These 8 Things You Never Thought To Own Will Transform Your Entire Wardrobe
They may not be in your closet now, but if they were, you’d be wearing them more than anything else.
by The Candidly Team
We’re big believers in building your closet from an intelligent mix of foolproof, crème de la crème staples and the special, statement pieces that make your heart sing. Both need to co-exist for actual outfits to come forth in any sort of functional form.
But sometimes, there are those items that float somewhere in between staple and statement. A piece that doesn’t quite fall into a category but that holds a certain sort of magic that makes it a necessity. You know? Like a stunning heel that doesn’t destroy your feet. Or a dress that works for every single formal occasion.
When we come across these items, we collect them, like rarified shells. Here, we open our little trove and share with you 8 pieces you may never have thought to own, but that once you do, you will treasure and turn to over and over.
1. A Long-Sleeved Ribbed Midi Dress
Quince Tencel Rib-Knit Long Sleeve Dress
This may not seem like a revolutionary discovery, but a long-sleeved midi dress can be as cozy as any piece of loungewear we throw on, and yet, we get to look completely polished and put-together. It’s one of the most versatile things in our closet. We can dress it up or down. We can pair it with tights and boots to be warm and wintry, or we can keep it casual with elegant sneaks or sandals and not worry about carrying around a sweater. We love this one, because it’s soft and smoothing without being too tight. It’s just the right length and the ribbing flatters to no end. And then, astonishingly, there’s the price.
Price: $50
2. A White Chelsea Boot
We recently tasked ourselves with recreating the dreamy cream and white wardrobe of Naomi Watts in The Watcher. Not familiar? Behold. But what was maybe most striking about the whole to-do was how it had never before occurred to us just how transitional and gorgeous a cream-colored boot can be. They’re neutral and understated, fun and chic. They look perfect with jeans and skirts and even dresses. The lug-sole balances our outfits, creating superb proportions. In short, we will no longer go without a cream-colored boot in our closet.
Price: $80
3. A Long Cashmere Cardigan
Gobi Cashmere Organic Color Chunky Long Cardigan
We have made a looong case for why a gorgeous sweater is a deeply worthy investment piece. It’s the soft, dreamy thing we wear the most. And while we do it to be cozy, what a gift it is when it also deems us the most chicly dressed person in the room. This long, pure cashmere sweater feels like we’re draped in our warmest robe. And yet, it truly is so pretty and eye-catching that we feel a little like we’re cheating. Granted, it’s an investment, but for this much cashmere, it’s actually an impressive price. Not to mention, you will wear this enough to justify its cost over and over for the rest of your life.
Price: $315
4. A Trench That Feels Like Loungewear
The mere idea of a relaxed fit, entirely chic coat spun from soft, cozy, almost sweatshirt-like material feels like something from a dream. But this one took things even further with its flattering drop shoulder and divine layer-ability. This is the coat we will be reaching for every time we leave the house. Because (even though it looks tailored and gorgeous), it makes us feel like we’re still at home in sweats.
Price: $238
5. A Chic Moto Jacket That Has Actual Stretch
Spanx Leather Like Moto Jacket
We spent a fair amount of time puzzling over this one. How could the brand we rely on for shapewear possibly have made a chic moto jacket that looks like its spun from luxe leather? Then it occurred to us that only a shapewear brand might truly understand how to make a jacket smooth and flattering, while still having this much flexibility. Because comfort is so key to our contentment, we rank this piece very high. It allows us to look striking and sleek without feeling restricted.
Price: $298
6. A Cream-Colored Coat
Once again, we have turned to a lighter hue to elevate a staple thing like a coat to an elegant statement piece. We LOVE how wearable this cream trench is with its gorgeous movement and cinched waist. The back also happens to be perfection.
For a wool version of this cream coat, we are slightly obsessed with THIS one. It’s so chic and flattering and also captivates from the front and back.
Price: $75 - $180
7. A Cozy Sweatshirt Dress
Marcella Walker Sweatshirt Dress
Perhaps you need some convincing on this one. Ooorrrr maybe you’re like us and couldn’t be more captivated by the idea of a dress that feels literally like our favorite hoodie while managing to look chic and flattering. We love that this particular style has little details like an actual hood and holes for our thumbs, so we can stay completely warm and cozy. But for more of a classic shape that reads like a perfect sweater dress, there’s also THIS one. It’s equally soft and sweatshirt-y but with a cleaner cut that can “dress up” a bit more.
Price: $130
8. A Wide-Leg Pair of Literal Cashmere Pants
We can’t imagine ever ending our love affair with a wide leg pant. This pair somehow mixes in the fit of loungewear and the feel of glorious cashmere. They’re magically dressy, while easily being the softest most luxurious thing you own. We love them in white, but the other colors are pretty special as well.
Price: $269
At The Candidly, we try a lot of stuff so you don’t have to. We only recommend things we truly love, and that we think you’ll love, too. All products are chosen independently by our creative team, and all details reflect the price and availability of products at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to, The Candidly may earn a commission.
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