather clutch

## The Practical Carryall

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, Aesther Ekme’s structured leather tote is an ideal companion for both office days and the commutes in between or weekend getaways upstate.

Cuyana

Classic Easy tote

Aesther Ekme

Phantom bucket tote

Naomi Elizée, editor

## The All-Year-Round Knee Boot

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.

Proenza Schouler

Bronco leather knee boots

Khaite

Davis boots

## The Suede Jacket

All things suede were a huge hit on the fall 2024 runways—and contemporary brands like Staud and Massimo Dutti have taken note. Try the hot new trend, below.

Staud

Corrine suede jacket

Massimo Dutti

suede leather blazer

## The Boxer Short

Cool and crisp, the boxer shorts trend seems to get a reboot every few seasons. This fall, we’re sporting ours with everything from oversized button-up shirts to notable knitwear. Bonus points if you add in a luxe loafer and pair of white ankle socks.

Comme Si

La Boxer classica

Wardrobe.NYC

Beach cotton-blend shell shorts

## The Sleek Sandal

The summer sun hasn’t set yet, which means there’s still time to shop (and slip into) a new sleek black sandal. Even in the early fall, you can catch us wearing ours with everything from a great white jean to a floaty frock.

Loeffler Randall

Lara embellished leather sandals

A.Emery

Kinto leather thong sandals

## The Raffia Bag

A woven bag in the warm weather months is a wardrobe nonnegotiable. This season, however, the best raffia bags are not confined to the classic basket shape. From slouchy totes to minimal mini bags, there’s a style to suit every taste.

Loewe

basket bag

Mango

natural fiber shopper bag

## The Structured Suit Vest

Fall shopping tip? Invest in the suit vest, more specifically these longline styles from Veronica de Piante and Staud.

Veronica de Piante

Gia embroidered grosgrain-trimmed wool-twill vest

Staud

Una grain de poudre tank

Madeline Fass, senior fashion market editor

## The Tailored Trouser

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

St. Agni

adjustable pants

The Frankie Shop

Piper pleated crepe wide-leg pants

## The Ankle Boot

No fall capsule wardrobe is complete without a classic black ankle boot. Acne Studios’s pointed-toe pick is a Vogue editor-favorite, while Madewell’s Western-inspired boots are a certified steal for under $300.

Acne Studios

pointed-toe ankle boots

Madewell

The Idris ankle boots

## The Ribbed Tank

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.

Banana Republic

ribbed scoop-neck tank

Re/Done

x Hanes ribbed cotton-jersey tank

## The Long Short

Like your trusty 501s, a long denim short is just as essential in a transitional capsule wardrobe. This fall, Cos’s long-line, white jean shorts are topping our shopping list, while Posse’s pleated black pair go from day-to-night seamlessly.

Posse

Wesley shorts

Cos

long-line denim shorts

Willow Lindley, market and collaborations director

## The Fashion Flats

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 leopard-print) can take a pair of classic flats to the next level while still playing extremely well with the rest of your wardrobe.

Alaïa

mesh Mary Jane flats

Toteme

The Everyday leopard-print ballet flats

## The Striped Button-Up

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.

J.Crew

Étienne oversized shirt

Wales Bonner

Sisilia striped cotton-poplin shirt

## The Smoking Loafer

For fall, quietly luxurious loafers are a fashion-girl favorite. Weejun’s menswear-inspired loafers are especially chic, while Gucci’s horsebit option is true-to-the-classics.

G.H. Bass

Whitney easy weejuns

Gucci

horsebit-detailed leather loafers

Alexis Bennett Parker

## The Jean Skirt

The jean skirt continues to be one of the most popular items amongst the fashion crowd, consistently in rotation by brands like Jacquemus and Loulou Studio. Don’t consider yourself a jeans girl? You’ve arrived at the right place.

Jacquemus

La Jupe de Nimes asymmetric denim midiskirt

Loulou Studio

Rona organic denim midiskirt

## The Understated Shades

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.

Saint Laurent Eyewear

Sulpice sunglasses

Ray-Ban

Wayfarer sunglasses

## The White Jean

The secret to any chic capsule wardrobe is a go-to pair of denim—and these days, nothing is more casual-cool than white jeans. In ecru, ivory, or cream, the closet classic is a favorite amongst the It girls and the street style set.

Banana Republic

ultra high-rise wide-leg crop jeans

Róhe

high-rise wide-leg jeans

## The Goes-With-Everything Leather Jacket

Eyeing an investment piece? A high-quality leather jacket can last decades, improves with age, and makes any outfit look effortlessly cool. You can always count on Mango for luxurious and affordable leather, while Bally’s blazer style offers up a more tailored take.

