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7 All-Season Closet Staples You Need, Stylists Say

These timeless and ultra-versatile pieces are definitely worth the investment.

While there's a place in every closet for some trendy pieces, those aren't the items you'll be reaching for year after year. That's why stylists recommend focusing on building a strong foundation with some all-season clothing staples that never go out of style. For example, think of a pair of well-fitting straight-leg jeans or a sleek brown leather jacket.

According to Sunica Du, a fashion designer and founder of Sunica Design, investing in these kinds of pieces is smart for several reasons. It simplifies the process of putting together a stylish outfit, it's better for the planet, and it's more budget-friendly in the long run.

"Seasonless pieces guarantee maximum cost-per-wear because they can be mixed and matched with seasonal items," explains Yenia Hernández Fonseca, a stylist, luxury fashion expert, and contributor to Margo Paige. "This easily allows you to create an infinite number of outfits suitable for varied weather conditions. Seasonless staples also simplify the need for extensive seasonal storage or decluttering."

So, which of these key closet must-haves do stylists recommend shopping for? Read on to find out.

RELATED: 11 Fall Wardrobe Essentials as You Get Older.

1
Trench Coat

Young fashionable woman wearing beige trench coat, blue jeans and beige suede shoes. She is holding trendy brown leather handbag in hands. Street style.
Shutterstock

"The iconic trench coat couldn't look dated even if it tried," says Elizabeth Kosich, a certified image stylist and founder of The EveryBody Wrap. "It's just about the most sensible purchase anyone could ever make."

"Look for quality features like removable quilted liners, back vents, and double-breasting to maximize its versatility and overall function, and choose a color that's in your most flattering neutral," she recommends. Additionally, she says the fabric weight should be neither too heavy nor too light to ensure year-round wearability from temperate April showers to brisk October nights.

"In the summer, a trench acts as a lightweight cover-up for chilly evenings," adds Fonseca. "Layer a trench over a cozy sweater for extra warmth in the fall or a turtleneck for a chic winter look. Once spring comes, you can drape it over a slip dress, or a cami and jeans combo."

RELATED: 6 Tips for Revamping Your Wardrobe as You Get Older, Stylists Say.

2
White Button-Down

An attractive middle aged woman drinking her morning coffee and text messaging while relaxing at home in her kitchen.
Kinga / Shutterstock

Experts agree that everyone, regardless of age or personal style, should have a white button-down in their closet.

During the spring, Du suggests pairing it with a floral midi skirt and a light scarf. Come summer, you can wear your white button-down as a swim cover-up, says Fonseca—or, Du recommends wearing it unbuttoned over a tank top with linen or chino shorts. As the temperatures drop in the fall, try layering it under a chunky knit sweater with skinny jeans.

"In the winter, it goes perfectly with a wool skirt and a double-breasted blazer," adds Dominique B. Dupuis, fashion expert and owner of URAD.

RELATED: 6 Prints You Need in Your Wardrobe as You Get Older, Stylists Say.

3
Tailored Blazer

senior woman wearing blazer
Maria Casinos / iStock

"A tailored blazer is a classic menswear-inspired look that never goes out of style," says Kosich. "Invest in a quality one with a timeless cut—no shoulder pads or oversized boyfriend styles—and make sure the hem sits above the hips for the most flattering look."

Kosich suggests avoiding materials that are less flexible for all-season wear, like velvet and wool, and opting for a mid-weight fabric instead.

Jaclinne Cheng, style expert and director of sales and marketing for Spicy Lingerie, notes that a blazer can also be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For a more casual take, try pairing your blazer with rolled-up jeans, a striped T-shirt, and tennis sneakers. For a more polished date night look, pop your blazer over a sweater dress with knee-high boots.

RELATED: 10 Tips for Getting Out of a Clothing Rut After 60, Stylists Say.

4
Maxi Dress

Woman wearing a red dress and denim jacket strolling on the jetty at Loch Duich, Scotland.
lucentius / iStock

A maxi dress is another timeless piece that works for all ages and all seasons.

"For summer, just pop on a pair of embellished sandals and some beaded bracelets and you are all set," says personal stylist Margaret Stone. "When fall comes around, consider using a belt to cinch in the waist for some definition, and then pair the maxi dress with some ankle booties."

According to Kosich, you also can't go wrong with a wrap dress. "Play it safe with solid black, or consider a print in your best accent color," she tells Best Life. "Pair it with a fashion sneaker and safari jacket by day, or a classic pump and trench by night. Accessorize the look with a statement handbag during the daytime or dangly chandelier earrings at night."

RELATED: 7 Mistakes You're Making When Wearing Black, According to Stylists.

5
Denim Jacket

fashionable older woman in denim jacket
jacoblund / iStock

Dupuis calls her jean jacket the most versatile piece of clothing she owns. And is it any surprise? It can be worn with almost anything in your closet, regardless of the time of year. You can even use it to dress down a little black dress or patterned pencil skirt for more casual occasions.

Dupuis suggests throwing your denim jacket over a maxi dress during the spring and summer, or with a cozy sweater and leggings during the colder months. You can even pair it with black or white jeans for a laid-back yet trendy look.

RELATED: 6 Tips for Layering Clothes If You're Over 60, Stylists Say.

6
Cozy Cardigan

Woman wearing Light Green Sweater while Working
Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

"A cardigan is another seasonless wardrobe staple that can be worn in different ways, depending on the weather," says Fonseca.

In the springtime, she recommends layering a cardigan over a sleeveless blouse or basic T-shirt. "You can always take it off and wrap the sleeves over your shoulders when the temperature rises," she adds.

In the fall and winter months, try pairing your cardigan with jeans and wearing an elegant belted wool coat on top—or wear your cardigan as a button-down shirt with a knee-length skirt, tights, and boots.

Kosich advises having one cashmere cardigan since this ultra-soft material is just warm enough for chilly winter days yet lightweight enough for spring and summer nights.

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7
T-shirt Dress

middle aged woman in loose black dress
Shutterstock/Soloviova Liudmyla

Du says a comfortable T-shirt dress is another seasonless must-have. "Wear it with espadrilles and a straw hat during summer, and add some bangles and hoop earrings for a beachy vibe," she suggests. "In fall, a leather jacket, scarf, and ankle boots give your dress a new life."

Some T-shirt dresses can have a boxy, shapeless fit—so, keep in mind that you can use a belt to cinch the waist, adds Du.

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Rebecca Strong
Rebecca Strong is a Boston-based freelance health/wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer. Read more
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