7 Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Should Own

Crafting an adaptable and versatile capsule wardrobe involves investing in wear-everywhere essentials that transition seamlessly across seasons and occasions. The key to achieving a perfectly curated collection of pieces you’ll adore for a lifetime is to focus on quality over quantity. This allows you to avoid fleeting fashion trends and make space for well-designed and durable investments you know will pair effortlessly together. 

But with an abundance of options available, what are the basic wardrobe essentials every woman needs to build a solid and reliable foundation? Whether you’re looking to streamline, declutter or update your current collection, this guide will highlight seven staples you should consider investing in to keep your style modern, elegant and effortless while making everyday dressing a joy.

1. The classic knit crew

A classic knit like the Cashmere Crew Jumper is a wardrobe essential for any woman looking to add a casual yet considered touch to an outfit. Pair it with skinny jeans and white sneakers for a low-key weekend running errands, or dress our jumper up for a night out with tailored slacks, a relaxed-fitting monochrome coat and sling-back heels. No matter where the day or evening takes you, this classic, easy-to-pair sweater is the perfect base layer for fashion-conscious women looking to stay warm and comfortable while maintaining a stylish flair. 

2. The leather trench

Creating a wardrobe essentials checklist? Every collection deserves space for a statement-making piece, like our Scout Leather Trench. Crafted from 100% Nappa Lamb Leather, which delivers fluid lines and a soft drape, this classic trench is a perennial favourite that epitomises timeless elegance and modern luxury. With its classic double-breasted front, buckled wrist ties and adjustable belt that lets you customise the fit, each carefully considered element harmonises to deliver a carefully tailored finish that promises warmth and statement style. 

3. The silk shirt

A silk shirt is a must-have wardrobe essential that brings a sprinkle of polish to any outfit. If your style is geared towards neutral colour palettes or monochrome tones, you’ll be living in Perri Cutten’s best-selling Frida Silk Shirt. Embodying a fluid, minimalist aesthetic that resonates with modern luxury, this piece is cut from lustrous silk and designed with a mandarin collar that enhances its profile, while the subtle sheen of the fabric elevates its overall allure.

Its lightweight nature makes it capable of effortlessly transitioning from day to night with the right accessories. This silk silhouette can also see you through warm summer days, complementing tailored linen trousers and strappy sandals. 

4. The wool coat

A thick wool coat is a woman’s basic wardrobe essential that safeguards you from the chill while helping you create a refined and thoughtfully layered ensemble. The Max Wool Trench is crafted from 100% wool and features a classic trench silhouette, Corozo button closure, and matching self-belt.

With its soft yet striking camel hue, this coat delivers endless versatility, pairing seamlessly with a knit sweater and tailored trousers for 9 to 5 or layered over a silk maxi dress and heeled boots for a night out at the theatre. No matter your everyday style or the occasion you’re dressing for, our fully lined sky blue coat is the perfect winter must-have, complementing every current staple in your trans-seasonal wardrobe. 

5. The long line cardigan

While fashion trends come as quickly as they go, cardigans have long remained a wardrobe essential for women who value warmth, comfort and versatility. If you’re steering away from cropped silhouettes, look no further than Perri Cutten’s Macey Wool Cardigan. Designed in Australia and crafted from premium, 100% Australian Merino Wool, this buttery-soft silhouette features delicate ribbed cuffs and a simple longline design that adds the finishing touches to any relaxed or casual look. 

Whether you team our textured cardigan with a turtleneck, leggings and ballet flats or pair it with dark denim jeans and our Brigitte Silk Shirt, its versatility makes it a go-to style for work and weekends.

6. The check blazer

Another must-have wardrobe essential is a slightly oversized, fully-lined blazer — perfect for taking you from the office to dinner and cocktails with colleagues. If you’re looking to elevate your cool-weather clothing rotation with a statement piece you can dress up or down, Perri Cutten’s Beresford Jacket forms the backbone of a timeless capsule collection. With a simple double-breasted design that exudes elegance and a tailored cut that feels decidedly modern, you can wear this season-spanning blazer with the matching Beresford Pant for a cohesive look or sized up and layered underneath a thick sweater for a slightly more casual ensemble.

7. The knit skirt

 Perri Cutten’s Fortuny Knit Skirt is a basic wardrobe essential for women looking for all-around styling options that perfectly blend classic design and contemporary flair. This smart and considered piece is thoughtfully crafted in Australia from a luxurious fabric that softly gathers and flows, creating a fluid silhouette that moves with you. 

With its rich, earthy nutmeg shade and delicate pleating that adds a touch of depth to the overall design, our Fortuny skirt is perfect for office wear and evening outings. Regardless of how you style this must-have, one thing’s certain — it offers the versatility style-minded women demand to adapt to any season or occasion. 

Invest in timeless wardrobe essentials at Perri Cutten

As you curate your wardrobe with our top seven day-to-night staples, remember that the best ensembles are built on a foundation of simplicity and quality. From knit skirts to elegant outerwear and versatile base layers, each Perri Cutten piece is meticulously designed to offer flexibility and effortless style. Explore our collections online today to rethink your wardrobe rotation and discover luxurious investments you’ll be wearing for years to come.