I love asking someone about a piece of clothing and hearing about what is obviously a “hero piece” in their wardrobe. Their eyes light up as they extoll the virtues of a shoe or sweater they can’t live without. Below, six women share hero pieces they reach for again and again…
Above: Irene Kim
Occupation: Stylist and creator of In Moda Veritas
Lives in: Paris
“I consider a grey sweater a foundational wardrobe piece because it’s so functional and versatile. I wear this sweater to dress up sweatpants, dress down evening dresses, and everything in between! I got this sweater made of 100% wool at COS five years ago and have easily worn it over 100 times. COS has styles like this every fall/winter.” (Similar here and here.)
Ayana Lage
Occupation: Writer
Lives in: Tampa, Florida
“Shopping for pants always feels like a daunting task to me, especially after having two children. I tried so many brands, including expensive ones, before finding these jeans at a shockingly affordable price point. The waist hits at the perfect spot, and they aren’t too long for my 5’2” frame. (I ordered the petite version.)”
Jenna Ingalls
Occupation: University fundraiser
Lives in: Oakland, California
“I’ve had this trench for three years, and I love the thoughtful details. As someone who sews a lot of my own clothes, I appreciate the bias-bound seams, the pocket loops that keep the pockets from flapping around, and the quality of the fabric. It’s sewn to last. Universal Standard makes it in my size, and pretty much everyone else’s: it comes in 00-40!”
Cheryl Sparks [Here’s her week of outfits!]
Occupation: retired/volunteer/grandmother/New Englander
Lives in: Rhode Island
“The Dôen Sebastiane skirt is light and airy, the detail in the pintuck pleating makes it just a bit elevated and it’s an easy piece to wear very casually or dress up. (And by dress up I clearly mean my New England version of dress up.)” (Similar here.)
Alison Piepmeyer [Here’s her week of outfits!]
Occupation: CoJ partnerships director
Lives in: Brooklyn
“I’ve always liked the look of clogs, but wooden ones don’t seem practical for my day-to-day: walking around the city, often wobbling on cobblestones, and always being on my feet. I’d heard forever that nurses, hairdressers, and chefs swore by these non-wooden Dansko ones, but it wasn’t until I spotted a cool Gen Z girl in my neighborhood wearing them that I bit the bullet and bought a green pair. They work year-round (with or without socks), and they’re are comfortable with just the right amount of give. They’ve earned a permanent spot by my front door.”
Joanna Goddard
Occupation: Cup of Jo and Big Salad Founder
Lives in: Brooklyn
“One of my giddiest days of the year is when I pull out my white jeans in the spring. I know that ahead of me are five months of park picnics, stoop hangs, and playground adventures. These AYR ones have a great fit — slightly cropped, slightly barrel legged, and very comfy. Similar pairs here and here, depending on budget.”
What is the hero piece in your closet? Let’s chat in the comments!
P.S. More women share their ‘hero’ pieces, and a bunch of fashion do or don’ts.
