We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

    32 Neutral Pieces To Pick Up Now If 2023 Is When You *Finally* Build Your Capsule Wardrobe

    European linen pants, leather ballet flats, classic trench coats, and other pieces that will both stand the test of time and give your closet a much-needed refresh.

    Unless otherwise specified, all sizes listed in this post are in women's. 

    1. A pair of extra-wide-leg darted palazzo pants that allow for ample airflow. It's basically like wearing a dress, but you don't have to worry about accidentally flashing anyone if a gust of wind catches you by surprise.

    reviewer wearing the pants in white
    different reviewer wearing the pants in tan

    Promising review: "If you're undecided... buy these. By far my favorite pair of pants. So comfortable. I get compliments every time I wear them. I've now bought them in three different colors!" —Beckaroosy

    Get them from Amazon for $33.99 (available in sizes XS–2XL and 33 colors and patterns).

    2. A twist-front knit tube top if you're looking for Sofia Richie styles that don't cost an arm and a leg cause, sadly, you don't have old or new money. 

    reviewer wearing the top in tan
    Model wearing the top in white

    Promising review: "I saw so many videos of this on TikTok!! It did not disappoint. It’s super cute for this summer! It’s a must-have!!!!!! I’m wearing a large and it has a fit that's amazing." —Tania Zabala

    Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in sizes S–L and in 18 colors). 

    3. A pair of Levi's Ribcage jeans that go where no low-rise jean has ever gone before — up, up, up past your bellybutton.

    reviewer wearing the jeans in medium blue wash
    reviewer wearing the jeans in distressed black

    Promising review: "Bought these for both my daughter and me, and they look great on both of us!!! They’re extremely comfortable and they stretch just enough. The quality is exactly what you expect from Levi’s. We purchased three pairs in total and plan on purchasing more in other colors."Lulu Herrera

    Get them from Amazon for $55.65+ (available in sizes 22–32 Standard and 35–39 Plus and in 13 washes).

    FYI, if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can give these a spin before you buy them!

    4. A pair of 100% European linen pants you *will* reach for every. single. day. — and I say this from experience. (If you're my friend and you've seen me wear these two days in a row... no you didn't.)

    model wearing the linen pants in tan
    model wearing the pants in black
    Quince

    I have these pants in driftwood, black, and martini olive because I just can't get enough. They're extremely comfy, wash beautifully, and deliver a low-fuss look that's still super pulled together. I find they run large, so size down if you're between sizes!

    Promising review: "I loved these linen pants so much I ordered them in two colors. My go-to summer pants; they're great high-quality linen and so comfortable. Easy to dress down at the beach or wear with a tailored top or sweater out to dinner. Already thinking of how I'll style them for fall! A must-buy. Runs slightly large so size down!" —Ashley C.

    Get them from Quince for $39.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in nine colors). 

    5. A tiered tent dress with adjustable button straps and pockets big enough for your phone, keys, and wallet so you don't have to bring a bag if you don't want to. (*I* never do.)

    a reviewer wearing the dress in tan
    a model wearing the dress in black

    Promising review: "Love this dress! Soooo soft! I went back and forth on the size because I saw that some reviewers said that it ran large...I went with my usual size and I’m glad I did. The body fit loosely (the way it’s meant to) but if I had gone down a size it would have been too tight across the bust." —Lauren

    Get it from Amazon for $59.90 (available in sizes XXS–3X and in 18 colors).

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    6. A plain Madewell tee you can wear again and again and again because there's really no wrong way to pair it. Like seriously, I'd like to see an outfit it doesn't make sense with??

    front view of a model wearing the white tee
    different model wearing the shirt in brown
    Amazon

    Promising review: "The perfect white T-shirt. Comfortable. Good quality. Not too expensive. I’ve worn it time and time again. Relaxed fit." —Bartow

    Get it from Amazon for $18.50 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in 18 colors). 

    7. Or a geometric tee that works just like any regular ol' tee but with ✨a little extra spice ✨in the form of a cutout.

    model wearing the top in white
    different model wearing the top in black
    Marcella

    Marcella is a New York–based small business that describes its ethically and sustainably made designs as "minimalism with edge." 

    Promising review: "Purchased in white and I love the cutout detailing. Simple yet makes me feel put together and like I put in effort without really trying." —Antoinette M.

    Get it from Marcella for $65 (available in sizes XS–XXXL and in two colors).

    8. A silky satin midi skirt with a silhouette that says "chic" and an elastic waistband that says "I'll give your most comfortable sweats a go."

