16 Wardrobe-Building Staples Katie Can’t Live Without

There’s nothing more versatile than a plain white T-shirt. It can act as a base layer under a cute sweater or laid-back denim jacket, and it looks just as nice with trousers or a skirt as it does with a pair of sweats. Katie stocks up on this one from J.Crew because it’s slightly fitted, but not restrictive.

Underwear is the foundation of any outfit, which is why wearing a comfortable bra is essential. This one from Thirdlove is Katie’s pick because it’s smooth under everything from dresses to T-shirts. With adjustable pleated straps and a flexible underwire, this bra doesn’t dig in around her shoulders or midsection.

This is Katie’s favorite cardigan, hands down. It’s an investment piece, but it’s something you’ll own and love for years. And you can rest assured the simple, sophisticated design will stay fashionable forever, even when Gen Z jeans and chunky sneakers are a distant style memory.

In our opinion, every wardrobe should have some sort of versatile, lightweight jacket. Katie’s partial to a denim jacket, but her ideal jean topper is anything but ordinary, ideally with a fun detail like puffed shoulders. She also usually opts for a lighter wash and slightly cropped fit instead of a darker, slim-fitting silhouette, but that’s what makes jean jackets so easy to incorporate into your aesthetic — there’s a version for everyone!

During hot days, Katie prefers to wear an easy-fitting dress. This shirt dress is perfect for the workday and a post-work night out. Dress it up with a pair of heels or dress it down with a cute pair of white sneakers.

When temperatures start to dip, an extra layer becomes a necessity. While leather jackets come in a million different cuts and styles, Katie opts for one with minimal hardware, making it easier to style on a day-to-day basis. This Quince one is a traditional moto style that’s buttery-soft and made of 100% top grain leather.

Did you know Katie’s also a model? We’re big believers in cost-per-wear at Katie Couric Media, which is why we’re willing to drop big bucks on pieces we know we will wear time and time again. This wool dress is perfect for year-round use, as you can don it on its own in the warmer months, like Katie here, or layer it over a turtleneck or button-up when it’s cooler out.

Katie clings to this oversized scarf, because it’s almost like wearing a blanket. It makes for the perfect flight accessory if you’re getting mercilessly blasted with airplane AC, and it’s also nice to throw around your shoulders on chilly evenings. 

What’s summer without an easy, breezy sundress? One of Katie’s favorite brands for maxi, midi, and mini dresses is Walker and Wade, which was founded by her friend, Laurie. You’ll catch Katie in a ton of different styles from the brand, but she’s particularly fond of this flowy number dubbed the Courtney dress.

Katie owns these pants in multiple colors, and we can see why. They’re comfy enough to feel like pajamas, but tailored enough to wear to a big meeting or presentation. The elastic waist means that you can pull them on with ease, and the stretchy fit is comfortable for walking around (making them a great travel pant) or sitting in a chair for hours. 

For a day of rest and relaxation, Katie reaches for a sweatshirt, especially for those chilly beach walks she loves so much. This one from Spanx is her go-to for everything, including travel. 

A good pair of glasses is a must, even if you have 20/20 vision. These gold frames lend a trendy ’70s feel to any outfit, and can be customized with your prescription, reader lenses, or plain blue light-filtering lenses to fit whatever your peepers need.

Facts are facts: Katie has got great legs. You’ve got great legs, too, and they’ll look amazing in these leggings. The compression material will support you and help you feel confident. We’ll take a pair in every color, please. 

Have you heard? Canadian tuxedos are chic now. But if we know anything about trends, it’s that our newfound affection for the two-piece denim getup will die down soon. So, we don’t advise investing in a denim outfit as a basic. But if you want to lean into the trend in a way that won’t go out of style, a denim jumpsuit is the way to go. Katie wore a similar jumpsuit during her Going There tour, but we’d argue this one may be a bit more versatile, as it doesn’t have any stripes. (She actually has a few denim jumpsuits and wears them all the time, proving how essential they are to a wardrobe!) The waist is adjustable, so you can customize the fit, and you can always toss on a belt to further change the look.

If you’re going to own one pair of boots, let us pitch the Chelsea: It’s stood the test of style time, there’s no outfit it won’t go well with, and it doesn’t take up a ton of room in a closet or suitcase. Invest in Katie’s pair from Nisolo — they’re comfortable, durable, and waterproof, so they work anytime, rain or shine.