10 Wardrobe Essentials Every Closet Needs

Wardrobe essentials, closet staples, capsule wardrobe. These phrases can all be used to describe those styles that have true staying power season after season and never let you down when it comes to getting ready for the day! At Grace and Lace, our mission is to make sure you have the styles you need to truly look and feel your best. As we work on our line each season, we create not only trendy favorites, but also versatile, wearable, classic pieces that let you build your own unique look for any day of the week! To help you know where to start with creating your own collection of wardrobe essentials, we sat down with G&L stylist Denise to share our 10 favorite closet staples every woman needs in her closet!

 

#1. Button Up Shirt 



A simple, straightforward look that never goes out of style, the classic button up shirt is a wardrobe staple every woman needs in her getting-dressed lineup. Clean lines keep this top versatile, while functional buttons let you keep up with the latest trendy way to style - front tuck, half tuck, knotted, and more! "If you’ve watched any of our Facebook Lives, you know that we love styling with button up tops! They’re so versatile in how they can change up your everyday look, and they’re a great piece to always have on hand in your closet. You can wear these as a classic buttoned up shirt, but if that’s not your style, try layering over something that makes you feel more comfortable, like a cute graphic tee, Perfect Fit Tank, or a cami.”
Pictured: Favorite Button Up Top in Soft White 



#2 Lightweight Cardigan



“There’s so much you can do with cardigans! Especially this time of year when you might need a little extra layer to keep you warm. But they’re also easy to use in finishing a look, or adding  texture or color to a basic tank.” Because cardis are such a wardrobe staple, our design team creates these in a variety of colors, knits, and lengths so you can pick the best ones for your own style. Duster lengths are great for adding a touch of drama to your look without overpowering. Open knit cardis offer add dimension and texture and can be dressed up or down. Our daintier, pointelle knit cardis are perfect for work wear, church, special occasions, or just dressing up your everyday look!
Pictured: Striped Dolman Duster 


#3 Black Leggings



Let’s talk about everyone's comfy favorites that you might not realize should be a staple - leggings! “A good pair of black leggings is a must have. They’re not just for athleisure. Because our legging fabrics are so luxurious, you can absolutely wear them with a cute sweater, tunics or tanks layered with a jacket  and sneakers, .”  Plus with our signature comfort waistbands and a variety of stretch and compression to fit your needs, these are a no-brainer on those days when you can’t seem to figure out what to wear!
Pictured: Perfect Fit Leggings 


#4 Denim Jacket

“This is one piece that never goes out of style. It’s great for spring, perfect for fall, layers easily in colder months - it’s just an easy choice when you’re headed out the door.” We’re with you, Denise! Whether you’re a classic dark-mid wash fan or want a change up with some distressing, our denim jackets won’t let you down. Hate how stiff and uncomfortable they can be? Great news - we eliminated that problem for you! Our denim jackets are a signature blend of soft cotton and stretchy fabrics, so they truly move with you and offer plenty of comfort. Plus, the hidden interior pocket makes sure your keys and phone stay safely and securely tucked away!
Pictured: Ultimate Denim Jacket in Light Mid Wash

 

#5 Tank Top

 

“If there’s one piece you can’t have too many of, it’s a tank top!” Layer tank tops underneath oversized tees for extra coverage, pair with a blazer, jacket, or cardi, or style them with shorts or cropped cargo pants in warmer weather. Change up your look by rotating between neutrals, colors, and prints and you’ve got an easy go-to season after season! 
Pictured: Perfect Fit Tank in Ivory/Black Striped

 

#6 Lightweight Cami

 

Camis, or camisoles, are a great closet staple to have on hand. “What makes these different than a tank top is that they automatically elevate your look, even if you’re pairing them with shorts or jeans.” The lighter weight of a cami keeps it figure-flattering, plus our design team works hard to make sure the necklines give you ample coverage as you move about your day. A cami is an easy choice for pairing with a blazer for a work wear look or underneath jackets and cardigans for date nights, but also works great tucked into higher rise jeans or skirts. 
Pictured: Lace Trim Cami in Soft White

 

#7 Denim Jeans

 

“No matter your personal style, a quality pair of denim jeans are always good to have in your wardrobe. Invest in a jean that fits well and that makes you feel comfortable. There’s nothing like that feeling of putting on a great fitting pair of jeans as you get ready for the day!” Styles like our Premium Denim or G&L Designer Denim give you the look and feel of true designer jeans, without the hefty price tag. Details like the thoughtfully places pockets and stitching, the weight and feel of the denim, the hint of stretch added in - all of these work together for your benefit to give you a great fitting jean that holds up to everyday wear, season after season!
Pictured: Premium Denim Jeans in Mid Wash

 

#8 White Tee Shirt

 

“Everyone needs a classic white tee in their closet. They’re great for layering, keeping it simple, getting creative - the possibilities are endless. I love our Perfect Pocket Tee line because not only are there options as far as necklines and different fits, but the fabric is such a great quality that it’s not see through.” For a clean, classic look, pair a white t shirt with jeans and your favorite sneakers and you’re ready for the day. Or get creative and layer and knot over your favorite spring skirt or dress! There’s a reason we named these the Perfect Tee! 
Pictured: Perfect Pocket Tee in White 

 

#9 Dark Wash Denim Jeans

 

Another staple you need for styling versatility - dark wash denim jeans! “It’s a shade of choice for casual Fridays at work or low-key date nights at a live music venue. Because of the deeper color, it won’t get dirty as quickly and you can wear it with sneakers and a simple light colored jacket. They can give your look a dressier appearance because they visually resemble a pair of dress slacks.” Styling pro tip from Denise - “If you’re looking for a jeans that will make you look taller & flatter your curves, try our G&L Dark Wash Designer Denim & our Waist Tie Dark Wash Flare jeans!”
Pictured: Waist Tie Flares in Washed Black 

 

#10 Graphic Tee

 

Ok, so this one may not seem like a staple since they’re all the trend right now, but graphic tees have been around for decades and we don’t see them going away any time soon! “Think of it this way: you want to add more personality to your look but not sure where to start. A graphic tee is a great way to do that without going too far out of your comfort zone. You can definitely wear it as a more casual look paired with joggers, leggings, or jeans. But they also look so cute underneath a button up, cardigan or layered underneath a blazers.” We couldn’t agree more! Plus, all of our graphic prints are created in-house, giving you a truly unique look you won’t find anywhere else.
Pictured: Vintage Fit Any Day Graphic Tee - Colorado 

So that’s it! The 10 wardrobe essentials every closet needs. Feeling prepared, confident, and comfortable has never been easier - or felt better! From work to play, running errands to meeting friends for brunch, these ten style staples will make getting dressed a breeze no matter where the day takes you. 

Let us know in the comments below which staple is your absolute go-to favorite! Any looks we missed? Share with others below, we’d love to hear your picks!