the best best: wardrobe staples of 2024

& why they will be in my closet for years to come

Hello & Happy 2025! (I know, per social norms—and Larry David—it’s probably too late to say that, but here we are!) This newsletter was originally meant to hit your inbox last week, but with the devastation in Los Angeles, my focus has been there. My heart is with the city, the people—my friends, and the wildlife affected by this unimaginable tragedy.

This newsletter was intended to reflect on the staples I added to my wardrobe in 2024—pieces that have become key fixtures and will remain favorites in 2025. It also inspired the start of a much-needed closet clear-out, which feels especially meaningful right now. This is the perfect time to give new life to items no longer getting the wear they deserve, particularly as so many are rebuilding from nothing.

I’ll be donating through Seconds Market, but there are many incredible organizations working to support families who have lost their homes. If you’re able, I hope you’ll consider contributing—every bit helps and makes a meaningful difference. Xo

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We’re officially two weeks into the new year, which feels like the perfect time for a little reflection and planning. As a classic Type A personality, I thrive on the planning side of things. However, if I’m being honest, I don’t often spend much time reflecting on the past year—as I’m usually too busy focusing on what’s next. I realize this has been a miss on my end, since there is so much to be gained (duh!) in reflecting on the wins, the highs and the lows, the learnings, the good times, etc., etc. Of course, I mean this holistically, but this also pertains to the smaller things in our lives—like our wardrobes.

Over the holidays I embarked on a two-and-a-half-week trip visiting my family in Kansas City and my husband’s family in the UK—a trip I pre-planned all my outfits for, which honestly deserves its own newsletter. Upon returning to my apartment—with two tightly packed bags in tow, came the task of unpacking. As an organizational freak, it’s a task I actually don’t mind, aside from the puzzle of getting everything to fit back in my tiny, New York City-sized, closet. I’m confident that my next apartment will have a walk-in closet, but until then, the constant reorganization is a way of life.

The benefit of my tiny space is that it forces me to be intentional with everything I bring into my closet. As I’ve shared before, I try to invest in pieces that can be worn over and over again, and across multiple seasons. As I unpacked my bags I took note of the hero items that always end up in my suitcase, as well as the seasonal statement items that were ‘outfit makers’ this holiday season—because you need a wardrobe that can do both!

And as I forced everything back into my very packed closet, it became clear that I was out of space, and hangers. While I’m not a believer in the one-in, one-out method (because sometimes everything deserves to stay), I do swear by seasonal edits. And that’s exactly what I did—giving the pieces I wear on repeat the space they deserve, and creating a little clarity in my wardrobe.

How I organize my closet and tackle a closet clean-out is a story for another day, but today is all about what stayed, the timeless staples that will remain key players in my wardrobe for years to come.

Below I’ve listed the best best wardrobe staples I added to my closet in 2024. All are true hero pieces that I reach for every single day.

Xx, my best best!

the best best: tops

Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Big Shirt — I have said it once and I’ll say it again, you can never have too many button-downs. They are chic, versatile, and timeless! This one from Gap is great quality, excellent price point, and comes in a few fun stripes. Honorable mention to the Frank & Eileen Shirley Oversized Button-Up Shirt as it’s another strong contender, just a little too long to tuck!

Argent Copain Blazer — Everyone needs a black blazer in their wardrobe. It’s one of the most versatile staples, and I wear this one once a week. It’s nearly sold out, but a few sizes here and here, including a few in the laurel colorway which is another fav of mine. I sized up for a boyfriend fit!

DONNI The Jersey Tee — This is my favorite white tee!! I love all things DONNI, and they did not miss on this piece. It’s the perfect amount of sheer and looks great on its own or under a sweater. The perfect piece for layering!

Sezane Max Shirt — If you’re a fan of the Canadian tuxedo, you need this piece! It’s just the right oversized. I wear it tucked for the office, and unbuttoned over a tee/tank/swimsuit for a more relaxed fit.

American Vintage Vitow Cardigan — I had my eye on this cardigan for a year, and the moment I saw it in person at the American Vintage store in Amsterdam, I couldn’t resist. It comes in so many great colors, and it’s just the perfect piece for Fall and Winter. It’s relaxed but still looks chic.

Gap x DÔEN Oversized Icon Denim Jacket — The Gap x DÔEN collab was v good. I luckily scored a few pieces when the collection accidentally launched early, and this jacket was a highlight. Everyone needs a relaxed denim jacket in their wardrobe. Sadly this exact style is sold out, but another great option via Reformation here.

