The Wardrobe Musts:

Timeless Patterns and Textures

Having statement patterns and textures at the ready allows you to infuse your everyday looks with verve. Even bold styles can be as versatile and easy to layer as neutral basics. To exude classic charm, don’t be afraid to invest in animal print, cashmere, suede, and leather pieces for your wardrobe. Trends fade, but these textures never go out of style. Let's look at each of the textures that deserve a space in your collection and how you can dress them up for sophistication on the daily.

Animal Print

Prowl into your wild side with an animal print. This fierce pattern is a great way to imbue your neutral looks with a maximalist pop, whether you love a leopard or snakeskin finish. If you’re still testing the waters, there’s no need to feel intimidated. Ease your way into animal print with an accessory like a scarf or pair of gloves. The simplest way to turn an animal print shirt into an outfit is by pairing it with solid tailored pants or leggings. If you need extra warmth, no worries. For a cozy winter look, put on an animal print sweater to guard yourself against the chills. Don't shy away from picking out bottoms in this pattern, either. Animal print pants effortlessly complement neutral tops and outerwear.

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CASHMERE

Sweater weather is incomplete without a cashmere piece, although this luxurious material will work for any day when you need to keep warm. Cashmere looks and feels elegant, making it an essential for any capsule collection. A cashmere sweater is easy to layer when you need a grab-and-go piece. Put it over a structured sheath dress for an outdoor brunch or an everyday shirt and jeans fit for your daily walk. A cashmere top will also work beautifully with your dress pants or an A-line skirt for a sophisticated look all year long. Keep it luxe with your accessories: drape on a cashmere scarf for a graceful that feels cozy as well.

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FAUX SUEDE

Saddle up in faux suede for an elevated finish that’s just like the real thing. Add this understated texture to your outfits with a classic pair of suede boots. Made for walking, these go beautifully with traditional midi skirts as well as modern denim fits. And while suede shoes are great, you can also seamlessly incorporate suede into your outfits with tops and bottoms. Style a suede shirt with white pants for a laidback, yet put-together look. You can’t go wrong with a posh everyday suede wrap dress, either. However you wear your faux suede, add an accessory or two, such as a leather belt and pair of mules to look perfectly polished. In colder weather, you can also slip into suede leggings. Complement these comfy bottoms with a cashmere poncho or statement coat of your choice when you're out and about.

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LEATHER

Leather is perfect for when you want to edge up your style with something adventurous, but classic. A wardrobe must-have is a leather jacket. (Yes, faux leather counts as well!) This staple outerwear piece makes any outfit look youthful, whether you're wearing it over a dress for a meetup or a casual shirt and jeans for running errands. Leather also works on the lower half of your looks. Leather leggings, too, will make any outfit look instantly sleek. Wear them with your favorite neutral basics to exude sophistication. Our recommendation? A white mock neck or gray cardigan! Of course, you can always accessorize with a leather handbag or pair of shoes to elevate any outfit.

Keep your closet chic with statement textures that’ll stand the test of time. Begin curating your capsule wardrobe by browsing J.McLaughlin’s collection of classic women’s apparel.