7 Timeless Wardrobe Pieces You Should Never Get Rid Of

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Sure, decluttering can be a satisfying endeavor—but it can be difficult to know exactly what to get rid of. This is especially true when it comes to an overstuffed wardrobe. Fashion is cyclical, after all, and you don't want to regret tossing items only for them to come back in style.

To help you make the tough decisions, we chatted with multiple stylists and a fashion designer to get their takes on which wardrobe pieces have staying power and what should go into that donation bag ASAP.

Stephanie Coultress O'Neill, stylist and boutique owner at Estilo
Tara West, professional stylist
Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe, fashion designer
Elana and Dina Solomon, celebrity stylists

01 of 07

Leather Jackets

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Few pieces stand the test of time quite like the leather jacket. Whether you own a cropped moto or one with a longer silhouette, this outerwear staple should have a permanent spot in your wardrobe. “A leather jacket that softens over time only gets better with wear,” say celebrity stylists Elana and Dina Solomon, who note that patina and pliability (that come with age) are part of the larger appeal.

If your leather jacket feels a little too patinated (or particularly stiff), washing it properly is a great first step. Some dry cleaners also offer specific professional treatments for leather jackets.

02 of 07

Well-Made Blazers

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Even as trendy silhouettes change from shoulders with structure to more relaxed fits, blazers remain timeless—albeit with a little alteration. If yours feels slightly outdated, take it to the tailor to replace the buttons or change the fit; it’s an easy way to keep it current without throwing it by the wayside.

The Solomon sisters say a quality blazer can elevate anything from a slip dress to denim. “Whether it’s Balmain’s strong shoulders, The Row’s effortless drape, or a perfectly tailored Saint Laurent tux jacket, a good blazer instantly pulls a look together,” they explain. “When it’s well-made, it actually gets better with age, softer, more lived-in, and even more stylish.”

03 of 07

High-Quality Denim

If you have a pair of jeans that you love, it’s best to hold on to them, especially when they fit your body well. Although different cuts and washes are trendy at different times, everything always comes back around when it comes to denim.

“The ’70s are a great example,” shares boutique owner Stephanie Coultress O'Neill. “Flared and high-rise denim have made such a strong comeback, and I think they’ll keep cycling through for years to come. When something flatters so many body types and adds that effortless shape, it never stays out of style for long.”

04 of 07

Crisp White Shirts

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A crisp, white shirt is a wardrobe staple that can be paired with virtually anything and is great for layering. “There’s something endlessly chic about a white button-down,” says professional Tara West. “It’s a blank canvas that adapts to your mood and setting. A fresh, well-fitting white shirt can make even the simplest outfit feel intentional.”

Whether you’re headed into the office or are meeting up with friends for brunch on the weekend, a white button-down is the perfect go-to. As long as the shirt isn’t yellowed from age or wear and hasn’t lost its structure, you’re set to keep it in rotation.

05 of 07

Classic Trench Coats

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minianne / Getty Images

Trench coats are classic, useful pieces that stand the test of time. “A trench coat bridges the gap between seasons with grace,” says West. “It offers both function and elegance, pairing beautifully with everything from weekend wear to work attire.”

The Solomon sisters agree, adding that pieces from household names like Burberry, Hermès, and Chanel “are built to last both structurally and stylistically.” If your trench feels a bit dated, change the fit via a tailor or refresh the lining before you toss it. Good construction doesn’t go out of style.

06 of 07

Statement Accessories from Y2K

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Starkovphoto / Getty Images

Your metallic belts or rhinestone bags from the early 2000s might be worth a second chance in the sunlight. Y2K accessories are resurfacing on runways and in street style, turning understated outfits into something more interesting.

Fashion designer Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe says to "hold onto anything from the 2000s—statement belts, metallic bags, or structured denim that feel directional but not costume-y." The key, Fyffe says, is balance: Pair a singular bold accessory with an overall more modern look.

07 of 07

Slip Dresses

Beige silk slip dress with accessories — Credit:
triocean / Getty Images

Once synonymous with the 1990s, the slip dress has become a modern staple, thanks to its simplicity and versatility. So whether yours is velvet, silk, or satin, holding onto it is worth considering. "[These] have come back so many times in different ways," says O'Neill, "from the ’90s minimalist versions to the more romantic, bias-cut styles we’re seeing now."

Slip dresses can be worn in a variety of seasons, too. Layer a turtleneck under yours and pair it with chunky boots for fall, or pile on gold jewelry and add sandals for an effortless vibe during summer.