Building a wardrobe that lasts is a deliberate process of filtering out the noise in favour of the repeat silhouette – the pieces that anchor our rotations regardless of the season.

We define a timeless staple by its utility; it is the tailored trouser that pairs back with everything we already own, or the coat that carries through year after year. These are the deliberate foundations that make getting dressed feel effortless. Below, we share the enduring pieces we swear by.

Elyssa Kostopoulos

Content Director & Timepiece Editor

During the summer break, I underwent a long-overdue wardrobe cleanout in the pursuit of building a more timeless, quality wardrobe that is filled with trusty staples. Now, let’s be clear, this did not happen overnight and it’s still very much a work in progress, but it really helped me identify the pieces I already had (that were hiding amongst the clutter) and the items I was missing.

Number one most important item is a great pair of jeans in three different shades – for me, I lean towards a traditional blue, white and then something more experimental (think prints, textures etc.). My colleague Cassie has already mentioned the classic Levi's 501 90s jean, but I also am really loving a barrel leg style (even though some people might class them as a trend), and have been living in these white Neuw denim jeans. Another non-negotiable for me is a classic but interesting suit. I have one that I love from Australian designer Courtney Zheng, but it’s unfortunately out of stock, so sharing two others I am hoping to gradually add – this espresso number from Oroton and my dream pinstripe blazer and matching trouser from P.Johnson.

As far as accessories go, a sturdy loafer will take you a long way, and I have been running around in the same pair from G.H Bass for the last five years. Here’s a pair that are similar. In the realm of bags, I struggle with timeless and tend to lean towards statement, but the next item on my shopping list is a versatile black clutch. I have my eye on this Gabriella Hearst satin clutch. A timeless dream.

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

My favourite wardrobe staples are pieces that have (mostly) been in my wardrobe for years. So not all of them are still available but there are similar ones. Starting strong, my Levis trucker jacket, so comfy, so versatile. I couldn’t function without it. My Loewe suit pants are a mainstay, the style I have is gone but these are similar. I’ve never had suiting fit in the way that Loewe does, so these are one of my favourite investment pieces. The Jonesy Tanks from Neuw Denim are possibly the most worn pieces in my closet as they’re so good for layering. I have a pair of By Malene Birger black sandals that I’ve nearly worn through. They’re my favourite. There’s still one size available, but otherwise the Nelson Made shoes are very similar.

I wear these Saint Valentine mini hoops basically every day as they are some of the only vermeil jewellery that don’t irritate my ears. My Cartier Panthère rarely leaves my wrist. And of course, who would I be without the perfect white tee? My brilliant friends at Noble Label made this one in honour of all the bold women out there. It’s the best.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

Given I live in a tiny inner-city apartment in Darlinghurst, my wardrobe only really allows for a capsule of wardrobe staples – and I look to sartorial north stars like Carolyn Bessette Kennedy for reference. Lately, I’ve been leaning into more minimalist pieces, like these Calvin Klein Collection Kate Flats and Carmen Organza Top. These kinds of pieces are perfect for pairing with wide-leg trousers (like the beautiful pin-striped Lee Mathews Drew Pant) or a classic blue jean (something in the vein of a Levi's 501 90s jean). I’m all for a classic logo-less leather bag that fits all the accoutrements of life – my current favourite is the Toteme Brown Belted Croco-Embossed Bucket Bag. A claw clip is a staple in my life (I often fasten them to the handle of my handbag for good measure) – this Rimu Claw Clip from HINU is very chic (green is a neutral right?).

Serafina Angeli

Campaigns Manager

A wardrobe staple, to me, is the kind of piece you end up buying in every single colour, the one that works so well you find yourself reaching for it constantly. For me, that silhouette is the Paris Georgia Heart Singlet. I’ve worn iterations of this top everywhere: to work, dinner dates, and for drinks with the girls. Black will always be my ride or die, but this coffee colourway is especially gorgeous as we head into autumn: rich, warm, and easy to pair with everything.

I love styling it with a low-rise, wide-leg jean like the Greta jeans from Reformation. They’re the perfect transeasonal staple and balance the silhouette beautifully.

When it comes to accessories, a black leather shoulder bag like this one, black kitten heels, and a pair of statement earrings to tie everything together.

I never leave the house without my signature pair of black cat-eye sunglasses - mine are these ones from Saint Laurent.

Also - does my travel Phillips wardrobe steamer count as a wardrobe staple? This is the best way to always look put- together and polished.

Stacey Gaskin

Consumer Revenue Manager

The staples in my wardrobe are more than just basics. They are the pieces I’ve reached for so consistently that they’ve begun to show the mileage. Some are worn to the point of needing repair, while others are finally ready to be retired.

I’ve always found it difficult to simply discard these items. They become sentimental over time. Rather than throwing them out, I look for ways to repurpose them. For instance, a local woman in my town specialises in coats for small dogs, and I’d love to turn my old T-shirts into winter pyjamas for my dachshund. Others end up in the garage and shed. My husband is a mechanic and swears by our retired cotton staples for his work rags.

Staples I currently have on rotation include Uniqlo’s U Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt in a couple of colours, alongside some vintage Harley Davidson and band merch tees. The RHEA 2.0 Ice Blue Oversized Cotton Shirt from DISSH and LEVI'S® Women’s 501® '90S Jeans are always at the front of my wardrobe. And I cannot forget to mention my The Frankie Shop Bea single-breasted oversize blazer.

My staple shoes and accessories are aplenty, however, the timeless favourites that come to mind are: Havaianas Slim Square Solid thongs – a regular go-to, as well as my New Balance 9060s. My Apricité Studios Contour Hair Pin, Heaven Mayhem Micro Knot Earrings and Ray-Ban Oval Metal sunglasses are always within reach, usually within Yu Mei’s Antonia Shoulder bag (I have it in Ox Lambskin, but also love this umber suede).

