Oftentimes, when women go shopping, we go for amazing upscale pieces that draw attention, but did you know it’s also important to invest in solid wardrobe essentials that you’ll use for years to come? Bare essentials are basic clothing essentials that every women’s closet should have, from plain tees and neutral colored tops, bottoms, and blazers that are easy to mix and match for a well-kept look. Bare necessities are also basic clothing items that you can easily accessorize either by adding a necklace, belt, or layering up with a jacket or cardigan. Basic clothing items every woman’s closet should have also include activewear, daily wear, and day to night items that you can wear all day long especially if you’re going back to work.
Glamour‘s list of 10 wardrobe essentials every woman must have in her closet include relaxed denim, a tank top that can be leveled up with an eye-catching jacket for the fall, a statement blazer that will help you power through every work meeting while staying super stylish and looking like a girlboss, and what they call “studio-to-street” leggings that are versatile to wear anywhere (more on that later). You’ll also need a “day to night midi,” a dress that can take you from work to play, a piece of leather (boots, jackets, a skirt, it’s your choice!), sweatpants, a house dress to keep you comfortable, and a chunky shoe that’s definitely on trend. Cap it off with some gold jewelry and you have an OOTD!
Vogue came up with their own list of up to 14 basics that you’ll need as we transition to fall, which include a striped sweater, a button-up, a trench coat, classic jeans, a little black dress (iconic!), everyday sunglasses, a skirt, a tailored blazer, white sneakers (an all year round favorite), work pants, a white t-shirt, ballet flats, gold hoops, and a carry tote.
Here, we’ve curated some of the most basic items you’ll need to build your bare essentials. Keep these in mind when creating the foundation of your wardrobe, as these pieces are sure to be worn for more years to come.
Basic Clothing Essentials for Women: Pieces That Are Easily Mixed and Matched
1. A reliable sports bra for quick workouts at home or at the gym.
One wardrobe staple a modern woman must have in her closet is a reliable sports bra that’s durable and offers great support. Bonus if it’s made of environmentally conscious materials, just like the MPG Ecstatic Recycled Polyester Medium Support Bra, which not only provides excellent coverage and the perfect amount of compression for uncompromising comfort, it also brings fun to functional wear. It features a racer back with trendy scalloped edge detailing and perforation for added breathability. It is made of fabric that is sustainably sourced using ethical environmental and social practices, perfect for the earth-friendly woman of today. Shop at MPG.
2. A relaxed yet trendy and comfortable dress that can take you from working from home to quick grocery runs in an instant.
Today’s woman does it all: homeschooling while working from home, running a business remotely, and staying on top of her game. That’s why she needs comfortable basic essentials to keep her looking great even when she suddenly needs to step out for errands. The MPG Bloom Relaxed Dress with Tencel™ Modal offers everything the modern woman needs to stay comfortable everyday. It features a breathable, luxuriously soft fabric blend that is comfortable and easy on the conscience, as it is made from sustainable yarns from botanic origin. Its versatile design offers easy, on-the-go style for busy weekdays and relaxed weekends alike. Its fabrics are made from sustainably sourced TENCEL™ Modal fibers, which are produced using a closed loop process that saves water and reduces solvent use. Shop at MPG.
3. An easy to wear romper that can be layered with a blazer, accessorized with a belt or long necklace, and topped off with wedge sandals or rubber shoes for a sportier look.
A romper is another basic that offers effortless style because it’s a top and bottom all in one for no fuss accessorizing. Consider the limited edition MPG Pounce Recycled Polyester Relaxed Romper, a summer wardrobe essential you need to have in your closet right now. It features side pockets, a cinchable waist thanks to its drawcords at the waistband, and 4-way stretch, so you can move comfortably while looking effortlessly cool. It also features breathability with an ultra-soft finish. Its fabric is sustainably sourced using ethical environmental and social practices. Shop at MPG.
4. A high performance legging that can take you from work to play anytime.
Let’s face it: we all love wearing leggings to work. It’s easy to put on, comfortable, and doesn’t eat at your tummy while spending 8 hours in front of a computer. Find comfort in the MPG Relentless MPG SLEEK Ultra-Recycled High Waisted 7/8 Legging, which features performance details like tonal mesh slicing along the leg for breathable coverage, and a four-way stretch fabric with excellent shape retention for non-restricted movement. This pair also features streamlined side pockets so you can easily grab your essentials. MPG Sleek offers high compression nad a second skin fit with its lightweight, super sleek fabric blend and moisture wicking properties, as well as excellent coverage. Shop at MPG.
