7 Key Pieces for Building an Elegant Wardrobe in 2025

A couple of years ago, bogged down by years of haphazard shopping and generous (but not always quite right) gifting, I started to lay the groundwork for a more intentional wardrobe. I culled my footwear, donated loads of barely worn things I’d bought for a version of myself that didn’t really exist, and started to figure out what chic, no-fuss items were really worth investing in.

Fast-forward to January 2025, and my jam-packed closet is a sure sign I’ve let things slip again. It’s time to tighten up the edit and purge the clutter of things that never get worn. When it comes to shopping, the focus is on filling in the gaps in my wardrobe with pieces that gently elevate my everyday outfits, including finding more luxe-looking (although not necessarily more expensive) versions of the easy things I reach for on repeat. If you’re part of the movement shifting toward style that feels more elegant and modern, these seven rich-looking pieces are the perfect place to start.

Pointed-Toe Flats

If the aim of the game is finding chic pieces that will elevate your everyday looks, the trick is that you need to be able to actually wear them every day. For me, that means elegant flats—a pointed toe adds instant polish.

Collarless Jackets

I love my little collarless number (seen here) and have been recommending similar styles to anyone who will listen. Whether it’s a longline or cropped blazer, a boiled wool coat, even a leather jacket, this neckline always feels so elegant.

Bowling Bags

Inarguably this season’s accessory du jour, the bowling bag hits that sweet spot of feeling timeless while being incredibly on-trend. Larger totes, mini bags, and east-west styles are all equally valid.

Turtlenecks

One area where I am sadly lacking is non-chunky knitwear. Lighter turtlenecks are the world’s easiest shortcut to polished layering and such a foolproof way to elevate even the most basic denim look.

Tailored Trousers

I’m doubling (tripling, quadrupling) down on the trouser style I wear the most—relaxed, tailored, and the perfect length to pair with sneakers, loafers, or the aforementioned pointed-toe flats.

Leather Midi Skirts

I tend to gravitate toward trousers, but last summer I found my way to a longer midi-length cotton poplin skirt that was so effortlessly elegant I bought it in both white and black. I finally realized my winter wardrobe is lacking its counterpart—a leather (or leather-look) midi skirt that’s feels cool and polished.

Extra-Dark Denim

I’m not just talking about jeans that aren’t faded. I mean the darkest, cleanest wash you can imagine. As a dedicated wearer of denim, I am practically begging for a more expensive-looking pair of jeans that feel almost trouser-like—truly the ultimate lazy-girl hack for more elevated everyday dressing.