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, affordable, and comes in tons of colors.

When it comes to denim, Katie prefers a straight, slightly relaxed fit over something flared or skin-tight. This pair from J.Crew gets worn often, and because it’s made from 100 percent cotton, it molds to her body with each wear rather than stretching out. These jeans come in petite, regular, and tall inseams, which means she doesn’t have to take them to the tailor to get the correct length. 

We know that we just said Katie doesn’t love a wide-leg pant, but these have more of a straight silhouette —despite the name. She has this exact pair in three different colors; it adds a vintage-inspired touch to any outfit.

One of Katie’s favorite outfit formulas? A T-shirt, pleated skirt, and sneakers. This skirt from Jenni Kayne has been in her rotation for many months, and she makes it work year-round by adding a sweater on top and boots on the bottom, when the weather calls for it.

We understand that the skirt above would is an investment, so here’s a less-expensive option for those looking to test out the style before fully committing. It’s not lined, but you could wear a pair of shaping shorts underneath to help avoid static cling.

If Katie’s in a suit, there’s a good chance it’s from Argent, her go-to for modern, monochrome power dressing. She’s a pro at mixing and matching, often styling the blazer over a dress or pairing the trousers with a silk shirt or tee for maximum versatility.

Like a good pair of jeans, a denim jacket is a wardrobe workhorse. It’s the perfect layer for transitional weather, and can be worn over just about any type of outfit. Katie recently sported this one at a Stand Up To Cancer event with white jeans and a pair of cowboy boots, but we’ve also seen her don it over frilly dresses.

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 percent top grain leather.

Comfy, classic, and easy-to-style is the name of the game here. These chunky loafers add height to Katie’s petite frame, but are still dressy enough to be worn to work, or events when she doesn’t feel like slipping into a high heel.

After going on a Cole Haan shoe-trying kick this summer, Katie settled on these as her go-to sneakers. They’re comfy for long days on her feet, add a crisp touch to any look, and can even be worn on the pickleball court for gameplay — but she usually wears them when she’s out and about.

For red carpets, high-profile interviews, or parties, chances are Katie is wearing her trusty L’AGENCE pumps. Despite the high heel, she says they’re extremely comfortable and don’t dig into her foot, no matter how long her night is. For those who prefer a heel on the shorter side, we’d recommend the Cole Haan Janey style, which still has a leg-elongating pointed toe, but is more walkable.

If you’re going to own just one pair of boots, let us pitch the Chelsea: This silhouette has 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. We recommend investing in Katie’s pair from Nisolo — they’re comfortable, durable, and waterproof, so they work anytime, rain or shine.

When the temperature rises, Katie reaches for pieces that have easy polish — like a breezy shirt dress that works overtime. Sharp enough for the office and relaxed enough for dinner after, it’s the kind of garment that shifts gears via a simple swap from loafers to sneakers.

Katie slips into this dress on repeat, especially in the summer. It’s one of those rare pieces that works for just about any occasion, which is probably why she owns it in multiple colors. She often layers it under an oversized blazer (another wardrobe workhorse), but it pairs just as well with loafers or sandals.

Though it has a similar look and feel as the luxe option above, this slinky dress from J.Crew is a fraction of the price. It’s a sophisticated piece that’s sure to get a lot of milage in your wardrobe, even if you don’t regularly attend red carpet events or interview world leaders as your full-time gig.

When winter rolls in, a well-cut wool coat isn’t just a luxury, it’s a cold-weather essential. Katie opts for timeless neutrals that pair effortlessly with anything from denim to evening wear, investing in quality wool that’s built to last, unlike its synthetic stand-ins that tend to fade with the season.

A chunky chain is sometimes all it takes to level up an outfit. This one from Jenny Bird has been Katie’s favorite over the past few months, as it’s statement-making without feeling gaudy, and it doesn’t overwhelm her look even if she pairs it with earrings.

One of the main requirements for any of Katie’s handbags? It has to be big enough to house her iPad. This one from Quince is a near-lookalike for one of her designer bags, and the compartments allow for her tablet to live in one section while her wallet, keys, and other essentials stay organized in the others.

Katie loves cozying up to this oversized scarf, which is almost like wearing a blanket. That makes it 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. 

A good pair of glasses is a functional accessory, 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.

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.