Style Buzz: 7 Essentials To Have In Your Wardrobe

A well-functioning wardrobe isn't necessarily a large one. In fact, some of the most useful items in your closet aren't clothing at all. Whether you're getting dressed for work, dinner with friends, or a weekend errand run, these seven essentials can make life much easier.

1. A Great Jacket or BlazerThe fastest way to make an outfit look intentional is to add a structured layer. A blazer, denim or moto jacket, or even a tailored utility jacket instantly pulls everything together. It can also mitigate needing an additional coat if the evening is cool but not cold.

2. A Pair of Dark-Wash JeansDark denim is one of the hardest-working pieces in any wardrobe. It can be dressed up with a blouse and heels or worn casually with sneakers and a t-shirt. It does take an effort to find the perfect pair but once you do, it's like finding your newest best friend.

3. A Versatile Neutral ShoeA comfortable shoe in a neutral color works with most outfits and saves you from standing in front of the closet wondering what goes with what. Find one that you can wear most seasons and with different hem lengths for real versatility. You don't have to wear them all the time but they're there when you need them quickly.

4. A Large ScarfThere are so many styles and sizes of scarves, but one that you can use for multiple purposes - keeping your neck warm, keeping your shoulders covered, as a make-shift head covering during a sudden downpour - in a color that complements the majority of your wardrobe is a joy. It's an effortless way to elevate your style while providing an element of coverage.

5. A Statement and/or Signature PieceThose two terms technically mean different things - "statement" is a piece that loves the spotlight, while a "signature" piece is the one you always wear and get known for. But a signature piece can be a statement, and vice versa, so have an item in your wardrobe that gets attention and you're not fully dressed without. It gives your outfit that extra little something worth noting and talking about. It can be as small as a brooch or ring, or as commanding as a coat or handbag.

6. Matching HangersNot glamorous, but surprisingly transformative. Matching hangers make your closet look tidier and calmer, help clothes hang properly, and make it easier to see what you own. The slim-line velvet ones are a favorite because they're narrow, keep clothes from slipping off, and don't stretch out shoulders on tops like the plastic ones do.

7. A Clothing TLC KitKeep a steamer, sewing kit, stain-removal pen, safety pins, lint roller, shoe horn, and a sweater comb in one place. These small tools can refresh and rescue clothing from wrinkles, flaws, and minor mishaps and help you avoid replacing items unnecessarily.

The best closets aren't filled with more clothes, just the pieces and tools that work hard for you. Sometimes the secret to better style isn't shopping; it's making the most of what you already own.