    A model wearing the skirt in dark olive
    reviewer wearing the skirt in black

    Promising review: "Wow I honestly had low expectations, but love this skirt! It became a staple in my closet and I’m not one to wear colors or many prints. So silky and smooth, so comfy. Got so many compliments. The band doesn’t dig in and doesn’t look awkward. I can’t wait to get it in different colors." —Daria Z.

    Get it from Amazon for $49.90 (available in sizes XXS—3X and in 24 colors/ patterns).

    FYI, if you have Amazon Prime, you can give this a spin before you buy it!

    9. A pair of high-rise tapered pants that are office-appropriate, but feel *just* like your favorite sweats. My colleague who "avoid pants like the plague" (her words!) is even a big fan. 

    model wearing the pants in black
    buzzfeeder Elizabeth Lilly wearing the pants in black
    Target, Elizabeth Lilly / BuzzFeed

    Promising review: "Wow!!!! These pants are so beautiful and stylish yet so comfortable. Went by the reviews and went down a size and they fit just great. Can’t wait to purchase more." —Janie

    Get them from Target for $25 (available in sizes XS–4X and in six colors/styles).

    Read more about BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly's obsession by checking out her full review of the viral Target pants

    10. A classic London Fog trench you can throw on over anything and immediately look like an incognito celeb — especially if you throw sunglasses into the mix.

    reviewer wearing the trench in beige
    model wearing the trench in black

    Promising review: "This trench coat is well constructed and very high quality. It looks great over formal attire but can also elevate a casual look. It has a slightly loose fit, as expected with this style, but can be cinched with the belt. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for spring or fall. Just enough to cut the chill and keep you dry in the rain, but not overly warm. This is my second LF trench, the first had a plaid flannel lining which — while very soft and pretty — always made me sweat. This one is perfect!!" —Ash

    Get it from Amazon for $113.99+ (available in two colors and sizes XS–3X).

    11. A pair of patent leather or suede knee-high boots that come in EIGHT DIFFERENT CALF WIDTHS if you've been struggling to find a pair that fit correctly for oh...idk...your whole life!!!

    model wearing the boots in black
    the boots in brown suede
    DuoBoots

    Promising review: "It is quite liberating to find a company that actually sizes your boot properly from foot to knee. They are beautiful and made from soft leather. They also fit like a glove and are very comfortable." —Deborah S.

    Get them from DuoBoots for $345 (available in sizes 5–11, calf widths 30–50 cms, petite, standard, and tall fits, and in two colors). 

    12. A seriously *stunning* slip dress you can gussy up or tone down. Wear it with heels and you've got yourself an evening dress, or pair it with a leather jacket and ankle boots for an impossibly cool look.

    reviewer wearing the black dress with strappy sandals
    model wearing the dress in tan

    Promising review: "Love this dress so much. It’s like wearing a satin nightgown but out in public. I pair a tank top over it and sneakers for a casual look. The slits are sexy without being overtly sexy and the material just hugs my curves with enough room to still move about." —Jordan

    Get it from Amazon for $54.90+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and 25 colors). 

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    13. An oversize cardigan sure to come in clutch over the coming weeks when September can't decide if it wants to transition into fall or hold onto humid summer temps. 

    model wearing the cardigan in tan
    Amazon

    Promising review: "The quality of this cardigan is amazing! Feels like it should be $150. I wanted oversized so I sized up and it’s perfection." —Evan White

    Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and in 11 colors).

    14. Some square-toe ballet flats if you're finally succumbing to balletcore after watching 10,000 GRWM videos that inevitably feature the style. 

    a model wearing the flats in black
    the flats in cream
    Dolce Vita

    Promising review: "Very comfortable right out of the box. The leather is nice and soft, so the shoe is not stiff. I ordered them because they're trendy but they're def a classic style. Can dress them up or down. I ordered two sizes and my true size fit perfectly. Very happy with this purchase. It's my opinion that this is also an all-season flat as long as its not raining/snowing." —GMB

    Get them from Dolce Vita for $120 (available in sizes 5–13 an in two colors).

    15. A structured blazer with a classic collar and lapel you can layer over a button up for an interview or over a band tee for the photo shoot you scheduled with your BFF, 'cause you need new pics for LinkedIn and your dating profile.