5. A weather-ready jacket to protect you from the elements no matter what the season.
Why go for one when you can have two? Reversible jackets not only provide versatile protection, but versatile style as well. Consider the MPG Escapade Recycled Polyester Oversized Reversible Jacket, an everyday essential that provides excellent wind and water resistance. On one side it offers a matte fabric finish and magnetic cargo pockets or a glossy fabric finish with sporty piping detailing on the other. Both sides offer superb protection and comfort in unexpected conditions. Fabric used to make this jacket is sustainably sourced using ethical environmental and social practices. It features a three-panel hood and multiple secured pocket options for all your essentials. Shop at MPG.
Affordable Bare Essentials for Every Woman’s Closet
1. Amazon Essentials Women’s Studio Terry Jumpsuit in Light Pink
Made from 57% viscose, 38% cotton, and 5% elastane, this terry jumpsuit is one that you’ll love to wear no matter what the season. It’s easy to layer and accessorize and offers a comfortable, movable fit through hip and thigh. Its soft, moisture-wicking terry has a gentle four-way stretch so you can move freely and effortlessly. This jumpsuit features a scoop neckline and an elasticized cuff, as well as an easy to cinch waist for a great silhouette. Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I LOVE this jumpsuit. I have the blush pink. The color is so pretty. I would say true to size…the small fit perfectly. The material is jersey-like, stretchy and super comfortable.” Tammy Rothschild
2. Amazon Essentials Women’s Sleeveless Relaxed Fit Linen Dress in Navy Crossdye
For a laidback look this summer, go for this sleeveless relaxed fit linen dress, which is made from 55% linen and 45% cotton. It features a zipper closure, tie waist design, and sleeveless design you can easily accessorize or layer with. It features a cool and lightweight linen fabric for soft, breathable comfort that you’ll enjoy wearing all season long. Rated 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Great dress! I normally wear a small or medium and small in this dress was the right choice. I’m 5-2, 130 lbs and the small fits perfectly. Hits the very top of my knees. Plenty of room for a larger bust. I washed it in the machine, hung it to dry and it didn’t need ironing before wearing. Just ordered a second one in a different color!” Jennifer
3. Amazon Essentials Women’s Tank Maxi Dress in Charcoal Heather
Great for a casual day in or out, this is one of several bare necessities you need in your closet. The tank maxi dress is made of 95% viscose and 5% elastane to give you enough stretch for a great silhouette and functional comfort. It’s easy to layer and is also great for women who are early in the process of growing their baby bumps! Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Love this dress alone or layered under a cropped shirt or denim jacket for cooler evenings. It’s extremely comfortable, very soft fabric, and has washed well. I’ve just ordered it in other colors.” Justine F.
4. Amazon Essentials Women’s Linen Blend Drawstring Wide Leg Pant in Chambray Blue Stripe
Whether going for a beach trip or staying in town, this wide leg pant is a comfortable and stylish way to stay on trend. It is made of 55% linen and 45% cotton and features a drawstring closure, a figure-flattering fabric for versatile, everyday wear, and up to four functional pockets so you can keep your essentials close and handy. Rated 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Very soft and substantial quality material. It’s mid rise in my opinion and quite flattering as well as comfortable to wear with just about everything I have. It is true to size if you base your choice from the size table. I am 5’7’’ tall and weighs 141 lbs. I got the size based on my hip measurement and ordered medium since the waistline can be cinched. Perfect!” Dolly P.
5. Amazon Essentials Women’s Utility Jacket in Dark Red
A multi-season must-have jacket that is comfortable and easy to wear, this Amazon Essentials piece is made of 98% cotton and 2% elastane. It features a zipper closure and comes in a relaxed fit with interior drawcord to cinch at the waist. It’s easy to machine wash for effortless maintenance as well. Layer up for cool summer nights or for transitioning into the fall season. Comes in an array of colors that are easy to mix and match with work to play ensembles. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This is a cute and flattering jacket. The garment is well-made, and the sleeves are a really good length. It hits at the right spots, and it definitely looks more fashion-forward than utilitarian. Well-done!” Jennifer Black
If you haven’t caught up with our previous stories on women’s fashion, make sure to check out the links from The Teelie Blog below. To make sure you never miss out on amazing deals and discounts, subscribe to the weekly Teelie Turner newsletter in which we curate the latest deals and big discounts so you save on money as you shop.
The Best Summer Finds at Neiman Marcus Right Now
Summer OOTD’s That are Totally Instagrammable
Easy and Affordable Boho Fashion Looks for Spring/Summer 2021
Spring/Summer 2021 Fashion Trend: Sultry Skin-revealing Cutouts
5 Fashionable Looks for the Lunar New Year of the Ox
Pantone Colors of the Year Themed Fashion Picks for 2021
Just a disclaimer – We have partnered with these companies because we use their products and/or proudly trust and endorse them – so we do receive a commission if you make a purchase or sign up for services. Often, we are able to negotiate special discounts and/or bonuses, which we will pass on to you via our links. We often get short notice on sale items available for 24-48 hours as we will pass these savings onto you.
