Wardrobe Basics: Magpie Musts.

I’ve been writing more and more about some of the flagship pieces that underpin my day-to-day life and wardrobe — everything from stripes to utility jackets to the random, unglamorous daily products that make my world go round — and today, I thought I’d share five classic pieces that (I feel) should be in every chic pea’s wardrobe:

Wardrobe Basic No. 1: The Captoe Flat

I have literally worn my Chanel captoes into the ground and have been thinking that I am due for a new pair soon — but have (thankfully) just discovered a fabulous, far more affordable label: Margaux NY.  You can score a pair of luxe-looking flats for $125 (and, WTTW: you can get 10% off your first order by signing up for their newsletter!)  I love that they carry their shoes in a range of sizes (even small enough for my pixie-size-34.5 feet) and widths.  The question is: blush, ivory, or navy?!  (Also, ICYMI: these flats are also tres Chanel-esque.)

Wardrobe Basic No. 2: The Tweed Jacket

In a similar vein, every little lady needs a tweed blazer, as evidenced by this snap of the oh-so-chic Caitlin of Daily Cup of Couture:

I have a cream nubby one I scored from Zara maybe a decade ago, but I have my eye on either this J. Crew bow-adorned one ($198) or this Veronica Beard style (on ridiculous sale for $209), though I can’t make up my mind on whether or not I like the lace back.

People also go nuts over IRO’s blazers — this frayed-edged one is on point.

Wardrobe Basic No. 3: The Leather Watch

I invested in an Hermes H Heure watch ($2,725) a few years ago after coveting it for the better part of a decade, and it is something I truly cherish and intend to pass on to minimagpie at some point in the future.  (I also would eventually like to buy one of the Hermes Kelly watches, seen on Caitlin in the photo above!)  However, you needn’t make such a big expenditure if you’re not ready for it.  Prior to that acquisition, I wore an elegant La Mer leather wrap watch ($84) on the daily.

Wardrobe Basic No. 4: The Cable Knit Sweater

I have a navy cable knit sweater I bought maybe a decade ago from J. Crew (back when their quality was better…) that I wear season after season without fail.  They just never go out of style and can be paired with the latest trends — think, distressed white denim — as easily as your die-hard cotton chino shorts and still look perfect.  I would one day love to own a Polo Ralph Lauren cashmere cable knit sweater in ivory ($690 — though, I did find this Polo cashmere sweater on sale at Saks in select sizes for $159!!!), but, until then, will make do with more affordable cotton basics, like this blush cable-knit from H+M (I might order this a few sizes up to wear oversized-style with white skinnies — $50) or this navy lace-up sweater from Madewell ($85).  This dramatically-flared sweater ($148) is also enticing.

Wardrobe Basic No. 5: The White Button-Down.

Ah, the infinite versatility of a starch-y white top.  Pair with anything from jean cut-offs to a midi skirt and feel pulled together instantly.  In my opinion, J. Crew does a great basic button-down at a reasonable price ($69).  I also have owned classic Polo oxfords in various colors and stripes since I was twelve ($89).

Those five make a great start, but I’ll go ahead and list a handful of additional wardrobe heavy-hitters I turn to time and time again:

+The utility jacket.

+Striped tee.  People go nuts over the classic St. James mariniere shirt, but it’s always been a bit too boxy on me.  I am currently living in this tee ($35), though I love my Comme Des Garcons tee ($155).  People go nuts over the label Kule, too, for striped tees.

+Denim button-down.

+Oversized black shades.  You know I’m into these, which look like high-end designer sunnies, but ring in at under $70.