    Reviewer wearing a black long buttoned blazer
    Reviewer wearing it in a light camel color

    Promising review: "This is a beautiful blazer! I ordered the pink and it's such a fun color. I'm really impressed with the quality of the fabric. It came out of the package in great shape but I do think it would wrinkle a bit if I packed it in a suitcase. I love the length and how it covers my butt. The sleeves weren't too tight in my upper arms which always seems to be an issue for me with blazers. I definitely want this piece in more colors!" —Ketoinchi

    Get it from Amazon for $74.90 (available in sizes XXS–5X and 10 colors). 

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe, you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    16. A corduroy button-down that'll help you nail that "Oh, this? I just threw it on" look that all of your favorite stars have down. (I'm looking at you, Dakota Johnson.)

    reviewer wearing the button-down in tan
    model wearing the shacket in dark gray

    Promising review: "Love this shacket. It will be a go-to this fall and winter. Staying warm and stylish will be easy with this additional piece added to my wardrobe." —Maureen Buck

    Get it from Amazon for $35.98+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in 37 colors).

    17. A flowy blouse with so many design details — pleating! puff sleeves! plunging neckline! tie detailing! — that you barely even have to accessorize. 

    front view of a model wearing the pleated beige top
    back view of the same model
    Current Air

    Current Air is a Los Angeles–based small business that designs trendy yet effortless styles . 

    Get it from Current Air for $62 (originally $88; available in sizes XXS–XL and in four colors). 

    18. An airy linen dress so simple, you can zero in on a minimal aesthetic or go maximalist with your wildest accessories and shoes.

    front view of model in black linen midi dress
    different model in black linen midi dress
    Whimsy + Row

    Whimsy + Row is a woman-founded sustainable clothing brand that produces their limited-run designs in Los Angeles. They use up-cycled and eco-friendly fabrics and ensure that all of their workers are paid a fair wage.

    Get it from Whimsy + Row for $132 (available in sizes XS–XL and in three colors/prints). 

    19. A cropped, puff-sleeve sweater that's just as easy to style as your typical tee cause if you know one thing about yourself, it's that anything that takes extra effort *will* sit in the back of your closet never to see the light of day again. 

    front view of a model wearing the sweater in tan
    front view of a different model wearing the sweater in gray
    Petal & Pup

    Get it from Petal & Pup for $69 (available in two colors and sizes XS–XL).

    20. A denim maxi skirt with a slitted hem so you can show off your footwear — especially if you're practicing what TikTok calls the "wrong shoe theory."

    front view of a model wearing the denim skirt in black
    back view of a different model wearing the skirt in lightwash denim
    Mango

    And if you *don't* know what that is but your interest is piqued, check out this TikTok!

    Get it from Mango for $69.99 (available in sizes XXS–4X and in three washes).

    21. A high-neck bodysuit ready to play supporting actor to any particularly daring bottoms you've got in mind.

    front view of a model wearing the bodysuit in black
    front view of a different model wearing the bodysuit in white
    J Lux Label

    J Lux Label is a woman-owned small business based in LA.

    Get it from J Lux Label for $49.99 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in six colors).  

    22. A pair of Everlane Puffa clogs with super soft leather and a platform wedge that's not only trendy, but ensures all day comfort so you can schlep wherever you need to go without having to Google Maps the nearest CVS so you can grab bandages.  

    front view of a model wearing the clogs in black
    top view of the black clogs
    Everlane

    Promising review: "Soft leather, fits nicely and I wore them all day to see how I would do. No issues. The soft leather meant no need to break them in!" —Rosita

    Get them from Everlane for $165 (available in sizes 5–11 and in three colors).

    23. An oversized faux leather shirt jacket you can style just as easily as a jean jacket. Button it up or leave it open if you actually had time to match what you're wearing underneath.

    front view of a model wearing the faux leather jacket in brown
    back view of the same model
    Amazon

    Promising review: "I am absolutely OBSESSED with this jacket!!! Every time that I wear it I always receive compliments and it’s the perfect jacket for a night out. I HIGHLY recommend this for anyone looking for a leather button down." —eashurst

    Get it from Amazon for $41.38 (available in sizes S–XL and in 11 colors).

    24. A trusty pair of Reebok Club C Doubles — the only shoes I'd save from a burning building if given the opportunity.

    You know that TikTok sound "If I like it…I'll just grab it in a different color"? These shoes are my kryptonite. I have them in four different colors and wear them with EVERYTHING whether I'm on vacation or at home. They go with skirts and dresses just as well as with jeans and they've never given me a blister!!! According to the health app on my iPhone, my most recent trip included 57 miles of walking and my feet were in tip-top shape despite walking all day, every day through four different countries. Pro tip: If you're a women's size 8 or smaller, you can get them in big kid's sizes (I'm an 8 women's, so I get a 6 in kids) and they're like half the price!!

