We live, breathe and love fashion – but even we have to admit that putting together a sweet outfit every day can get a tad tedious. Whenever we feel a wardrobe crisis coming on, we call on our OGs: the timeless basics that take us from season to season, and go with just about anything. They’re the pieces that always have our back, no matter where we’re going and who we’re seeing.

These are the 10 styles all women are eternally grateful for…

#1 JEANS

Whether they’re black skinnys, boyfriend jeans or the high-waisted, butt-boosting Levi’s (props to Kylie Jenner for the inspo), every girl needs the perfect pair of jeans that flatters her figure and makes her feel fab. Because while we like to think we dress up every day, sometimes, you just need to pull on a pair of jeans and be done with it. The best bit? You can dress them up or down, and make them work everywhere from the office to date night and a rager with the girls.

#2 LEATHER JACKET 

Another hardworking hero, a leather jacket adds a little effortless edge to any outfit. It’s definitely an investment, but it pays off in cost-per-wear: it never goes out of style, and you’ll wear it for years. When it’s chilly, team it with jeans or wide-leg pants, and layer it over a chunky jumper. And during those in-between seasons when you never know what’s up with the weather, throw it over your favourite jumpsuit or sundress, pop on a pair of boots, and you’re good to go. Easy!

#3 WHITE TEE

Is there anything more iconic than the white tee?! The queen of wardrobe essentials, it’s insanely versatile and you can style it for both work and play. As always, fit is the key here. Go for a loose-fitting cut that skims your bod and is as comfortable as it is chic. The softer and simpler it is, the better. Pair it with denim, tuck it into a sleek skirt for work, or wear it under a slip dress or cami for a casual look. While we’re talking about t-shirts, black and grey marle tees are also the gifts that keep on giving.

#4 BRETON

Step up your tee game with a Breton, which is a fancy way of saying ‘stripy top.’ We have the French to thank for this style – specifically a miss Coco Chanel. You might have heard of her. The designer was a huge fan of the nautical tee, which was originally worn by sailors and yachtsmen, and brought it to the fashion world. Anything Coco touches turns to gold, so naturally, we’re all obsessed with the easy, elegant Breton. Mix and match yours with floral or solid separates, or don it with denim. Voila!

#5 LBD

You knew this was coming. Another one of Coco’s creations, the little black dress is a no-brainer. Once you find the LBD that suits your style and looks like it was made for your body, you’ll have something chic to wear for all occasions, from dinner dates to engagements. The most versatile piece in every woman’s wardrobe, it’s saved us from many pre-event waves of panic. The best LBDs are a blank slate: they’re simple and look stunning on their own, but they can also be accessorised.

#6 SUNDRESS

Easy, breezy and beautiful: this is the dress you dream of wearing all winter long. In the warmer months, we’re all about ‘one and done’ pieces – and this flirty frock is exactly that. Just throw it on, and you have a ready-made outfit that’ll take you from the beach to the bar, and from daytime activities to after-dark debauchery. This sundress should make you smile, so go crazy with florals, vibrant colours and prints.

#7 MIDI SKIRT

Feeling blah or bloated? Or wishing you were at the beach instead of work? Enter: the midi skirt. It floats right over those curves and swishes and twirls as you move around, and we’re all about it. For the most flattering fit, choose an A-line skirt that cinches in at the waist before flaring out – think of the skirts worn by the women in Mad Men, but, you know, updated for this century. Half the fun of fashion is experimenting, so play around with different styles. Dress yours down with a tee and chambray shirt or denim jacket (two more items all women are beyond grateful for!), or dress it up with a silk cami, leather jacket and heels. Boom!

#8 SLIP DRESS

The 90s are back, baby, and they brought their slip dresses. Made famous by a fresh-faced Kate Moss, the slip dress is seriously sexy, and is here to stay. Pick a mini or midi length slip in silk or satin, so that it skims over your body. On date night, pair your slip with black booties or heels and a clutch, and wait for the compliments to roll in. For a more casual vibe, layer a white tee underneath, and finish your look with sneakers or sandals.

#9 TRENCH COAT

Every girl should own a classic trench coat. As practical as it is pretty, this is structured yet comfortable, and lightweight enough to carry you through those in-between seasons. With clean lines and a belted waist, it adds instant chic to any outfit – whether you’re just popping to Coles or bossing about in the boardroom. Hunt for an A-line trench in a neutral hue, like camel, and treat it like an investment piece.

#10 BLAZER

Work in a corporate office? A longline blazer is the easiest way to take your look drab to fab. It’s also a go-to for pulling together OOO outfits, when it’s too warm for a trench but you need something a little more polished than a leather jacket. It’s preppy yet cool, and truly makes you look like you put some effort in – even when you had 4.7 minutes to race out the door. If you find a beautiful blazer, but it’s a bit boxy or balloons around the waist, call on your trusty tailor. It’s worth splashing the extra cash to get the fit right.

#11 LEGGINGS

Leggings exploded onto the style scene in the 60s and 70s, and women all around the world thanked their lucky stars. Gone were the days of so-tight-you-can’t-breathe corsets and pants that puffed out in weird places. These deliciously stretchy pants had an elastic waistband that tucked everything in nicely, and hide a multitude of sins. Fast-forward to today, and they’re still the lazy girl’s uniform, and the ultimate loungewear. Join us in changing into leggings when you get home from work, and team them with a chunky knit and sneakers if you need to run around doing errands. Bow down!

Post by Katia Iervasi.