DÔEN Rosaria Dress — I fell in love with this dress, and it was almost impossible to find as it was nearly sold out everywhere. After some serious hunting, I finally tracked it down at Saks in Greenwich and had it overnighted in time to wear it on my birthday. I’ve styled it up, and down, and know it’ll remain a go-to in my wardrobe for seasons to come. While the exact polka dot version is no longer available, I’ve linked the current option here, which is just as fab.

the best best: bottoms

DONNI The Rib Kick Flare — Everyone should own these pants. They can be dressed up for a night out—I styled them with an oversized button-down and kitten heels, and the pants for lounging and travel. They come in SO many fun colors and are at a great price point. If you’re an athleisure girl, these are the upgrade you’ve been needing.

Citizens of Humanity Ayla Baggy High-Rise Jeans — If you want to try a baggier fit, this is the pair for you. I got these at the start of last year, and they remain a staple in my wardrobe. I wear these jeans at least once a week—sometimes cuffed, sometimes not when paired with a boot. If you’re tall these are an excellent option.

Citizens of Humanity Ayla Short — I loved the jeans so much I bought the shorts! This is the perfect denim short for the office, well, depending on where you work. They are a great length but still offer a relaxed summer vibe. For the office, I style this pair in many ways, but my go-to is with my fav DONNI tank and an Argent blazer.

Argent Straight Leg Trouser — 2024 was the year I embraced straight-leg pants, and these were my gateway. Influenced by Leandra Medine (she styled them first) I highly recommend you incorporate a pair into your rotation. We have been living in an oversized world, and there is space for this tailored silhouette.

Madewell x Alexa Chung High-Rise Straight Jean — After I got the above trousers, I realized I needed a more narrow cut jean in my rotation. I spent a lot of time looking for an affordable pair, and these were the winner. They have no stretch, are a great wash, and have chic brass hardware.

Argent Pleated Cotton Shorts — Another versatile pair of shorts that is perfect for the office and the weekend. It was a Bermuda summer, and I can’t wait to pull these out again. Another piece I’ve styled up and down, and worn more times than I can count.

the best best: accessories

J.Crew Italian Pull-Up Leather Belt — I found this in the men’s section, and wear it nonstop. It’s one of my most worn accessories!

Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump — I now own these in three colors/fabrications, black suede, snakeskin, and black patent leather. They are truly comfortable, and the perfect city heel.

Dragon Diffusion Nantucket Tote — This is my current work tote and I can’t say enough good things about it! It’s chic, timeless, and I think seasonless. Though my mom would disagree! lol I get SO many compliments on this bag. If you’re not familiar with the brand, highly recommend checking out their full offering.

J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap — Everyone should own this! It’s the perfect piece for travel. Wear it as a scarf, wear it as a shawl/poncho, or cozy up with it on the plane. I have the black, but it comes in a wide range of colors, some of which are currently on sale here.

Kate Spade New York Sam Icon Small Nylon Tote Bag — I don’t know what prompted my sudden interest in this Kate Spade bag this summer, but once the idea came to me I was surprised to find them on The Real Real for $30-$50. We all love the Prada nylon bags, so why or how we have forgotten about this classic is beyond me. Highly recommend grabbing one on TRR, here is one for $17.50. WILD!

Aeyde Stina Sandal — I live in kitten heels in the summer, and this shoe was one of my most worn. I love that it’s patent—easy to keep looking new, and they are very comfortable. Similar option here from Tony Bianco — and a few sizes in the exact shoe here, here & here!!

Calzedonia Ankle Socks — In November I did a no-buy month, which conveniently ended during BFCM. The no-buy made me somewhat conservative with my shopping, as a result the Calzedonia sale is one of the only things I shopped. I got 6 pairs of these socks, and I love them! They are cozy and look chic with a sneaker, loafer, etc.

Freda Salvador Elba Loafers — If you don’t currently own a loafer, this is for you, and if you own many, get this in a different colorway. I have many loafers in my rotation and this style became a quick favorite!! To note, you do need to break them in, but they feel comfy after 2-3 wears.

Madewell The Gabi Thong Slide Sandal — Everyone should have a simple leather flip-flop in their shoe rotation. This pair was such a great price and quality, and I wore them nonstop. This sandal paired with a suit—a vibe! These are sold out, but here is a similar option from A.Emery I’m eyeing.