There’s something comforting about clothing that doesn’t need to change with the calendar. Not every item in your wardrobe should be seasonal, and frankly, the best bits you’ll wear usually won’t be. We’re talking about year-round staples – the pieces that quietly earn their spot by being useful, wearable, and consistently stylish, even if they don’t follow a concrete seasonal trend.
But what actually qualifies as a year-round staple? Is it about fabric? Fit? Colour? Let’s take a quick look at what it might be.
The not-too-heavy jacket
This one’s often overlooked, but it’s one of the most dependable pieces in a transitional wardrobe. You want something you can wear in spring with a T-shirt, in autumn over a hoodie, or even layered under a thicker coat when winter sets in.
Shackets, bombers, or lightweight workwear jackets are your go-to here. Go for neutral tones – navy, olive, sand – because they’re easy to pair and don’t scream “seasonal trend.” Find something to keep you warm on a brisk spring evening, but also can be layered under a bigger jacket in the depths of winter.
High-quality t-shirts
Everyone has a drawer full of T-shirts, but not all of these are built to last, or layer. Year-round tees have to strike a balance. Not paper-thin, not heavy-duty – just right. A midweight cotton in a boxy or relaxed fit from a supplier like Screen Textiles usually does the trick.
White is a classic, but off-white, charcoal, and washed navy are just as versatile. In summer, it might be your main piece. Throughout the rest of the year, it becomes a staple that underpins the rest of what you wear.
Jeans
As you’ll have noticed, denim never really goes away. That being said, not all jeans are created equal when it comes to year-round wear. You’ll want something in a midweight denim (rigid, or with a slight stretch) and a clean silhouette – nothing too skinny, too ripped (it’ll let the wind through in winter!), or too gimmicky.
A straight or tapered fit in a medium to dark wash will take you far. They’re easy to dress up or down and can be worn with just about anything.
Soft button-ups
Button-ups used to feel a bit stiff and formal, but not anymore. The year-round versions are looser, softer (think more lumberjack than City trader), and much more adaptable. In cooler months, they go under sweaters or jackets, while in warmer seasons, they’re your top layer with rolled sleeves and open collars.
Chambray, brushed cotton, or an Oxford weave can strike the balance between polished and lived-in. Bonus points if it layers well!
Solid footwear
This one’s simple. Look for shoes you don’t have to overthink – minimalist trainers, leather derbies with a rubber sole, desert boots that actually breathe – they all handle the in-between weather that most of us spend the year navigating. Stick to muted colours and clean shapes. The less seasonal they look, the more you’ll wear them.
Year-round staples are about ease. They’re not statement pieces, they’re the reliable pieces in your wardrobe that makes everything else work, and that’s exactly why they deserve more attention.
