Survival of the Chicest: The 25 Staples That Will Never Die

These 25 classic fashion items will always rise high above trends, making them the perfect pieces to invest in. Click to see and shop.

Survival of the Chicest: The 25 Staples That Will Never Die

As an editor of a fashion website, I spend a lot of time reporting on new trends, new labels, and new ways to wear things. However, sometimes you really never can beat a classic, and it's arguably even more important to build a wardrobe that you'll love for years—if not decades. To help you do that, here is a list of 25 items that will always rise high above trends, making them the perfect pieces to invest in. From the jeans that have been popular for 150 years to accessories you'll treasure always, here are the 25 chicest items that will never die.

1. Trench Coat

As the Burberry raincoat proves, a classic trench never goes out of style.

Topshop Batwing Trench Coat ($150) 2. Breton Top

This was a wardrobe staple for Audrey Hepburn, too.

& Other Stories Ribbed Stripe Top ($28) 3. Black Dress

Another Audrey-approved buy, a little black dress will last you decades if you opt for a classic shape.

Mara Hoffman Robyn A-Line Dress ($450) 4. Skinny Jeans

Denim trends come and go, but skinny jeans remain.

Topshop Rich Blue Jamie Jeans ($70) 5. Double-Breasted Blazer

Thankfully, the high street is awash with amazing double-breasted jackets this season.

Topshop Striped Double Breasted Blazer ($110) 6. Ray-Ban Sunglasses

When it comes to sunnies, Ray-Ban's Wayfarers are a wear-forever investment.

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses ($137) 7. Leather Biker Jacket

When it comes to leather jackets, the Acne Studios biker is the one you want hanging in your wardrobe.

Acne Studios Mock Leather Biker Jacket ($1550)

White shirts aren't just for work, as they will slot into your beach and weekend wardrobes too.

Everlane Relaxed Poplin Shirt in Off White ($65)

Black leather Chelsea boots are always elegant—and Acne Studios' Jensens are our favorites.

Acne Studios Jensen Leather Boots ($560) 10. Gold Medallion Necklace

A gold pendant is another chic item that will survive all your wardrobe clear-outs.

Alighieri Capricorn Gold-Plated Necklace ($225) 11. Chanel 2.55 Bag

When it comes to handbags, a quilted Chanel option is the definition of timeless.

Chanel Mini Flap Bag From What Goes Around Comes Around ($3500)

These Gucci horsebit loafers could feature in Eva Chen's signature pose for decades, as they are that timeless.

Gucci Brixton Leather Horsebit Loafer ($730)

Whatever age you are, a cashmere sweater is always considered a chic luxury.

Iris and Ink Oversized Cashmere Sweater ($175) 14. White T-Shirt

You might have to replace your white T-shirts regularly, but they will forever be a wardrobe building block.

Bassike Organic Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt ($105)

Swimsuit trends are forever changing. However, a simple black swimsuit will always have a place in your suitcase.

Jade Swim Asterik Scoop-Neck Swimsuit ($220)

Belts might seem like a boring purchase, but they can actually make any outfit look so much more put-together.

Altuzarra Double Leather Belt ($395) 17. Ballet Pumps

Ballet pumps are the skinny jeans of the shoe world. They might not be considered the coolest, but they always look polished. You can't go wrong with a Chanel pair like Emili Sindlev's.

Topshop Bow Detail Ballet Pumps ($20) 18. Camel Coat

When it comes to outerwear, a classic camel coat never dates—especially if it's Max Mara.

Max Mara Lilia Coat ($2400)

Jewelry-wise, a pair of gold hoops is a solid investment, whether they are tiny, simple rings or have a more statement silhouette.

Fay Andrada Koko Medium Hoop Brass Earrings ($190) 20. White Sneakers

Simple white trainers, whether it's Veja or Converse, are also not going to date.

Veja V10 White Leather Sneakers ($150) 21. Tweed Jacket (Preferably Chanel)

Here we have another trend to thank Coco Chanel for. A classic tweed or bouclé jacket really does work whether you're 80 or 18—it's just a matter of how you style it.

Thom Browne Madras Double-Breasted Cotton-Blend Tweed Jacket ($2290) 22. Black High Heels

Black pumps are the pièce de résistance of trends, and you'll have them as long as the stilettos remain standing.

Prada Point-Toe Patent-Leather Pumps ($690) 23. Levi's 501 Jeans

You can't possibly talk about wardrobe icons without mentioning Levi's 501s. Did you know they have actually been around since 1873?

Levi's 501 Taper ($98)

A printed silk scarf by the likes of Hermès or Gucci is the sort of item you'll pass onto your grandchildren. And the good thing is they can be styled in dozens of ways.