A shopping editor shares nice elevated fashion staples from Amazon, Nordstrom, and J.Crew, including sweaters, jeans, loafers, and more from $28.

Prices start at $28.

Every December, I like to set myself up to feel reborn once the new year hits. I deep clean my house, get a haircut, and overhaul my wardrobe with new pieces that scream “new year, new me.” A new calendar means a clean slate, and while I’ll still keep trendy items in rotation, now’s the best time to invest in elevated staples that’ll actually go with everything.

So, what makes a staple “elevated,” anyway? It’s all in the details. Whether it’s flattering barrel jeans, a warm sweater you can wear two ways, or a pair of heeled loafers for work or play, my shopping list includes basics that come with a twist—timelessly versatile, but with an added dose of style appeal. 

Keep scrolling for outfit essentials you can wear multiple ways, including some sweet deals up to 50 percent off (since your wallet is probably tired from holiday gift shopping).

9 Editor-Approved Wardrobe Staples

• Editor’s Pick: J.Crew Cable-Knit Turtleneck Cardigan Sweater, $95 (Originally $158); jcrew.com
• Best Basic: Madewell Cotton Perfect Crewneck Tee, $32 (Originally $42); madewell.com
• Trending Style:Gap High Rise Crossover Barrel Jeans, $63 (Originally $80); gap.com
• 50%-Off: Dolce Vita Hardi Hi Loafer, $70 (Originally $140); amazon.com
• Throw On and Go: Mango Corduroy Collar Waxed Effect Oversized Jacket, $175 (Originally $250); nordstrom.com 
• Gift-Worthy: Jw Pei Thea Top Handle Bag, $71 (Originally $89); amazon.com
• Chic & Simple: Qinsen Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Top, $28 (Originally $37); amazon.com
• For the Office Siren: Everlane The Draper Pant in Wool, $67 (Originally $168); everlane.com
• Splurge-Worthy: Lioness Kenny Woven Faux Leather Bomber Jacket, $129; nordstrom.com

J.Crew Cable-Knit Turtleneck Cardigan Sweater

$158 $95 at J. Crew

This ladylike piece from J.Crew combines my two favorite things; a turtleneck and a cardigan sweater. You can fold the collar flat and wear it like a polo-style knit, style it open over a tee, or button it all the way up as a snugly warm turtleneck. Its slightly cropped hem is perfect for high-waisted pants or mini skirts, and the cable-knit weave is just so timeless. This is versatility at its finest—and the 40 percent off deal is just the cherry on top. 

Madewell Cotton Perfect Crewneck Tee

$42 $32 at Madewell.com

Believe it or not, I recently realized that my closet was lacking a simple white tee. It felt criminal. If you’re like me, opt for a relaxed silhouette in soft cotton like this one from Madewell. It can be tucked in or left loose, layered under crewnecks, or an outfit building block alongside other trendier statement pieces. Shoppers attest that it’s “it’s thick” and “high quality,” and “it’s a closet staple for sure.” 

Gap High Rise Crossover Barrel Jeans

$80 $63 at Gap.com

Barrel jeans are the definition of an “elevated staple.” It serves as daily denim, with a flattering shape that’ll look good with any shoe style, cozy sweater or crop top, blazer, and beyond. Gap’s High Rise Crossover Jeans come in petite and tall sizing for the perfect fit, with a cool waistband that adds polish to the overall vibe. “These are the jeans I was looking for! Great fit [and I] love the shape of the leg,” said one shopper. “These may be the only jeans I wear this year!”

Dolce Vita Hardi Hi Loafer

$140 $70 at Amazon

A classic loafer can take you far, but one with a heel? Forget about it. This practical slingback style from Dolce Vita features a comfy block heel, plush insoles, and gold hardware for an expensive-looking touch. Strut in them from the office to happy hour—they’ll compliment your baggiest jeans or your most sophisticated trousers.

Mango Corduroy Collar Waxed Effect Oversized Jacket

$250 $175 at Nordstrom

Barn jackets have been a hot-button item in 2024, but my dad’s been rocking them since the ‘90s. It’s a timeless and understated silhouette that actually works in any season, whether you layer it under a puffer coat or wear it as a light topper come spring. This on-sale style from Mango looks refined with clean lines and a neutral brown hue, while the corduroy point collar gives it a vintage feel. 

Jw Pei Thea Top Handle Bag

$89 $71 at Amazon

If there’s one item in my entire arsenal that gets the most use, it’s a black handbag. The Thea Top Handle Bag from Jw Pei offers a unique take on the all-occasion staple, featuring a wide interior compartment and removable crossbody strap. “I am obsessed with how good this bag looks,” said one shopper. “The bag itself is quite lightweight and has a lot of space inside,” adding that “the zipper opens fully” so it’s  easy to “access everything inside.”

Below, shop more elevated staples to incorporate into your 2025 capsule wardrobe, including an off-shoulder long-sleeve shirt you can wear from day to night, and a truly drool-worthy woven faux leather bomber jacket.

Qinsen Off Shoulder Long Sleeve Top

$37 $28 at Amazon

Everlane The Draper Pant in Wool

$168 $67 at Everlane.com

Lioness Kenny Woven Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

$129 at Nordstrom