Sure, treating yourself to something luxurious is nice, but nothing beats the thrill of a high-quality affordable closet essential. The backbone of our closets are those such essentials, and there are a few that Vogue editors swear by, like Everlane’s and Madewell’s cozy sweaters, and Dr. Martens’s and Converse’s comfy shoes. And while we’d hate for them to sell out, we’ve decided to share the details on all of our favorite wardrobe steals here. Some are from classic brands that have withstood the test of time, while others are from up-and-coming brands that need to be on your radar.
Whether we’re keeping things polished and professional for important Zoom meetings, staying cute while walking the dog, or stepping out for a socially distanced lunch, these are the affordable workhorses in 16 Vogue editors’ closets—and everything is under $185.
Rachel Besser, Market Editor
Zara’s wide-leg jeans went viral on TikTok, and for good measure. The tailored, high-waisted silhouette is elegant, flattering, and looks far more expensive than the pant’s $50 dollar price tag. Even supermodels like Adut Akech love these jeans!
Lilah Ramzi, Features and Shopping Editor
Falke makes some of the best socks out there. If you want to go super luxe, opt for a pure cashmere pair (they work wonders against the cold!), but otherwise, this blend of wool, cashmere, viscose, and polyamide is ideal for everyday use. My sock drawer is filled with Falke, and because they’re high quality, I only rarely have to replace them.
Alexandra Michler, Special Initiatives Director
These French Sole ballet flats are tried and true staples for me. I rarely need to replace them, aside from getting them resoled every few years after pounding the pavement! They are worth every penny of the $175 as you will get so many wears out of these classics.
Clarissa Schmidt, Commerce Producer
These split-hem flared jeans are a new addition to my closet this year. With fall officially in swing, I’m loving fun approaches to denim that I can take from errands to dinner. For an eco-friendly pair that rings in under $100, these couldn’t feel more like a steal!
Sarah Spellings, Fashion News Editor
White Chuck Taylor high-tops are the perfect chameleon shoe. My trusty pair have accompanied me to dark, sweaty parties with thumping music (many moons ago), long walks on the Irish countryside, New York Fashion Week, and countless other events, high and low. Every year, I give them some TLC to get them bright again (though I like them a bit scuffed up). Best $50 I’ve spent on shoes.
Emily Farra, Senior Fashion News Editor
I have a black Madewell cardigan that I reach for almost daily. It’s cozy, but not chunky, and it isn’t so oversized that I feel sloppy. It’s also made from a supersoft yarn, which is hard to find at this price point. I’m picking up a few similar cardigans for my #WFH winter, starting with this one in a mood-boosting shade of orchid.
Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor
My Levi’s Wellthread jeans are my go-to pair for every occasion. The super-high waist is beyond flattering, and I love the classic no-stretch, straight-leg style. Not only are they relatively affordable (especially considering how often I wear them), but they also use less water in the dyeing process than traditional denim—a purchase I would make again and again!
Willow Lindley, Accessories Director
When it comes to workhorses, touch is key. I dare you to find anything softer than these, which means you will always be reaching for them no matter what season, what mood. Plus, they layer easily for any occasion. I recommend buying bulk.
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Steff Yotka, Fashion News Editor
As someone who prefers to wear skirts and dresses all year long, an indestructible pair of black tights is essential (this pair is also mostly sustainable, as they’re made from recycled nylon). I buy mine several sizes too large—both to ensure they are ultra-opaque and to make them comfortable for sitting in all day.
Eliseé Browchuk, Production & Marketing Manager, Vogue100
This Girlfriend Collective moss skort holds a holy grail status in my workweek wardrobe. Fitting in a quick workout between Zoom meetings has never felt easier (or chicer), and starting my day already halfway ready to meet friends for a quick tennis match after work is a total ace.
Julie Tong, Senior Commerce Editor
If there’s one hero wardrobe piece to emerge in my closet during the past year, it’s my Entireworld striped button-up shirt. My colleagues can attest to how many times they’ve seen me wear this on Zoom, but I love it so much. It’s the perfect top to throw on in the morning while still looking put together. A popular styling tip among the Vogue staff is pairing a button-up shirt with a tank underneath and topping it off with a statement necklace. The shirt is slightly oversized for a cozy, pajama-like feel, while structured enough for all-day professionalism. At under $150, it’s a steal in my book. Which reminds me, I need to go stock up on more!
Charlotte Diamond, Assistant Market Editor
Since quarantine began, my style has shifted toward classic staples that will work year-round. Think rigid jeans, loafers, and striped tees. My favorite Saint James Breton striped shirt makes an appearance at least twice a week. Hopefully no one on Zoom has noticed…
Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Jewelry Director
A cashmere crewneck isn’t really a surprise for a warm-weather staple. I have relied heavily on a strong rotation of Everlane’s version since they launched them a few years ago. They’re just slightly relaxed in fit and come in a litany of colors to match your mood or your outfit.
Alexis Bennett, Commerce Writer
It doesn’t matter if I’m wearing a floral fall dress or sweatpants, I can always count on my Dr. Martens to add a cool hint of grunge to my look. If you divide the cost by the amount of times I’ve worn them (about a million times, BTW), they have basically paid for themselves. Plus, the affordable closet essential is comfy to walk in, which is really all that matters to me right now.
Madeline Fass, Market Editor
My most prized affordable closet staple is an Express x Karla ribbed tank. Sadly, they aren’t available anymore, but I do have a few other wallet-friendly treasures that I constantly wear and can always rely on to complete a look. The first is a pair of real leather colorblock Weejuns loafers. The second is a faux-leather blazer from Mango; you can shop a similar version here.
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Madeline Swanson, Editor
Sleek, chic, easy to wash, and exceedingly comfortable, Bleusalt’s “classic shirt” has quickly become my go-to wardrobe staple for fall. It goes with virtually everything, from wide-leg trousers to pajama pants, and the fact that it was produced from start to finish in L.A. from sustainable botanic beech tree fibers (vegan and antimicrobial, yet somehow softer than cashmere!) makes me want to buy one in each color!
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