EXPERT ESSENTIALS: 8 Industry Insiders Share Their Wardrobe Must-Haves

It’s 8:07 a.m. on a Tuesday. You completely spaced on your 8:30 a.m. lecture and hit snooze one too many times. With only 22 minutes left to prepare, you are officially late. After factoring in a 10-minute speed-walk across campus to your lecture hall, there is little room for fashion statements and accessorizing. Only time for the essentials. We all have our go-to t-shirt that fits just right or that pair of jeans you’ve never once needed a belt for. On mornings like these, comfort is key and simplicity becomes a necessity.

Writing from personal experience, I could recommend a number of my go-to wardrobe staples that complement an early morning start. But this time, I decided to turn it over to the experts and let them weigh in with their own personal outfit must-haves. After speaking with eight industry insiders, I’m thrilled to provide you with an exclusive, inside look at the closets of some of fashion's current influencers from major brands like Vogue, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Moda Operandi, and Beauty Stat Cosmetics.

Read on to discover the essentials of these fashion and beauty experts, and find the fun in fashion fundamentals.

CLARISSA SCHMIDT: VOGUE MAGAZINE COMMERCE PRODUCER

@claris_schmidt

“My (one of many!) must-have closet staple is certainly a good pair of black boots. From city walking to running errands, and attending work events, they are both multi-functional and a stylish add to elevate any outfit!”

TIFFANY DODSON: HARPER'S BAZAAR BEAUTY AND COMMERCE EDITOR

@tiffanydods

“I think my one closet/outfit staple would be a great pair of denim. One of my favourite pairs to wear these days is from Joe’s Jeans. Their “The Honor Straight Leg Stretch Ankle Jeans” are super comfortable and extremely versatile, which makes them easy to pair with just about anything.”

CELIA FERNANDEZ-CARCINER: VOGUE MAGAZINE SENIOR CREATIVE MANAGER, SOCIAL

@celiafdexcarcinero

“My closet staple might be too obvious and basic, but thinking of what piece I couldn't live without, I have to say JEANS! For me, they are not only the most versatile item, but also a piece of clothing that boosts my confidence. And isn’t that ‘functionality-meets-self-complicity’ the perfect balance for a closet staple?”

CASSIDY LYNN: MODA OPERANDI WARDROBE STYLIST

@cassadulla

“I would say a great staple would be a jacket or blazer, it completes the look!”

RON ROBINSON: FOUNDER, CEO OF BEAUTY STAT COSMETICS, RESIDENT BEAUTY EXPERT AT ALLURE MAG AND REFINERY29

@ronrobinsoncosmeticchemist

“My staple is jeans, a button shirt, and a well-tailored blazer!”

KATHERINE FLEMMING: ELLE MAGAZINE EDITOR

@kflemming

“My go-to is probably a vintage emerald and diamond ring with a hammered gold band passed down from my grandma. I love mixing vintage jewelry with basics like a button-down white blouse and classic blue jeans”.

HEATHER TAYLOR SINGH: ELLE MAGAZINE DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

@htaylorsingh

“My closet staple is a good pair of blue denim jeans. They go with any and every item in my closet and can be dressed up or down. My favourite pair is the Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle - they’re the perfect amount of cropped and fit my body perfectly. My favourite way to wear them is definitely with a plain white tee, my daily gold jewelry, and a pair of black boots. It’s basic, but it works for my everyday life! That being said, if I’m in the mood, I’ll add my checkered bucket hat from Pella Wool (@pellawool) that totally levels up the outfit.”=

SAM VECCHIARELLI: HOLR MAGAZINE LIFESTYLE EDITOR, ELLE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

@samvecchiarelli

“If choosing just one, my go-to outfit staple is an oversized black blazer! It’s my favourite piece to style any time of the year and goes with everything, from means of shorts to leather leggings. Plus, you can dress it up or down because it’s so versatile. I definitely suggest investing in a good quality one too since it’s a wardrobe must have!”