Rebuild Your Wardrobe with These 15 Timeless Neutrals

Perfect for mixing and matching.

neutral clothes

@laurencaruso_

Real talk: rebuilding your wardrobe from scratch is never easy. Whether you’re reinventing your style or just trying to incorporate some easy-to-wear basics, the best place to start is with timeless neutrals.  And while it can be tempting to shop for unique, fun pieces like a white button-down with a ruffled collar, or subtly distressed jeans, if you’re looking specifically for items that will age well no matter the trend cycle, it’s best to stick to the basics. 

One rule of thumb to consider when shopping for versatile everyday pieces is that each item should fit easily into at least three different outfits. That means that before you purchase a relaxed-fit black blazer, you should be able to picture three ways you’d wear it with your current wardrobe. The same goes for any shoes, tops, dresses—you get the picture. 

Ahead, find 15 timeless neutral pieces to rebuild your wardrobe from the shoes up—including the perfect white tee, a throw-and-go slip dress, and a pair of jeans you’ll have for years to come.

Blazer

This might just be the perfect black blazer: slightly boxy, not too cropped, and double-breasted.

Anine Bing Kaia Blazer
Anine Bing Kaia Blazer $349.00
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Wide-Leg Pants

When it comes to timeless neutrals you can take anywhere, some wide-leg pants in a color like navy, cream, or black are a must. Wear them with a button-down for work, then go casual with a tank and heels on the weekend.

Uniqlo +J Wide Leg Pants
Uniqlo +J Wide Pants $60.00
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Jeans

A good pair of blue denim is versatile, but the perfect black jeans are fail-safe when it comes to infinite potential outfits. This ‘90s-inspired pair from Agolde is timeless enough to wear for years to come.

Agolde '90s Pinch Waist Jeans
Agolde '90s Pinch Waist $178.00
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White T-Shirt

Sure, a crewneck tee that’s slightly cropped is perfect for lounging when paired with your favorite athleisure pieces—but it also makes for a polished top half of a jeans-tee-heels outfit.

LNA Tess Crew Tee
LNA Tess Crew Tee $78.00
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White Button-Down

A relaxed fit makes this white button-down feel modern rather than stuffy, resulting in the perfect timeless neutral to take you from the office to your weekend errands.

Ayr The Deep End Shirt
Ayr The Deep End Shirt $135.00
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Trench Coat

A traditional khaki trench—like this boxy style with oversized lapels—is a must-have, and the medium weight makes it great for transitioning between seasons.

The Frankie Shop Kia Trench Coat
The Frankie Shop Kia Trench Coat $349.00
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Easy Sweater

A simple waffle-weave sweater in oatmeal or camel pairs well with jeans, wide-leg trousers, or even over a slip dress.

Everlane The Oversized Stroopwafel Turtleneck
Everlane The Oversized Stroopwafel Turtleneck $115.00
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Midi Slip Dress

Speaking of slip dresses, Silk Laundry’s iteration features a subtle bias cut that lends an hourglass shape—a timeless neutral look that's ready to shine, day or night.

Silk Laundry '90s Slip Dress Black
Silk Laundry '90s Slip Dress $265.00
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Denim Jacket

Like this oversized style from Toteme, a simple off-white denim jacket is the perfect addition to any minimalist uniform.

Toteme Army Denim Jacket
Toteme Army Denim Jacket $650.00
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Simple Slides

There’s almost no shoe as versatile as an easy pair of slides. The cutouts and flat soles of this pair make for timeless neutral footwear with just the right amount of personality.

Ancient Greek Sandals Maistros Laser-Cut Leather Slides
Ancient Greek Sandals Maistros Laser-Cut Leather Slides $205.00
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Tailored Shorts

A pair of tailored shorts is a must-have—not only do they pair well with a blazer for the office, but they’re easy to throw on with a tee or tank for a casual, everyday vibe.

St. Agni Pierre High-Waist Shorts
St. Agni Pierre High-Waist Shorts $342.00
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Heeled Sandals

There’s a time and a place for a statement shoe, but a simple sandal in an off-white hue is always a good choice.

Aeyde Anni Sandal
Aeyde Anni Sandal $295.00
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Cropped Sweatshirt

A simple cropped sweatshirt is a great stand-in for a sweater for more relaxed days. Don't be afraid to test the versatility of this timeless neutral as you style it in different ways for shopping outings and lounging at home.

Los Angeles Apparel Cropped Mock Neck Pullover
Los Angeles Apparel Cropped Mock Neck Pullover $67.00
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Moto Jacket

Deadwood’s recycled leather jacket is one of the most versatile out there: It’s cut to hit just above the hip and already feels like it’s been broken in for you. A real win-win.

Deadwood Joan Leather Jacket
Deadwood Joan Leather Jacket $390.00
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Shoulder Bag

The perfect shoulder bag is a must-have for carrying everything you tote around all day, and Cuyana’s modern double-loop design is both timeless and chic.

Cuyana Oversized Double Loop Bag
Cuyana Oversized Double Loop Bag $395.00
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