French designer Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashions fade, style is eternal.” He was a pioneer of modern classics, and his philosophy is something we emulate especially when it comes to building a capsule wardrobe. At Stein Mart, we pride ourselves on offering a range of staple-worthy pieces that lay the groundwork in your collection of wardrobe basics. Each item will have your back season after season no matter how many trends come and go, from popover blouses to relaxed-fit trousers.
You don’t need to spend a lot to achieve a near-flawless wardrobe. We have many affordable basics that will surely make an impact on your outfit (not on your bank account). That said, we’ve gathered the best basics you’ll want to wear throughout the year below.
Vest Top
Vest tops are essentially tank tops but with a more sophisticated structure. For a modern look, try to go one size up to get a slouchier fit. Tuck it into a pair of high-waist jeans or tailored trousers and finish the outfit with casual sandals.
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Basic Sandals
Whether heeled or flat, minimalist styles never fail to elevate your look up a notch. They work with just about any outfit, from dresses to denim, and you have endless options for every occasion.
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White Pants
Coming from spring, white pants are still a must for the warmer weather as they serve as a perfect complement to any bright-colored top. We’ll keep this in our wardrobe come autumn when summer tops are replaced by long coats and knitwear, this time in other shades as well (cream, ecru, etc.).
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Lightweight Jackets
Jackets aren’t completely written off for summer because it can still get pretty chilly at night. Consider lightweight outerwear made from linen or cotton a mainstay in your closet. They can serve well as layering pieces when we march onto the next season.
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Midi Skirts
We’ve seen midi skirts go through the seasons, which is why we think it’s a staple we’d continue wearing until the end of the year. For summer, style it with a vest top and espadrilles for a casual yet chic look.
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Straw Tote Bag
While woven totes are perfect for more casual occasions, you’ll need an elegant alternative for dressier affairs. Think embellishments and dark shades to add polish to your look.
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Striped Top
In the spirit of classic prints, stripes are sitting high on our list because of how flattering they are. Pair a striped top with pants or a skirt, both effortless looks that are ideal for any casual occasion. You can also accessorize with gold or silver jewelry to add elegance.
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Knitwear
We typically associate knitwear with chunky sweaters and cardigans, but spring/summer iterations have lighter offerings that can still work as a beautiful transition piece. They look great with jeans, trousers, or leggings and can fit a number of occasions.
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Slip Dresses
If you’re looking for the most effortless date night dress, look no further than the classic slip. Style it with a layering piece like a cardigan or blazer if you want to add dimension, or just wear it with strappy heels for a more romantic look.
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Belts
The only other accessory on this list, we consider belts a staple because they’re stylish and functional. A classic leather belt is perfect if your style is more refined and minimal, while a printed or embellished belt is excellent if you gravitate towards trendier or statement styles.
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