The 8 items every woman needs in her wardrobe now, according to fashion experts.

Listen, I get it. Shopping for a plain white tee and a black blazer isn’t nearly as exciting as that sequined jacket you saw over the weekend. But I feel like by now we have a good relationship that’s built on trust, understanding, and me having your back.

So when I say that you should invest in good basics before you hit purchase on that bedazzled jacket, I’m just looking out for you.

Watch Paula Joye style one scarf in three ways. Post continues below.

I'm certainly not saying you shouldn’t ever buy anything fun — at the end of the day, fashion is all about self-expression — but those hot pink trousers will be pretty hard to style if you don’t have the right pieces to pair them with. 

And we all know what happens when we can’t figure out how to wear something: they get banished to the wardrobe graveyard, never to be seen again.

On a recent episode of Nothing To Wear, host Leigh Campbell (a certified basics queen) was joined again by journalist, author and stylist, Paula Joye, to chat all about their favourite basics.

Want to check out the full episode? Listen below.

We thought we'd share them with you too, so you can kick off your collection of essentials!

Tank tops in neutrals.

Uniqlo Soft Ribbed Tank Top, $14.90.

Image: Uniqlo.

"I love a specific tank from Uniqlo, it’s a cotton tank," Leigh said. "It’s got a round neck, thick enough straps, and doesn’t scoop too low at the back so your bra is completely hidden. I have three in white, one in grey, and one in black — actually, I have it in every colour besides the terracotta. In winter I wear it with blazers, and in summer I wear it with linen pants."

A black blazer.

H&M Oversized Blazer, $74.99.

Image: H&M.

"Look for the right fabric," said Paula. "You don’t want anything too shiny — crepe is really good in a blazer. I look for single-breasted and black buttons so I can wear it with everything. You can have double-breasted, but I think single-breasted is much more classic."

A white crew neck and v-neck tee.

Boody Women’s Crew Neck T-Shirt, $39.95.

Image: Boody.

Sussan Australian Cotton V-Neck Tee, $34.95.

Image: Sussan.

"White t-shirts are not all made equal," said Paula. "You need a crew neck and you need a v-neck. They serve different purposes. A crew neck can often be more flattering depending on what you’ve got going on top, but then a v-neck takes the width of your shoulders and cuts it in half. It helps slim everything down. It needs to be in cotton, and don’t get them too oversized."

Classic style sunglasses.

Ray Ban Wayfarer Classic, $234.

Image: Ray Ban, The Iconic.

Ray Ban Aviator Classic, $244.

Image: Ray Ban, The Iconic.

"I love a Ray Ban," said Paula. "I think everyone needs a Ray Ban. It’s iconic, and they suit everyone. I’m a Wayfarer, I’m an Aviator, it’s so much a part of me that my face looks strange without it. They are worth the money and are timeless."

A maxi dress.

AERE Linen Strapless Maxi Dress, $160.

Image: AERE, The Iconic.

"I love a black or a white linen maxi," Leigh said. "I just find when I have an endo flare, when I’ve got nothing to wear, or I don’t know the dress code, a basic maxi has saved the day a million times. It’s casual and dressy at the same time."

Blue jeans.

Witchery High Rise Wide Leg Jean, $149.

Image: Witchery.

"Blue jeans are my number one staple, and I think everyone should have a true Hollywood blue wash. The classic Rebel Without a Cause, 1954 rigid denim blue jeans. I think it’s iconic, and you can dress it up or dress it down," said Paula.

Strappy sandals.

Nine West Drama Sandals, $149.95.

Image: Nine West, MYER.

"I own a pair of Nine West sandals that I bought 10 years ago, and they’re a classic black, two-strap, slingback sandal. They don’t scream any era, but they look stylish enough. I also take tan sandals on holiday with me," said Leigh.

A trench coat.

AERE Organic Cotton Trench, $250.

Image: AERE.

"I love a trench coat, because Sydney doesn’t get a huge winter. I throw it on over a maxi dress, or sometimes even leggings and trainers. I’m surprised by how versatile a trench is since I added them to my wardrobe," said Leigh.

For more helpful fashion advice, follow Nothing To Wear on Substack here. 

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Feature Image: Instagram @paulajoye.