While I’ll never be one of those women with a 30 piece capsule wardrobe (I will forever have too many statement pieces for that to happen) I can admit that there are some pieces in my wardrobe that will always be there.

The LBD. The classic little black dress. The elegance of Audrey Hepburn with the simplicity of a single piece that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. There will always be a need for a little black dress, no matter the decade or event.

A well fitting pair of jeans. Another piece that can be dressed up or down. Worn with a simple tee, a blazer, a blouse, a sweater, or however else you might style it it will always look right.

A blazer. Pick a neutral like black or navy and that blazer will last you a lifetime, assuming it still fits. But don’t be afraid to have some fun, too. I’ve got a hunter green one that compliments my hair and never fails to garner compliments while still looking professional. Blazers can be dressed up for the office or changed up for a night on the town.

A trench coat. This jacket has been around for a hundred years and still looks chic. Perfect for a rainy day, or simply used as a windbreaker in spring or fall this is one coat that always makes you looks put together.

A white button down. Tuck it into some slacks or throw it over a swimsuit. Wear it tied at the waist, unbuttoned to the middle or buttoned all the way up. Roll up the sleeves or pin them with some darling cufflinks. You will never fail to find an occasion for this most basic, and basically perfect, of shirts.

A black turtleneck. A look adored by generations with simple, classic lines that leaves you looking refined and your outfit thoughtfully constructed.

A ballet flat. Perfect for running errands, a walk around town, or any cobblestone street (the one and only time I’ve snapped a heel it was on a cobblestone street, lesson learned). A nude pair will make your legs look longer even though you’re wearing flats and a black pair is as classic as anything you could possibly own.

A pointed toe heel. Perfect for the office, a night at the symphony, or a cocktail party. Like the ballet flats you should own them in nude and black.

A top coat. A timeless piece you’ll wear all winter every winter. Pick a sleek cut that flatters your figure while still providing warmth. Get it in a neutral (black, grey, camel, navy) to wear season after season or in a fun pop of color to ward off the gloomy cold days, pick a signature color and you’ll be know as the woman with that coat. The girls at my local coffee shop know me as the one with that green coat, even on days when the green coat is no where in sight. It has become my signature even if I wear my neutral colored coats far more often.

A shirtdress. elegant in its simplicity and flattering on every shape this is one cut that never goes out of style. Get yourself one with some structure, a collar, and maybe a belted or tie waist, something that flatters whatever your shape is.

A cashmere sweater. When I was a kid my mother used to tell me that I could wear cashmere when I was paying my own dry cleaning bill and now I do and I shan’t look back. My camel sweater is on high rotation as are a few others in my favorite colors.