I'm Shopping These 7 Staples Now so I Don't Have to Buy Anything New in 2027 (Yes, Really)
While much of my job as a fashion editor revolves around spotting and reporting on seasonal trends, I like to think I have a knack for pinpointing which items will eventually graduate from trend piece to bona fide wardrobe staple. More often than not, it's based on what I find myself reaching for out of my own closet each day—what are the seasonal staples I'm wearing the most these days? What are the gaps I still need to fill?
By now, I've analyzed every 2026 trend and cross-referenced it with my own outfit rotation to come up with my ultimate spring shopping list that's highly edited and most importantly, curated with longevity in mind. I believe that having a strong assortment of cool basics makes it feel less urgent to buy into all the latest trends, so right now, I'm only interested in buying something new if I know it will still feel fresh and modern in another year, even two.
With that in mind, discover my list of the timeless (but still modern) pieces I'm shopping now to avoid spending in 2027.
The 7 Best Timeless Wardrobe Basics
1. Dark Denim
Every time I want to put on a pair of jeans, which, let's face it, is nearly every day, I always reach for my darker washes first. The deep indigo hues have a way of looking polished with nearly anything, whether that be a white tee or heels and a leather jacket.
2. Sleek Loafers
I don't need to espouse the benefits that classic loafers have on a wardrobe, because if you read Who What Wear on the regular, you already know that they're one of the most elite flat shoes you can own. I'll double down on that and say that once I finally invested in a great black leather pair for myself, my closet felt 80% more complete, as the flats look good with just about everything.
3. V-Neck Sweaters
V-neck sweaters emerged as a major trend this past fall and winter, and while I initially thought the trend would fade out by spring, I'm realizing that it's only growing stronger and the style is turning into more of a staple than a seasonal item. Layered over a collared shirt or a white tee is the way to go, and Loewe's spring runway even made the case for the sweater to be worn with shorts in warmer weather, too.
4. Single-Breasted Trench Coats
If you know me, you know that I added this men's car coat to my closet a few months ago and have hardly shut up about it since. The single-breasted silhouette and billowy shape have surprisingly filled so many gaps in my wardrobe, and I find myself reaching for it nonstop as a final layer over everything from denim to leggings.
5. Bowler Bag
Few handbag shapes can truly chameleon their way in and out of different occasions and personal-style aesthetics, but retro bowler bags certainly can. Their top-handle shape lends a healthy dose of polish to an outfit and for me personally, the ultimate goal is The Row's soft leather Agnes Bag.
6. Pencil Skirts
All eyes are on Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's minimalist style with the launch of FX's Love Story, and while many of her capsule-wardrobe pieces are worthy of being an investment in your forever wardrobe, none feel quite as timeless (yet timely) as the column skirt. Style one with mules, pumps, or knee boots to emulate the '90s vibe.
7. Almond Flats
The not-quite-pointed-but-not-quite-rounded shape of almond flats makes them feel both casual enough to wear alongside denim but chic enough to finish off a pair of tailored trousers. Case in point: In 2026, everyone from models off duty in L.A. to the most elegant dressers in Milan and Paris has fully adopted almond-toe shoes, and their outfits are making a strong case for why the shoe trend is worthy of earning a forever spot on our shoe racks.
