This answer originally appeared on Quora.
Answer by Carolyn Cho, works in fashion
Every woman is different, but I do believe there's a standard set of 16 pieces that make it easy for an active, practical woman to look effortlessly chic and modern.
The key regarding each of the pieces on this list is that they all can be worn in multiple ways in multiple situations. This is very important in streamlining your wardrobe.
Another element is classic, good design. Invest in pieces that will last regardless of your age or trends.
You won't likely want to wear a backless, see-through sequined mini dress 10 years from now, but you will always want to wear a beautifully tailored blazer, whether you are 15 or 50.
Without further ado, the list:
1. A classic black blazer
The blazer is easily one of the most useful pieces in a woman's wardrobe. There are infinite ways it can be worn.
Wear it over a tee and a mini to a coffee date. Wear it over a blouse and slacks or a pencil skirt to a business meeting. Wear it over a cocktail dress to an evening function. The black blazer is a wonderful staple. Invest in one with great, lean tailored fit and a classic look (no studs, sequins or flashy detail) so that it can transition throughout the seasons.
A white t-shirt is one of the most important pieces in my closet. Like the blazer, you can wear this in nearly infinite ways. Dress it up with a great necklace for a night out, or wear it as is for a day in.
3. A black leather jacket
A great black leather jacket never goes out of style. It's perfect for throwing over a flirty, feminine dress to toughen it up. My favorite is to simply wear one over a t-shirt and a great pair of jeans. Wear it over a cocktail dress to add a modern edge to your evening look.
4. A pair of jeans in a classic wash
A great pair of jeans is indispensable. Pictured here is the Current Elliott skinny jean, which I liked because of the clean wash (i.e. the color), minimalist style, and lean fit.
I don't believe in investing in jeans that have cuts, rips, or weird dyes unless you already own at least a few classic pairs like the one pictured, because overly-trendy jeans look passé after just a season.
Get two great pairs of classic wash, minimalist jeans and call it a day. Skinny is still the cut du jour after several years but straight cut jeans are also flattering on many.
The trench coat is the perfect spring/fall transitional piece and lends a beautifully sophisticated look to any outfit.
6 & 7. A pair of ankle boots, one pair in black, one in brown.
Your daytime outfit staple shoe. Pair them with your jeans or under dresses and skirts. Black is great for either wearing with sleeker dresses or with a motorcycle jacket and jeans for edge.
Brown or camel works well with softer, flirtier dresses in spring or with plaid shirts, gray blazers, or any pieces you may have that carry a preppy vibe.
The OG of a woman's closet. Dress it down for the daytime, then throw on a pair of statement earrings for an evening out. Legendarily versatile and one of my favorite pieces to wear.
9 & 10. Two pairs of black tights, one sheer, one opaque.
Sheer for wearing at night under cocktail dresses or skirts in the winter. Black opaque for wearing under sweater dresses and wool skirts.
11. A nude, strapless bra
To wear under camisoles, white t-shirts, sheer blouses, strapless dresses. This is the black blazer of bras and the type of bra I reach for the most often.
12. A great pair of sunglasses
To protect your eyes from glare as well as add a glamorous element to your total look.
I'm a minimalist at heart, but even I find owning a few dramatic, ornate necklaces like this one very useful.
Throw it on over a simple dress to add interest or wear it to dress up a t-shirt and jeans.
14. A structured, classic bag for every day
A bag that works in any situation whether it's business meeting, parent teacher conference, happy hour drinks, or dinner with friends.
Select a bag large enough to carry your daily essentials, but with a structured shape so you can carry your things in style.
15. A small bag or evening clutch
For parties and evenings out. In crowded bars or restaurants, it can be inconvenient to carry a large bag. I hate the fussiness of holding a clutch so I always go for evening bags with straps, like this lovely evening bag by Burberry, pictured.
16. A pair of black pumps
These shoes will work with every single item in your closet, with the exception of possibly your gym clothes. The perfect, classic shoe for any occasion where formal footwear is needed: business meetings, parties.
There it is! My list of 16 staples for the modern woman's closet.
More questions on Fashion and Style: Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.