There’s a reason the Little Black Dress and the White Shirt are wardrobe MVPs. Simple, chic and lending themselves to countless styling opportunities, they’re the kind of pieces you can fall back on in even the most dire of dressing circumstances. Investing in simple pieces with clean lines in wearable hues that you can mix and match also means you’ll end up buying less, which — in a time when we’re increasingly concerned about textile waste and overconsumption — is a win-win.

There’s no time like the blank page of a new year to refresh your wardrobe with a few new staples. Print and colour can add vibrancy and fun to an outfit, but when it comes to longevity and versatility, a neutral palette and clean silhouettes are worth their weight in gold. These are the simple pieces to set you up for sartorial success in 2025.

If you don’t have at least one great white shirt in your wardrobe, this is your sign to get to Bassike, stat. Theirs is made from a crisp cotton poplin in a boxy, slightly oversized silhouette making it perfect for wearing out or tucking in for more formal affairs.

Topstitch Classic Shirt, $360 from Bassike, Level 1

Camilla and Marc are lauded for their effortlessly sophisticated tailoring. Their Serene Blazer is oversized enough to add insouciant cool to an ensemble while also being chic enough to wear to the office.

Serene Blazer, $650 from Camilla and Marc, Level 1

It might feel like a big investment, but a sleek and durable trench coat will never go out of style. It’s the sort of piece you buy now and wear forever, and P.Johnson Femme’s version might be our favourite one to date.

Clara Trench Coat, $2450 from P.Johnson Femme, Level 1

A tailored wide-leg pant lends itself to all kinds of styling: with heels and a blazer to work, sneakers and a T-shirt for running errands, a cami, jumper tied over the shoulders and ballet flats for the weekend. We love Jac + Jack’s pleated grey version.

Levant Wide-Leg Trouser, $380 from Jac + Jack, Level 1

A little black dress offers countless styling options and is guaranteed to save you in all manner of “what do I wear?” disasters. Scanlan Theodore’s mini version is sleek and a little sexy.

Silk Jacquard Mini, $600 from Scanlan Theodore, Level 1

Never underestimate how often you’ll wear a wool cardigan. Viktoria and Woods’ sweet button-down version promises to go with absolutely everything.

Hart Merino Wool Cardigan, $390 from Viktoria and Woods, Level 1