The Leather Jacket

Anyone who has ever owned a leather jacket knows that unlike any other wardrobe staple, one does not choose a leather jacket – rather, the leather jacket chooses you. It’s a bond for life and, when selected carefully, signals the start of a lifelong partnership.

Splurge: The Pony Rider, $1,495 from Deadly Ponies (Above)
Save: Imonni Revival Vegan Leather Jacket, $239.90 from Flo & Frankie (Below)

The Work Flat

Corporate responsibility is always in vogue. Whether you’re gearing up for your first job out of university or already five years deep into the #careerlyf, the work flat ensures unwavering practicality without compromising on style.

Splurge: Jimmy Choo Patent Leather Loafers, $813 From 24 Sevres (Above)
Save: Leather Loafers With Buckle, $89.90 From Zara (Below)

The Little Black Dress

The beauty of the little black dress (LBD) is that everyone can wear one and look completely different to the five other LBD wearers in the room. Short sleeve, long sleeve, above the knee, midi length, worn with tights, worn without tights, you name it… It’s about finding the right one to flatter your figure and unique sense of style.

Splurge: Evolution Dress, $580 from Karen Walker (Above)
Save: Textured Dress, $79.99 from H&M (Below)

The Perfect Jeans

Depending on your age and body shape, what you consider to be the holy grail of jean styles is more important than any passing trend. Some people won’t go past a skinny cut jean, some may insist on high-waisted, while others feel most confident rocking a Mom jean all year round. The trick is to find your most flattering fit in a wash you can easily dress up and down and invest accordingly.

Splurge: Frame Jeans, $334 USD from Net-A-Porter (Above)
Save: Dual Tone Stem Hem Jeans, $159 From Country Road (Below)

The Heeled Sandal

Versatile and timeless, the heeled sandal will go with anything and everything for an instant formality boost. The heel type and height should be compatible with your lifestyle – there’s no point investing in skyscraper stilettos if you rarely wear heels as you will only find yourself finding an excuse not to wear them. Or worse, taking them off during a function due to discomfort. If you need to be able to walk fair distances or take to the dance floor with ease, opt for a block midi heel.

Splurge: Aquazzura, $743 USD From Net-A-Porter (Above)
Save: Block Heel, $49.99 From Glassons (Below)

The Striped T-Shirt

The striped t-shirt is a wardrobe staple because you can easily wear it to work under a blazer on casual Friday, to brunch with jeans, or even with activewear for a spot of social exercise. Much like the classic white t-shirt (or black, or grey), there really is no limit to what you can wear it with. But unlike a standard block colour, striped t-shirts come in varying stripe widths and colours, giving you plenty of options to find your unique take on this wardrobe staple.

Splurge: Stripe heritage neck t-shirt, $105 AUD from Bassike (Above)
Save: Basic T-shirt, $15.90 from Zara (Below)

The Trench Coat

If you haven’t invested in a trench coat before it’s probably because you haven’t found the right shade or cut for you. And that’s totally okay because it needs to be spot on in order for you to want to wear it and thus realise how fundamental it is to your wardrobe. Take your time,  do your research, try plenty of them on and commit.

Splurge: Stella McCartney Trench Coat, $2,829 from 24 Sevres (Above)
Save: Batwing Trench Coat, £79.00 from Topshop (Below)

Read next: Why a trench coat should be your next investment piece

The Black Ankle Boot

Universally flattering, the black ankle boot is an all year round staple that will go with everything in your wardrobe. If you tend to be a more formal dresser on the whole, opt for a almond or more angular toe and experiment with patent or high shine leathers. If you tend to be more casual, matte leather, suede or wooden heels will add formality without contradicting your other pieces.

Splurge: Simone Patent Boot, $220 AUD from Senso (Above)
Save: Black Boots with Ring Detail, $65.90 from Zara (Below)

The Denim Jacket

There are denim jackets and there are denim jackets. Don’t make the mistake of buying a run of the mill denim jacket because “you can’t go wrong with a denim jacket”. While this statement is technically true, look to unique design features such as fraying ruffles, bell sleeves, hardware, collar shapes and length to accentuate your unique sense of style. That way you’ll feel proud with every wear, not fatigued or uninspired.

