We all have those pieces we turn to time and again: that comfy pair of jeans you could wear seven days a week, the cozy sweater you layer repeatedly throughout winter, those go-with-everything sneakers you inevitably wear into the ground. Good ol’ closet staples that can simplify a hurried morning—and ground those trendier items you bought on a whim—can feel pretty essential.

While they can be perceived as boring or safe (we’re the first to admit the dullness of a white blouse sans nuance), a thoughtful selection of basics guarantees smart style no matter the occasion. No one knows this better than the celebrity stylists responsible for the A-lister outfits we routinely look to for inspiration.

“I believe that you should dress to fit your needs,” says Cristina Ehrlich, who styles Laura Dern, Tina Fey, and Mandy Moore, among others. “If you’re someone who lives by the rules of a uniform, you probably have it down. For the trend lover, just remember that your wardrobe will never be complete unless you have the foundation to carry it season to season.”

A fan of easy-to-try trends like the current hair accessory resurgence, Sarah Slutsky, who’s worked with Debra Messing and Aisha Dee, says basics help curb shopping impulses: “I try to stick to classics and then invest in a few hero pieces that pair well with my forever pieces. I find this the best way to get the most out of my wardrobe and also prevents impulsive purchasing.” She also sticks to “shopping tests” when acquiring new pieces. (“I’m a believer that anything you buy should pair with a white button down or classic pumps and be a great evening option,” she says.) “When I get a bit creative or feel the need for something [that makes] more of a statement, I always apply the denim test: If it’s a top, would I wear it with jeans? [For] a bottom, would I pop on a denim shirt [with it]? If it’s a dress, does it go with a jean jacket? This keeps me honest about the wearability and keeps me true to my personal style.”

Jason Bolden, stylist to Camila Mendes, Yara Shahidi, Mindy Kaling, and more, lives by a “less is always best” moto: “The idea of leisure is luxury to me. Simple pieces get you there—it’s about constantly re-thinking [them]. Nothing is chicer than showing up to a dinner in a black hoodie with jeans, a pair of heels, and amazing jewelry.” He endorses the “take the last thing off that you put on” rule, where you “keep it simple and buy what you like. It’s more about building a uniform. I’m not into the trends of it all.”

To spur a more creative approach to wardrobe staples, we sought the advice of these three experts. And they shared the 15 pieces they can’t live without, to inspire your own 2019 shopping. Their insights, ahead.

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