The Starting Lineup: My Closet’s Most Valuable Pieces

From Milestone Splurges to Secondhand Steals — the Real Champions of My Wardrobe

We’ve officially entered summer — or at least in NYC. Last week, I busted out the iron more times than I’d like to admit. My summer wardrobe is a wrinkled mess, desperate for a presentable spruce-up. Puffy coats are packed away, pedicure season is in full swing, and I’m already eyeing a few pieces to crank things up a notch. Check out

Alex DiCapo Patel

for the ultimate summer starter pack inspo.

But before you chase a whole new wardrobe, consider the pieces already doing the Lord’s work. The ones quietly holding your closet together year after year.

[The closet that dreams are made of.]

The pieces that pull serious weight. The workhorses you reach for when nothing else feels right. The staples that never shout for attention but always show up. They carry you through trend shifts, weather swings, and “I have nothing to wear” moments.

No drama. No doubts. No days off.

Your closet’s true MVPs

For me, it comes down to five, and they span multiple categories. A tailored layer that pulls everything together. A cozy knit that softens the rest. A forever pair. Something with a little flair. And the accessory that brings it all home.

Time to tally your own lineup. Your list might look different from mine, but the impact is the same. These are the pieces that carry us, no matter your mood, your occasion, or your destination.

The Epic Birthday Present

Technically, it’s just a blazer. But in practice? It’s the piece that makes everything look sharper, cooler, more considered. I had been eyeing a classic black blazer for years, but I could never find the right mix of fit, structure, material, and ease.

Then, in 2023, while shopping with a girlfriend in Soho, I stumbled upon the YSL tuxedo jacket in grain de poudre that stopped me dead in my tracks. It was everything I’d been searching for — just with a seriously hefty price tag.

I stalled. I contemplated. I kept looking. But absolutely nothing came close.

[The photos from said occasion — my face says one thing, but my mind was racing because I wanted it so badly.]

So for my 40th, I decided to splurge — with a little help from loved ones who pitched in to cover some of the difference, while I scrounged for pennies from my polka dot piggy bank (yes, this sits on my dresser) to make up the rest.

Over the hill, over the hesitation.

A treat to myself. One of those “I deserve this” moments. I knew I’d have it forever, so the investment felt justified. It hit every note — effortless in shape, intentional in styling. Dressed up, dressed down, you name it. I haven’t looked for another blazer since. And the best part? It still feels like a gift every time I put it on.

[Fabulously 40]

I’ve seen others make a strong case for their own.

Lindsay Sword

has a wardrobe full of them and

Tina Boetto

recently reminded me why a great blazer is worth the space, the spend, and the repetition. Maybe you’ve got a version too — the kind that makes you stand straighter, feel sharper, and look like you had time to get ready. If not, it might be time to consider adding a tailored gem like this to your closet.

The Comfort Layer

My next staple is the kind of piece you keep within arm's reach, whether you're headed to the office to bat off the air conditioning or curling up on the couch to watch reruns of Real Housewives. Mine happens to be textured, which makes it surprisingly elevated. Just enough detail to feel considered, but not so precious that I worry about tossing it on over anything. It looks boxy on the hanger, but once it’s on? The whole look locks into place. Energy and attitude, aligned.

[Like a teddy bear.]

In my case, that role is filled by one sweater in particular: the Binky Cardigan in grey, from Alex Mill — a Hanukkah gift from my parents five years ago. Since it’s a little heavier, I assumed it would be a winter-only piece — but surprisingly, it’s held its weight through more seasons than I can count.

Maybe yours isn’t a cardigan. Maybe it’s a sweatshirt, a shacket, or something swiped from someone else’s closet. If it brings comfort and a little texture? That’s the kind of piece that never stays on the hanger for very long. Plus, it’s a built-in outfit maximizer.

The Forever Pair

[Simply the best pair. Ever.]

The jeans that make a tee and sneakers feel like a look. They sit high without pinching, skim the ankle without feeling cropped, and the rinse is just right. Denim pricing can be annoyingly tricky, but if you divide it by the number of wears, I probably owe Frame money. If you're curious, the full love letter is below, so I’ll spare you the monologue here. Just know: The Hang lives up to its name.

How I Finally Found My Forever Jeans

Every wardrobe deserves a pair like this.

Found your gold medal pair? Cue the applause. Still searching? Don’t settle — they’re out there. You just haven’t crossed paths yet.

The Cherry on Top

Then there are the pieces that pull the most compliments. They’re not your everyday staples, but they make everything else in your closet a little jealous. A blouse with power sleeves. A skirt that dazzles when you walk.

It’s not your most practical item — hell, it’s not even subtle. But damn, that’s exactly the point of the whole exercise.

It flourishes. It ignites. It’s a showstopper.

I almost missed my shot. I hesitated — unsure I needed a bright red rosette jacket, even if it was the standout from H&M’s 2010 Garden Collection. But the second it sold out, regret hit hard. (Some things never change, said in my husband’s voice.) So when one popped up on eBay after the season ended, I went for it — and outbid everyone in sight. At the time, $86 felt like a major splurge for my salary. But 15 years later? She’s still going strong. Talk about my cost per wear. Incredible.

[A brunette with bangs circa 2010.]

She’s made appearances at rehearsal dinners, Valentine’s dates, work parties — and every time I slip her on, I feel like a million bucks. You can score your own on Poshmark today for a whopping $36. Every closet needs one — the piece that sparks joy, stirs memories, and steals the spotlight. What’s yours?

The Finishing Touch

Some pieces don’t need fanfare — they just fall into step. Easy. Unbothered. Utterly dependable. You don’t realize how often you’ve carried it until you’re packing for another trip and instinctively reach for it again.

In 2021, I found a secondhand Gucci Microguccissima Bree Crossbody on Poshmark. I’d been craving something designer, but full price wasn’t in the cards. This one struck the right balance — refined, functional, special. Bonus: the logo blended in.

[She's explored a few different zip codes.]

Since then, it’s been everywhere with me — on planes, at dinners, across time zones. No second thoughts, no overthinking. I just reach for it, and it always works.

It’s not the centerpiece. It doesn’t need to be. That’s what makes it essential. Spotted one recently on The RealReal right here, if you're curious. What’s the thing you always reach for — even when you don’t realize it?

The Dream Team

Sense a theme here? None of these pieces are new. They’ve been with me for years — some, even decades. Splurged on with intention, gifted with love, or snagged secondhand at just the right price.

They’ve earned their champion rings. Not because they’re trendy or flashy, but because they last.

So before you iron another sundress or scroll for “summer must-haves,” take a second look. What’s been doing the heavy lifting? What’s still in rotation, season after season?

The real MVPs might already be hanging in your closet.

Now I want to hear about yours! Tell me your forever pieces in the comments. Let’s swap stories.