7 Key Wardrobe Staples Every Woman Needs to Mix and Match With Ease

The women who always seem effortlessly put-together are not shopping more than everyone else. Instead, they have figured out which pieces do the most work, and they keep coming back to them. Seven staples, a lot of combinations, and considerably less stress on a Monday morning. Here is where to start.

1. A well-fitted blazer

A good blazer makes a simple outfit look intentional, which is really all you need most of the time. Wear it over a dress, with jeans or over a t-shirt and it pulls everything together without much effort. For straighter frames, an oversized cut gives you shape and ease in equal measure. If you carry more volume through the hips or waist, a slightly structured style with a defined shoulder gives you a polished silhouette without feeling restrictive. Whichever cut you go for, though, fit across the shoulders is the one thing worth getting right from the start.

2. A crisp white or neutral shirt

The white shirt has been a wardrobe staple for decades because it earns its keep every. single. time. Tuck it into trousers for work, half-tuck it with an A-line skirt at the weekend or wear it open over a dress as a relaxed layer. If you are plus-size or fuller through the bust, a relaxed cut through the body with a slightly longer hem will sit far better than something cut close, and give you considerably more to work with when styling. One good shirt in white, ivory or a soft neutral will easily become the most reached-for thing you own.

3. A straight-leg or wide-leg trouser

Wide-leg trousers have had their moment. And this moment is set to go on! A straight or wide-leg cut creates a long, clean line that works across a range of body types, and a mid-to-high rise gives you a natural waist to tuck into and build from. Apple and rectangle shapes tend to find the fluid silhouette particularly flattering (although most women will find a well-cut wide-leg does a lot of work for them anyway). And never skimp on the fabric—a trouser with some weight to it hangs completely differently than a lighter one, and you will feel that difference almost immediately.

4. An A-line skirt

Few skirt shapes have the staying power of a good A-line, and the reason is straightforward: the gentle flare from the waist forming the shape of an “A” creates balance and movement, which makes it a comfortable and flattering choice across body types. Pear and hourglass shapes tend to reach for it instinctively while fuller figures of all kinds will find it accommodating without any compromise on style. Go for a midi length if you want the most versatility—it pairs equally well with a fitted top, a relaxed shirt or a blazer depending on where you are headed and how much effort you are prepared to put in that morning.

5. A knit or jersey wrap dress

Cinching the waist, moving with the body, and taking anyone from a work day to dinner without requiring a full wardrobe rethink in between, the wrap dress has a near-universal fan base and has earned every bit of it. Jersey and knit fabrics work particularly well for plus-size and curvier figures because they drape rather than pull, and a midi length in a solid colour or a print you love will give you the most wear across the year. It’s one of those pieces that gets better the more you reach for it.

6. A pair of tailored or pleated shorts

This is the piece most women underinvest in. If you’re one of them, it might be time for a reconsider! A well-cut pair of tailored shorts—such as a wide-leg silhouette with a clean, structured finish—occupies that useful middle ground between smart and relaxed that so many occasions call for. You can effortlessly wear them with a tucked-in shirt or a blazer and they read as put-together without the stuffiness of a full trouser. Opt for linen or cotton-twill to hold shape through a full day. A neutral tone is a safe choice that pairs with more than you’d think.

7. A versatile midi dress

The midi dress requires the least from you and gives the most back, which is a combination worth holding onto. On its own it is a complete outfit with no further input required. Add a blazer and it is work-ready. Layer a knit over the top and it carries you through the cooler months without missing a beat. For plus-size and curvier figures, look for a midi with a defined waist or a wrap element for structure without sacrificing comfort. Something with drape and a bit of weight to the fabric will generally wear and photograph better than a lighter alternative. Choices abound, so if a print calls to you, this is the piece to commit to it on.

Build your staples edit with Voycestas Plus 

These seven pieces will not cover every occasion or every mood, but they will make the daily wardrobe decisions considerably easier. Once the foundations are in place, everything else you add has something solid to connect to. Getting dressed will then start to feel more like a fun puzzle you take pleasure in solving every morning!

At Voycestas Plus, you will find each of these staples designed with plus-size women in mind from the very beginning, featuring considered cuts, quality fabrics and fits that hold up across the full size range. Discover the collection at Voycestas Plus. If you’re a new shopper, we welcome you with 10% off your very first order!