What things in your wardrobe are most useful?

[Celia1978]

And therefore worth spending a bit more on? I've just had a massive clear-out and am starting (almost) from scratch. In the past I've done the stupid thing of spending £££ on, for example, an amazing (ie unwearable) pair of shoes or a fancy dress that I can wear once a year, and the stuff I wear day in day out is cheap. So I want to reverse it by buying say five amazing staples.
So what are the best things in your wardrobe? Something that gets worn a lot but that always makes you feel good? Wondering about accessories - a great bag/sunglasses? Is expensive denim worth it? Thanks!

depends what you wear daily, I would not buy expensive jeans as I wear smart clothes 5 days a week and probably dress up a bit one day at weekend, however if you wear jeans every day a couple of really good pairs could be good value for me good value basics would be

1, a good warm woollen winter coat that matches most things mine is dark red as it matches black grey and brown ( not so good with navy)

1. as i live in scotland a decent waterproof not showerproof
2. good smart jacket
3. good handbag
4. good smart shoes

others would be good bras as top heavy, I tend to wear skirts and tops as need different sizes for both rather than dresses

Twinkie yes last year they came in after the summer. The 2 ply are very thin (although ideal for when on holiday and you just want something over your shoulders).

Tan brogues from Grenson.

Bras from Fantasie. The nude/skin colour plain one is currently most worn under light tops.

Knitwear from Pure Collection for winter. Stays looking much better than cheaper ones.

Black skinny jeans, but mine are Boden and not that expensive.

My top buys are:

Decent strappy vest tops (black & white plus any other nice colours I spot) I probably wear a vest top 5 out of 7 days a week either for decency under thinner jerseys/tops or on their own with denim skirt/maxi skirt/jeans etc and in winter they are my base layer. I couldn't live without these & reckon on replacing them every year currently Zara basics.

All saints Leather jacket

Jeans - I love Next relaxed skinny in at least one size down work for me

Posh black dress - I bought one for a cocktail party last year & didn't think I'd wear it much again but it's been a fab investment already & really versatile (done 2 parties, funeral & a court hearing all looking quite different!)

A gorgeous scarf - I've got loads but 2 favourites that just seem to work with almost anything (a Mint Velvet pale grey patterned one & a pinky ombré one from Spain that instantly lifts even my most boring outfits)

Winter coat - mine is from Cos and I adore it

Winter boots - always buy well

Handbags - have 3 beautiful and functional ones that suit your lifestyle and are a joy to carry

I dunno about spending a lot really though on general clothes apart from the above, I'm a bit disillusioned with the idea of 'investing' in clothes as they only realistically last 2 years or so. So it's more important to repeat buy the things that work for you. For me, that's simple jumpers and tees in grey and navy. Skinny distressed blue jeans. Then add floaty summer tops, which I won't spend on. But they often outlast my basics. My jeans vary from J Brand to Tesco. Knitwear should be good and not from fashion shops, concentrate on quality here and fashionable shape is a bonus.

I think a good shopper should be able to look stylish on any budget. My mum shops almost uniquely at supermarkets, New Look and Matalan and looks far more expensive and groomed than I ever will.

A cashmere longline bfriend cardigan that i bought from next winter sale. i have surprised myself at how much i have worn it even in the summer!!! if you can call it summer Its in navy and just keeps chills at bay.

Bra
Jumpers
Coat
Boots
Bag
Are my favourite five things. I do agree with the blazer suggestion too though

Jeans - I often wear black and navy skinnies for work with a blouse or smart top. Mine are all Whistles which are quite expensive for me, but fit brilliantly.

Shoes/boots - I have dodgy feet and find it hard to get comfortable footwear.

Jackets/coats - I have three leather jackets I've had for about ten years and are still being worn on a weekly basis and looking pristine. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I also own a huge number of faux fur coats I've acquired over the years and love.

Underwear - I went from wearing 36A to 32D after being properly measured and now wear mainly Freya bras. I often hunt down last season's stock from eBay shops (brand new with tags) at a fraction of the price.

Bags - I tend to use one bag pretty much constantly other than nights out, so I'm happy to spend a reasonable amount of money on decent leather. I usually carry an overflow canvas tote too - cheap and cheerful and useful for ringing the changes, I have dozens of these with different prints/designs.

Cheaper items I find vv useful are vest tops, which I wear pretty much under everything. I have about 10 of the round neck thick strapped Topshop ones which two for £10 in black, white and nude. Good for holding you in and giving a clean silhouette.

I have 4 long (mid thigh) vest tops made of 95 %cotton and 5 % elastane.
They are brown, navy, black and grey and have been the backbone of my entire wardrobe, winter and summer for the last 5 years. They are by Part Two clothing I wear one every day without fail. Under a dress as a long smoothing underlayer. With jeans as a long vest top with top over. On their own. I was just thinking today that I need to see if I can get some more. They have not worn out at all though and have years left in them.

Silk t- shirts and silk shirts
Wool coats

Work : washable suiting from Hobbs

Oh, I forgot - denim jacket. I have had a light blue Primark one which cost £12 and I have worn for the last five summers, but did buy a dark navy Topshop one a few weeks ago. Such a useful thing to throw on over a dress in summer, and also good with black jeans.

Agree with long vests - mine are £3.99 from H&M and I wear one virtually every day, other than at work. I like the fact that they cover my bum a bit when wearing skinnies, meaning that my top can be a bit shorter.

Agree with denim jackets too. Mine is an ancient French Connection one and is brilliant with skirts, dresses and black skinnies.

Remus I too love a bit of bum coverage

Agree with lots.
Denim jacket is fiercely handy.
I always spend on footwear, coats, bras. Not convinced about spending on jeans.
I usually spend a bit on knitwear too. I hate hate hate acrylic knitwear and even it's the most gorgeously designed sweater in the world and I buy it, it almost invariably it gets worn for a day and ends up -100 years later- in the charity pile.