8 Life-Changing Things Your Closet Needs ASAP

Tried, tested, and worn by BuzzFeed editors!

Angelica Baini / BuzzFeed

1. A cactus-print sundress that won't die on you, even if you're an infamous plant killer.

Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

I'm not very good at keeping things alive. You'd only have to ask the ghosts of my many dead houseplants — one decayed Venus flytrap, several limp hanging plants, and countless dead flowers — to get the picture. One survivor of my less-than-green thumb is a little cactus that I sits by my window. The little champ has weathered it all, including when I accidentally left it out during a thunderstorm. (Sorry, little dude!) As a result, I'm really partial to succulents and their strong constitution. I even wrote up a whole list of products dedicated to them. One of my favorite cactus items is this dress by Dolce Vita.

The first time I saw the dress was in a boutique in Austin. They didn't have my size, but luckily, love always wins in the end: The dress is readily available online. Now that I own it, I can say it's easily one of my favorite things in my closet.

The dress kind of fits like an apron. There's a string to tie around your neck and another to tie in the back. Because it's backless, you'll need to go braless or get some stickies, but I never feel like the dress is on the verge of a wardrobe malfunction. The fabric feels ultra soft and luxurious, and, quite frankly, better quality than I normally allow myself. It's perfect for dressing up with some heels for a party or down with sneakers for a stroll around town. I like it best paired with my leather jacket and some shades for a tough-but-cute look. I've asked my cactus what it thinks of my outfit, and I'll get back to you when it answers. I'm sure it's flattered. —Rebecca O'Connell

Get it from Amazon for $52.99+ (available in sizes XS–L).

2. Edgy Birk lookalikes ready and willing for some serious mileage.

AnaMaria Glavan / BuzzFeed, us.topshop.com

When I say I wear these sandals every day, I mean these puppers are on my on feet 24/7. The mere fact that these haven't completely fallen apart in the middle of the street is reason enough to trust in these Birkenstock lookalikes. My Birkenstocks really DID fall apart mid-walk while I was in public (I walk heavier than a drunken Hagrid in brick shoes). So, I needed cheap replacements for the summer. Little did I know that these would become my daily staple, and there is a good chance I'll risk frost bite and wear them into the winter.

The padding makes them extremely comfortable, and lets me stay in them for long distances. As someone who walks miles just to avoid the overheated NYC subway, fashionable sandals that are also practical almost bring tears to my eyes. Not to mention, my wide feet rarely find a fashionable companion who don't mercilessly squish my toes. If you have spread-out piggies who just need a stylish savior, then these are for you, too.

Now every day I have ~happy feet~. And they go with my all-black outfits. Which only I wear Monday to Sunday. —Emma McAnaw

Get them from Topshop for $47.60 (available in sizes 5.5-9.5, 11.5, and five colors).

3. Butt-lifting workout tights with sheer panels to jazz up any sweaty look.

alalastyle.com, Robbie Mackey / BuzzFeed

Because I have grudgingly accepted that exercise makes me a more physically and emotionally functional person, and because I refuse to join a gym for reasons that I no longer remember, I run four to five times a week. Even though I've been running regularly for the past four years, I still sort of hate it and have to continually bribe myself with all kinds of treats and incentives. The treats are mostly cute workout clothes, the idea being that now I must run so I can show off my little outfits to everyone in the park, or something. Whatever, it mostly works! And since I got them, the Alala Captain Tights have been my number one sartorial incentive.

They have all the qualities of the perfect running pant — thick waistband, spacious key/cash wallet, and a breathable fabric that's well-fitted without being constricting. But if I'm being honest, those things are all just icing on the cake —

the cake being how fucking good these tights make my butt look. I don't know what kind of compression wizardry is at work in the fabric, but I'm all in on whatever black magic lifts my butt up like I'm wearing five-inch heels.

These are too good to relegate to workout gear — while I do run in them, I've also worn them on errands, to dinner, and — yes — to work. (Granted, I work at BuzzFeed.) At $110, they're a splurge, but if you're looking for a pair of polished, versatile, magically butt-lifting leggings, the Alala Captain Tights are a fantASStic choice. —Jessie Gaynor

Get them from Alala for $110+ (available in sizes XS-L).

Alala sent me these leggings to try free of charge, but I wasn't obligated to positively review them.

4. A flirty off-the-shoulder top you can style in a million ways (and comes in so many colors and patterns).

Bea Park / BuzzFeed

Let's be real, off-the-shoulder tops are nothing new. I started seeing more of them pop up last year, but I am very slow to these 'trends' and tbh, sleeveless tops give me unnecessary anxiety. Can you guarantee it won't fall off and I won't lose my dignity?! And don't even get me started on the bra situation (I've started wearing these stickies, which I trust infinitely more than strapless bras).

But Amazon has so many cheap fashion options that I really didn't have anything to lose. At $6 a pop, I'm obviously not expecting high-quality anything, but it still looks pretty damn good in person. And it's very versatile to style! It's long enough to be tucked into a skirt, but it'll look just as good untucked with jeans come fall. It's super light and breezy (but very importantly, not see-through!!!), which is all I can ask for in the sweat-dripping days of summer. And the stretchy elastic-y lining at the top is very snug so there's zero chance it'll fall down (I ran it through a very vigorous jumping test in my apartment).