    Promising review: "They are soooo comfortable and soft on the inside I wish I’d bought them sooner. They were comfortable from the moment I put them on… didn’t even have to break them in.” —Sarahsmile

    Get them from Amazon for $74.90+ (available in sizes 5–11 and in 15 colors).

    Psst — if you have Amazon Prime Wardrobe you can try this piece out before you buy it! 

    25. sweetheart neckline sweater with such an arresting cut, you won't have to waste any time hemming and hawing over accessories. 

    front view of a model wearing the sweater in tan
    side view of the same model
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Looks similar to the Abercrombie bodysuit but much cheaper and with a variety of colors. Highly recommend. Got so many compliments. Fits true to size." —CDO

    Get it from Amazon for $27.90 (available in sizes S–L and eight colors). 

    26. A smart button-down maxi if your usual go-to is an oversized men's shirt and lived-in jeans. Look, when it's freakin' humid out, reaching for denim just isn't an option. 

    a model wearing the dress in white
    a reviewer wearing the collared dress in brown
    Amazon

    Promising review: "Amazing! Simple, yet beautiful. The pockets are a wee bit high, but I am pretty tall. I have the blue and plan to order a couple more. This dress will be beautiful dry cleaned. It looks very expensive, but it's less than 30 bucks! This dress is going to have a lot of fun with me!" —Zippy

    Get it from Amazon for $28.88 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in 16 colors).

    27. An oversized linen button down prepared to make you look boardroom ready even if you only meet over Zoom now and are definitely wearing plaid pajama pants on bottom...

    model wearing the shirt in white
    model wearing the shirt in beige
    Banana Republic

    Get it from Banana Republic for $59.99+ (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in four colors).

    28. A pair of faux-leather straight-leg pants with a bit of stretch and pockets — real ones! No tiny lil' things that can barely fit that quarter you found on the ground.

    reviewer wearing the pants in brown
    reviewer wearing the pants in brown

    Check out a TikTok of the pants in action.

    Promising review: "Perfect!! Omg, just buy them now! Don't hesitate! These are going to go fast once the word gets out how great they are! They have some stretch to them!" —Amazon Customer

    Get them from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes XXS–XL and in 24 colors/styles). 

    29. An edgy leather moto jacket if you yearn to be a person who just "throws something on" and goes but haven't quite nailed that down yet.

    front view of a model wearing the black moto jacket
    back view of the same model
    Abercrombie & Fitch

    Get it from Abercrombie & Fitch for $112 (originally $140; available in sizes XXS–XL).

    30. A convertible bodysuit you can literally wear days in a row — even if you're seeing the same people — since you can switch up the neckline for a different look every time.

    model wearing the white bodysuit three different ways
    Lulu's

    Promising review: "So versatile and adorable!!! Love it and washes well excited to wear this all of the different ways." —Andrea F.

    Get it from Lulu's for $27.20 (originally $34; available in sizes XS–XL).

    31. A one-and-done garment dyed jumpsuit with super deep pockets and legs you can cuff to show off your coolest kicks. (Just imagine it with high-top Nike Blazers. 😍)

    model wearing the jumpsuit in oatmeal
    model wearing the jumpsuit in green
    Alex Mill

    Alex Mill is a SoHo, NYC–based small business from Alex Drexler, Somsack Sikhounmuong, and Mickey Drexler. The latter of whom was the founder of Old Navy and Madewell and the former CEO of The Gap and  J. Crew. 

    Promising review: "Brilliant jumpsuit. I’m very petite with broad shoulders and slim, straight hips and have struggled finding a jumpsuit that fits. This is perfect. It hits me right at the ankle and fits well all over. It’s sort of a magic piece. Love the simplicity of it and the medium weight textile, too." —Carlymae

    Get it from Alex Mill for $195 (available in sizes XS–XXL and in four colors).

    32. And a one-shoulder tank you can slip on when you want to trick people into thinking you spent time getting dressed and definitely didn't just pick this up off the floor, wipe off some cat fur, and throw it on your body. 

    front view of a model wearing the one-shoulder tank in black
    back view of a different model wearing the tank in white
    Lacausa

    Lacausa (Spanish for "the cause") is a woman–owned, California–inspired clothing brand committed to ethical design. Their small, LA–based team focuses on low-waste production and they donate a percentage of proceeds to different human and environmental rights charitable partners.

    Get it from Laucausa for $58 (available in sizes XS–XL and in two colors).

    Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.