Splurge: Wide Sleeve Denim Jacket, $450 AUD from Bassike (Above)
Save: Basic Denim Jacket, $69.90 from Zara (Below)

The Everyday Watch

Elegant, intelligent and practical, the everyday watch is here to serve you. Depending on your personal style, there’s plenty of design options when it comes to choosing a watch best suited to your everyday needs – all metal vs leather strap; big face vs small face; numbers vs Roman numerals… so long as it’s classic, this little beauty will keep you at best, on time, and at worst, fashionably late.

Splurge: Gucci G-Timeless Watch, $1,320 USD from Farfetch (Above)
Save: Rosefield West Village Watch, $179 from Superette (Below)

The Ribbed Polo

From autumn through to spring, the ribbed polo is your trans-seasonal saviour that will see your summer bottoms, dresses and shirts worn deep into the colder months. Not to mention it’s effortlessly chic and super comfortable when worn alone; the multiple opportunities to wear need not be overlooked.

Splurge: Seiko Polo, $265 from Lonely (Above)
Save: Ribbed Polo-Neck Jumper, $19.99 from H&M (Below)

The Going Out Clutch

Though not appropriate for everyday use, the going out clutch is a wardrobe necessity nonetheless and requires as much consideration and investment as any other staple. It can be basic and elegant if you prefer your outfits to do the talking, or it can pose as a statement piece elevating every outfit to new heights – even your LBD.

Splurge: Valentino ‘Rockstud Baguette’ clutch, $2156 from 24 Sevres (Above)
Save: Topshop Crossbody bag, $49.95 AUD from The Iconic (Below)

The Chunky Sweater

If you love winter, chances are it’s because you’ve encountered the absolute delight of the chunky sweater. The cut, shape, fit, and weave is yours for the picking but the fibres should always be predominantly wool, merino, alpaca, cotton or cashmere to deliver on that luxury-to-the-touch characteristic.

Splurge: Loft cable knit $159.90 from Witchery (Above)
Save: Knitted Jumper, $79.99 from H&M (Below)

Read next: 15 cosy (and non-itchy) knitwear updates for your wardrobe

The Statement Shades

Statement shades are exactly that, statement-making. You can throw on even the most basic of outfits and instantly look more fashun with the right shades perched on the bridge of your nose. They deliver on style and ‘tude, so you don’t have to.

Splurge: Banks Crazy Tort, $329 from Karen Walker (Above)
Save: Matt and Nat Faith Sunglasses, $56 USD from Garmentory (Below)

The Tailored Blazer

Empowered much? The tailored blazer gives you a sophisticated yet smart edge in the office and perks up even your most uninspiring (but usually the most comfortable) weekend ensembles. “Oh, this old thing? I just threw it on as I waltzed out the door”. Pfffft, please. You look chic AF and you know it.

Splurge: Zelda Blazer, $299 from Ruby (Above)
Save: Blazer, $69.99 from H&M (Below)

The Go-Anywhere Dress

Like a LBD but not, the go-anywhere dress is a fail-proof dress you can resort to for any impromptu outings, functions, trips etc, at any time of the year. You can give it an edge with a leather jacket and head down to a concert, pair with denim and sneakers for a weekend shopping date, dress up with heeled sandals for an event, or team with ankle boots and a fedora for a vineyard excursion. It’s versatile, feminine, flattering and will avert any ‘what-to-wear’ crisis.

Splurge: Olivia Silk maxi dress, $489 from Ruby (Above)
Save: Woven Charli Wrap Sleeve Dress $44.99 from Cotton On (Below)

The White Sneaker

The casual white sneaker is now a ubiquitous shoe style on par with the stiletto. White sneakers are the perfect trans-seasonal footwear choice as they add a nostalgic charm to summery outfits, while also playing up winter-white aspects of outfits as the temperature drops.

Splurge: Common Projects Original Achilles Low Sneakers, $649 from Workshop (Above)
Save: Veja Esplar Low Leather Sneaker, $173 from Well Made Clothes (Below)

The Wide-Legged Pant

While wide-legged pants have seen a resurgence in recent times, they’ve been a classic shape for decades, particularly in corporate and evening wear environments. Find the most flattering cut for your body shape, be it voluminous from the hip down or more of a fit and flare, and wear with knitwear and kitten heels for work appropriate elegance, or dress down with sneakers and a cropped top for a night out with the girls.