Until fall weather lets my "I hate being outside" attitude chill out, giving a hot summer day the ~cold shoulder~ is my preferred method of dress. (Also s/o to this pink satin cap for obscuring my I've-been-sick-for-days hair.)

(And why yes, I did end up buying a second pair of the shoes I reviewed in the last roundup. TYSM for noticing!!!). —Sarah Han

Get it from Amazon for $5.80+ (available in sizes S-XXXL and 21 styles).

5. Puma Enzos your feet and closet will thank you for buying.

Treye Green / BuzzFeed

I'm constantly on the hunt for a comfy, cool sneaker. So when I first set eyes on the Puma Enzos during a random shopping trip, I felt they looked like a good shoe to add to my kicks roster. I typically don't wear Puma sneakers, due to them often being too narrow for my feet. But the Enzos, with their stretchy, mesh design, fit like a glove. And their cushioned sole offers some serious comfort, especially when I'm wearing them for extended periods of time or doing tons of walking around NYC.

I will also add that they come in a range of neutral shades that'll make them easily fit into your current wardrobe. They are also perfect for traveling, seeing that their mesh construction keeps your feet ventilated and doesn't restrict or cramp your toes while sitting on a plane for hours. You really can’t go wrong with these beauties! —Treye Green

Get them from Macy's for $37.48 (available in sizes 7-13).

6. Tommy Hilfiger shortalls to channel some '90s nostalgia in all the right ways.

Devric Butoh / BuzzFeed, Jean Hendrickson / BuzzFeed

When my 25th birthday rolled around, I sat myself down and thought about what I wanted. To be honest, I did not have to think very hard; as I’ve wanted a pair of white Tommy Hilfiger shortalls for years. One of my rules to avoid impulse shopping is, (especially if the item is on the pricy side), don’t buy it right away. If you’re still thinking about it weeks later, the want is real. So, truly the time treat myself to some shortalls was now.

In my search, I found many a pair of vintage Tommy overalls on Etsy and eBay, but they weren’t the color I wanted, and/or they weren’t shortalls. Then, I made the magnificent discovery that I could purchase the exact shortalls I wanted, branded racerback straps and all, from Urban Outfitters. I ordered a medium, picked them up in-store, and wore them during my birthday weekend. The shortalls are a perfect length on me – I’m 5’8” and they weren’t too short or too long. I am glad I got a medium because I like the baggier fit. I have put these through the wash twice since owning them, and they are still fabulous. The shortalls being white makes them easy to pair with outfits, and every time I wear them I get tons of compliments. They have become a staple in my wardrobe, and are perfect for anyone who wants to dress like a champion, with minimum effort. —Francine Hendrickson

Get them from Urban Outfitters for $79.99 (size L) or Asos for $190 (sizes L-XL).

7. Fishnet-and-pearl socks that are the little bit of extra your wardrobe needs.

Maitland Quitmeyer / BuzzFeed

In my not-so-humble opinion, socks are the best and most underrated of all the accessories. From sweary versions to pull out on a rainy day to sheer polka dots perfect for pairing with heels, I have dedicated a pretty large chunk of closet space in an attempt to maintain some ~socks appeal~.

So when I came across these fishnet-and-pearl socks on Amazon, it was love at first click (pearls just happen to be my other favorite). But a dilemma: the product photo looked photoshopped, and there were no reviews about the pearl socks specifically (just the regular fishnet ones), so I was concerned. Luckily I am a *risk taker* (narrator: she is not), so I flew in the face of danger and ordered them anyway. Even if they were pearl-free, $14 for four pairs of plain fishnet socks was a good deal. And lo and behold: when they came they were perfect. Four pairs (two black, two white), all studded with pearls at the top. And they weren't haphazardly glued on; they were attached all the way through. PERFECTION! Plus, they have a solid toe area so your piggies don't uncomfortably poke through as you walk.

When you spend all of the cold-weather months rotating various versions of black pants and large sweaters, a peek of patterned sock is the easiest way to inject a little something extra into your outfit. And don't get me started on socks and heeled sandals — I don't care if you think it looks weird; I love it! —Maitland Quitmeyer

Get a four-pack from Amazon for $7.90+ (available in two sizes).

8. And a simple, cheap LBD in the running for the comfiest dress ever.

Jake Kaplan / BuzzFeed

Ok, I know this black dress is super simple, but I’ve worn it SO many times after buying it this summer at Target. It's so easy to throw on in the morning when I can’t decide what to wear. Plus, I can pair it with basically any type of shoe: from Keds to heels to flip-flops. It’s super soft and feels like I’m wearing an oversized T-shirt, but I look a little more fabulous in this dress. The flowy, shift-dress shape allows me to feel free, but it's not super boxy. Plus, the back has a cute cross-back surprise detail, which looks great with an updo.

I love that I’m able to dress it up or wear it as a comfy T-shirt dress. I’ve gone out in the dress and paired it with these super adorable block heels and a long, gold necklace. On the flipside, I’ve also worn the dress to work with leggings underneath and it’s SO. DAMN. COMFY. Also, I’m super pumped to wear it in the fall with a flannel or denim jacket. Fall, are you here yet?!

Bonus? It’s only 20 bucks! Honestly, I’m debating buying a back-up dress because I love it that much. Target, please make more colors!!! —Nichole Francois

Get it from Target for $19.99 (available in sizes XS-2XL).

We're not saying you have to challenge anyone to a walk-off in your new duds, but you could probably win one.

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