Staples I’d love to pick up begin with St Agni’s Stripe Relaxed Pleat Pants. I can’t wait to pick up this P.Johnson Ava Blazer in Espresso. And lastly, these Cuba Black Nappa ballet flats from Tony Bianco are an affordable option until I can purchase my wishlist THE ROW Stella leather ballet flats.

Kirsty Thatcher

Digital Editor

I’m on a pursuit to live more minimally this year, so taking stock of the pieces I actually reach for has been a great exercise in culling my wardrobe.

First and foremost: denim. I am all for investing in those pieces that you actually wear again and again. If the budget permits, I’d say the Khaite Danielle jeans are well worth the investment. But I’m also a big fan of the Uniqlo x JW Anderson straight leg style (if you can manage to catch them while they’re in stock), and the classic Valentina style by Henne.

Of course, every pair of jeans needs a good white T-shirt, and I’m yet to find a cut I prefer over this one by Elka Collective. It’s also very affordable, which helps if you’re prone to stains like I am. In a similar vein, I love a great tank top, and this one by Flore Flore is my undisputed favourite. I’d buy it in every colour if I could; I love the thick fabric.

My other wardrobe MVPs include these Venroy crepe pants (in both black and cream), a cute mini skirt (I have my eye on this one by Alfie Paris), a crisp button up, a longer skirt for office days (currently obsessed with this Assembly Label style), and a wear-with-everything knit like this one by St Agni.

Accessories-wise, I would be lost without my Camilla and Marc trench coat, a classic ballet flat, and some loafers. In a dream world, my rotation would also include a Balenciaga Rodeo Bag — I’m loving the tan colourway after seeing it on Sarah Pidgeon.

Jaime Carmody

Digital Marketing Specialist

My wardrobe is built on staples. While I’ll always invest in something playful or directional, I’m at my most confident when I’m buying items that are just as easy to wear as they are to love.

A sleek pair of tailored trousers will forever be my weakness. My pair from Camilla and Marc has truly seen it all. I’ve always had a soft spot for delicate lace details, so adding a lace-trim skirt from Par Moi into my rotation felt instinctive. I tend to sit on the tomboy side of the spectrum, but this piece strikes that ideal balance between feminine and cool-girl nonchalance. I’m also drawn to refined essentials with subtle hardware, like this beautifully detailed top from Christopher Esber.

When it comes to footwear, being on the shorter side means I gravitate towards a kitten heel. This pair from Toteme is exactly what my staple wardrobe has been missing. My trusty bag from Brie Leon remains on high rotation and I’ve been enjoying mixing metals lately. This silver bracelet from Lie Studio feels both striking and simple.

Sophia Serafin

Implementation Manager

Where do I begin with timeless staples? My wardrobe mantra has always been quality over quantity – as instilled by my mum – which is why my closet is built around a tight edit of recurring silhouettes, done well.

My ride-or-die basics are from LESET and Flore Flore, worn most days with denim. I have a reliable rotation of go-to shapes and washes, with favourites from R13, Agolde and Nili Lotan.

I tend to rotate just a few black bags, but I’m craving a pop of colour to bring my muted outfits to life. This reinstated Mombassa burgundy style from Saint Laurent is perfect - or perhaps a well-sourced vintage option. Most of my Celine sunglasses have been with me for over five years now. The quality and silhouettes stand the test of time.

A great pant – both casual and tailored – is essential, as is a leather jacket and structured blazer to interchange. I love a long column skirt (this one from Róhe is a dream), boxer shorts in a few colours, and a polo knit like this one from Neuw.

Accessories are always simple, but impactful. A wavy gold hoop from Sarah & Sebastian, a classic thong sandal, and the perfect heel from Khaite.

Aleks Beare

Brand Art Director

When I think of what my own timeless classics are, the first piece in my wardrobe I think of is my Acne Studios white t-shirt. An investment at the time several years ago, it’s still as good as when I first wore it and most importantly it’s still white.  Here is a similar Acne studios tee. Followed by my Balenciaga Le City. It’s a keeper…as are my Ray-Ban aviators.

I’ve always loved a relaxed blazer and Baum und Pferdgarten know fabrics and cuts with an edge, plus understated detail. I also think a small silk scarf by Silk Laundry reads as timeless (think Gwyneth Paltrow in Talented Mr Ripley).

I also love simple jewellery and as I have several ear piercings, I like to stack these huggies from Mejuri that go with everything and at any time. And the finishing touch is this Essie nail polish that’s just the right mix of red/orange.

Koby Dulac-Daley

Fashion Assistant

I find a lot of my staples come from second hand stores – and isn't that the true test of time and trend cycles?

I will not leave the house without my Gentle Monster sunglasses, and if I do accidentally, the day is ruined! The Avenue loafers from Assembly label are my go-to shoes for any event, or when I'm wearing a pleated short.

I won't go a day with my trusty Calvin Klein's. Once again, the coach brown suede Bleecker bucket bag is amongst my recommendations. It's a bag I could wear for almost any occasion (excluding a rainy one).

Uniqlo is the best for staple items. The JW Anderson cropped button down and Airism brown tee are no exception. Both you can style so effortlessly with almost any neutral trouser or short.

Around half of my wardrobe is made up of button down collared shirts – most of them are in some variation of blue. Ralph Lauren feels like the epitome of a timeless classic and is known for its classic shirts.  I am forever obsessed with Salt Murphy and the Julian top is a piece that I will always go back to. It's perfect for formal events or even just a day at the desk as it's really comfortable. 

Lastly, in Australia, thongs will never go out of style. I personally love these square toe black leather thongs.