Splurge: Memory Flare, $569 from Georgia Alice (Above)
Save: Wide leg trouser, $169.90 from Witchery (Below)

The White Shirt

The white button-down shirt is a wardrobe staple for obvious reasons: Its range of shapes and detailing make it an accessible piece that can easily be worn in almost every environment. Linen and oversized versions are essential during warmer weather, crisp, dense cottons are empowering in the office, and chiffon or feminine versions can be easily layered upon.

Splurge: Lines Shirt, $229 from Kowtow (Above)
Save: Poplin Shirt, $99 from Zara (Below)

The Carry-All Tote

Handbags are chic, it’s true. But when you’ve got a ton of makeup, your phone charger, lunch, a laptop, diary, wallet, sunglasses and keep cup to haul around, you want a handbag that doesn’t weigh anything before you throw your 5.7 kg of daily ‘essentials’ inside. Enter, the carry-all tote.

Splurge: Isabel Marant Bisboo Suede Tote, $949 from Workshop (Above)
Save: Leather Tote, $139 from Zara (Below)

The Slip Dress

The slip dress is the nineties favourite heading nowhere fast. Delicate silk-like fabrics make this an irresistible option for going out. But don’t let its higher than usual price point deter you, as its versatility—layering it over shirts, ribbed knit polos, shirts or under jumpers and jackets—will drive its cost per wear down in the long run.

Splurge: Kinetica Slip, $320 from Miss Crabb (Above)
Save: Mini Slip dress, $189 from Commoners (Below)

The Pointed Toe Pump

Ever wanted longer legs? Say no more. The pointed toe pump, particularly when worn in shades similar to your skin tone, will instantly give the illusion of longer legs. Much like a black boot, a pointed toe pump goes with virtually anything and almost always means business.

Splurge: Alice + Olivia Point Toe Pumps, $408 from Shopbop (Above)
Save: Tony Bianco Emmi Pump, $159.95 AUD from The Iconic (Below)

The Posh Coat

One of the best things about owning a posh coat is that you don’t need to be going anywhere posh to rock it. Heading to the supermarket in your loungewear mightn’t be your brightest endeavour, but throw on a posh coat and you’re instantly channelling celeb incognito vibes. And of course, it comes in handy when you actually have to head somewhere respectable and/or posh… as the name suggests.

Splurge: Painter’s Coat, $760 from Twenty Seven Names (Above)
Save: Commoners Marle Wool Coat, $349 from Infinite Definite (Below)

The All-Rounder Skirt

Short and A-line, straight and mini, long and pencil or all of the above. A good rule of thumb to consider (warning, it’s a touch morbid) when deciding whether a skirt style is one hit wonder or an all-rounder: If you can wear it on a night out and wear it comfortably to a funeral, then you my friend, have found yourself a winner.

Splurge: Carter Midi Skirt, $599 AUD from Camilla and Marc (Above)
Save: Pleated Midi Skirt, $49.90 from Zara (Below)

The Oversized Scarf

The oversized scarf belongs in everyone’s wardrobes based on its potential alone. After all, there are so many different ways to wear it, adding luxury and warmth all at the same time. Is it a jumper? Is it a shawl? Is it a lap blanket? It’s stylish is what it is and it will be anything you want it to be if you’re willing to experiment.

Splurge: Embrace scarf, $199 from Kowtow (Above)
Save: Large Scarf, $24.99 from H&M (Below)

The Weekender Bag

A functional and slightly luxe weekender bag will make all the difference when you need to haul your essentials into the car, onto a plane, train, ferry, yacht – you name it. Soft sides make it easily malleable for all sorts of compartments or overhead lockers and less likely to damage anything it comes into contact with – eg the leather seats in your SO’s brand new car…

Splurge: Elk Leather Duffel Bag, $450 from Paper Plane (Above)
Save: Angola Weekender Bag with Black handles, $79.90 from Citta (Below)