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8 Powerful Wardrobe Staples That Stand the Test of Time

The hero pieces ELLE editors count on season after season.

By ELLE.com
Human leg, Joint, Style, Street fashion, Fashion, Knee, Thigh, Beige, Boot, Calf, pinterest
Tyler Joe

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Living in New York City, ELLE editors certainly do their fair share of running around. Because you never know what the day will bring (meetings with designers! meetings with our editor-in-chief!), it's essential we have wardrobe staples that wear well and are always in style. Here, 8 editors on the high performance pieces they swear have stood the test of time.

The Ultimate White Tee

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Hellin Kay

"My Adam Lippes classic white tees are my staple all day every day."—Samira Nasr, Fashion Director, ELLE

Adam Lippes Pima Cotton T-Shirt, $95; net-a-porter.com

The Fashion Backpack

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Hellin Kay

"I never thought a backpack could be so chic until I started wearing The Row's. I mean, that silver bar at the drawstring? Love. It's the perfect size—it fits my laptop, a book, and whatever random things I decide to bring to work with me—and weighs nothing, making it ideal for running around with."—Ruthie Friedlander, Deputy Editor, ELLE.com

The Row Backpack, $3,200; neimanmarcus.com


The Black Blazer

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Hellin Kay

"I wear my black Rag & Bone Lillian blazer every single season and plan on continuing to do so as I don't think it will ever go out of style. It looks as good with wide leg pants as it does with lightwash mom jeans"—Nikki Ogunnaike, Senior Fashion Editor, ELLE.com

Rag & Bone Lillian Eyelet-Back Piqué Blazer, $535; net-a-porter.com

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The Ripped Jean

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Hellin Kay

"An old pair of straight legged, high-waisted, faded Levi's that get a new rip each time I wear them are my defaults. They go with every shoe, jacket, top—whatever—that I own"—Julie Schott, Senior Beauty Editor, ELLE.com

Shop Similar: RE/DONE High-Rise NO. 23HR110336 Jean, $251; shopredone.com

The Perfect Boot

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Hellin Kay

"I wear these to death in the fall/winter because the silver buckle is a detachable thing (genius?) so they can either go full western or more sleek, with no buckle. I love both ways so I wear them a ton—and the heel has held up perfectly."—Natalie Matthews, Senior Editor, ELLE.com

Toga Pulla Buckled Pulla Ankle Boot, $463; farfetch.com

The Investment Bag

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Hellin Kay

"I bought it as an investment piece because it's beautiful and big enough to lug my laptop around in. I carry it to work literally every day and it's somehow survived—if anything it looks a little better with some wear"—Sally Holmes, Senior News Editor, ELLE.com

Mansur Gavriel Vegetable Tanned Large Tote In Black With Flamma, $585; modaoperandi.com

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The Cozy Sweater Coat

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Hellin Kay

"I have a double-faced cashmere wrap jacket from The Row that I've had for over seven years. I can't wait for winter to roll around because it is the warmest, most versatile, most beloved piece in my wardrobe. It's a perfect thing. I feel privileged to own it"— Justine Harman, Senior Entertainment Editor, ELLE.com

Shop Similar: The Row Arnet Brushed Wool Coat, $5,390; net-a-porter.com

The Carry-All

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Hellin Kay

"I received my Céline Cabas Tote as a gift from my husband for Christmas. It is a timeless shape and style that has transitioned effortlessly from season to season, and year to year. It has functioned as an everyday bag for work, a carry-on bag for travel, and even a beach bag (when I forgot to pack another option). And I have only needed to take it to the Leather Spa once for cleaning."—Allison Watters, Fashion & Retail Credits Editor, ELLE.

Céline Cabas Tote, available at Céline stores worldwide.

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