Mango

faux-leather biker jacket

Bally

leather blazer

## The Striped Sweater

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. Cream-and-navy versions from Allude and Alex Mill are cozy choices, too.

Allude

striped wool and cashmere-blend sweater

Alex Mill

Taylor striped

Talia Abbas, senior shopping editor

## The Editor Dress

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.

Róhe

ribbed cotton-blend bouclé maxi dress

Zara

animal print voluminous dress

## The Denim Shirt

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.

Agolde

Aiden asymmetric denim shirt

Nili Lotan

Nais denim shirt

Daisy Shaw-Ellis, jewelry director

## The Personalized Pendant

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.

Mateo

initial 14K gold diamond necklace

David Yurman

initial charm necklace

## The Leather Midiskirt

Leather midiskirts are a closet mainstay amongst the street style set. Shin-grazing styles from Khaite and Reformation belong on your fall shopping list.

Khaite

Francine paneled leather midiskirt

Reformation

Veda Bedford leather midiskirt

## The Timepiece

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.

Cartier

Panthère de Cartier gold and stainless steel watch, 18k

Stephanie Windsor

x Rolex vintage 1983 Air-King 5500 stainless steel watch

## The Kitten Heels

Kitten heels are the fashion crowd’s favorite shoe for low-key polish. From catwalk to closet, discover Aeyde’s python-effect pair or Reformation’s little black style.

Aeyde

Catrina snake-effect leather slingback pumps

Reformation

Daniela kitten mules

## The Minimalist Earrings

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.

Bottega Veneta

small Fin earrings

Lié Studio

The Caroline silver earrings

## The Classic Crossbody

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.

Saint Laurent

Manhattan mini leather shoulder bag

A.P.C.

Grace small bag

## The Knit Polo

Knit polos are a polished option to the otherwise classic crewneck. A light and airy polo is a chic and understated choice, whether it’s Leset’s slate gray style or Everlane’s mellow yellow wardrobe essential.

Leset

James polo

Everlane

Boxy polo

## The Modern Going-Out Top

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 Róhe. Meanwhile, Source Unknown’s draped, asymmetric top is elegant enough for any evening out.

Róhe

halterneck open-back silk-twill top

Source Unknown

ruched one-shoulder top

## The Party-Ready Mini

The season for party dressing is every season! Styling-wise, keep things sleek and pair these masterfully minimal options from Staud and Khaite with an evening bag and kitten heel.

Staud

Mercer dress

Khaite

Mags silk-gazar mini dress

## The Evening Bag

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.

Hunting Season

compact satin clutch

Savette

Symmetry Pochette leather tote

## The Heeled Sandal

An elegant evening sandal deserves to be in your rotation. Strappy styles, like these from Madewell and The Row, 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.

Madewell

The Milano heeled sandals

The Row

Bare sandals

## The Evening Jacket

Not a dress person? Consider an elegant evening jacket from Petar Petrov or Banana Republic instead. Styling-wise, might we suggest wearing the tailoring staple with everything from polished pants to minimalist miniskirts?

Petar Petrov

double-breasted satin-trimmed wool-blend blazer

Banana Republic

Barathea relaxed tuxedo jacket

## The Little Black Slip Dress

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.

Vince

V-neck maxi slip dress

Silk Laundry

90s slip dress

Laura Jackson, shopping writer

## The Chic Cardigan

Thanks to Miu Miu’s FW23 collection, chic cardigans have been the It items of nearly every fashion season since. Shop similarly sophisticated styles, below, courtesy of Khaite and La Ligne.

Khaite

Jackie wool-blend cardigan

La Ligne

Mateo cashmere-blend cardigan

## The Mature Miniskirt

While the above-the-knee silhouette isn’t for everyone, there are many miniskirt options that feel polished—dare we say professional? (Perhaps in a fashion office.) Either way, we couldn’t leave out the miniskirt for this fall.

Massimo Dutti

short suede leather skirt

Veronica de Piante

Cecily wool-twill miniskirt

## The Classic Black Swimsuit

There’s a time and place for loud colors and lively patterns, but a black swimsuit feels right, well, all of the time. It’s versatile, endlessly flattering, and communicates a sort of nonchalant elegance that’s tough to beat. Opt for Eres’ little black bikini or Anine Bing’s balconette one-piece.

Anine Bing

Kyler swimsuit

Eres

Les Essentiels bikini

## The Versatile Silk Scarf

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.

Toteme

striped silk crepe de chine scarf

Gucci

GG print shawl

## The Invisible Underwear

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.

Skims

cheeky brief

Commando

stretch thongs, set of three

## The Equally Cute and Comfortable Bra

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.

Cuup

The Balconette bra

Araks

Tamara bralette

## The Ultraluxe Sock

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.

Comme Si

The Cashmere Trio

The Row

ribbed cashmere socks

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