21 "Updated" Wardrobe Staples Under $100

Rachel Zoe recently posted her January Basics Guide, and while we agreed with most of them, we had one little problem: Zoe and her clients are all bazillionaires (or at least millionaires), while we working girls have to be a little more thrifty when it comes to padding our closets, even when it comes to basics. (Um, also, we don't buy new ones every month, do you?) The following is a collection of affordable, updated for 2010 ideas, and if, say, you bought the whole show, you'd have 21 pieces that you could mix and match and look stylish all year-round. Check 'em out, and be sure to share your own personal standbys with the class when you're done.
By Erin Flaherty for The Frisky
A Crisp White Shirt: This is one item that you should get dry-cleaned regularly so it's always hanging in your closet fresh-pressed and ready to go. Obviously, you can wear the button-down to a business meeting or out for drinks, and don't be afraid to try updates like bell sleeves or a tunic-style.Plastic Island Button Down Tunic, $53, RevolveDark Trousers: It doesn't get any simpler-or more versatile-than your standard black pants. They go with everything, and can be styled to look more formal or casual as the case may be. A skinny cut makes them more modern, but more masculine or fuller lines are great, too.Skinny Chino, $59 Banana RepublicA Sharp Pencil Skirt: Much like black trousers, a perfectly tailored pencil skirt is totally versatile and flattering as well. On mornings where it's a challenge to pull it together, a clean-cut skirt can help you look polished and effortless even if you're not feeling it.Trouve Knit Pencil Skirt, $34, NordstromThe Drapey White Tee: In a post-American Apparel for the masses kind of world, your starchy Hanes undershirt just won't do anymore. Ante up for a super soft, silky shirt that you can wear anytime with anything and not look sloppy.Short Sleeve Boyfriend Tee, $24, C&C CaliforniaPunchy Flats: Every lady should have one comfortable yet fashion-forward pair of flats to bust out on those days where heels aren't gonna get you to 6 o'clock p.m. Because they're so unassuming, take the opportunity to let them add a splash of color to the rest of your outfit.Leather Ballet Flats In Killer Tomato, $39, RevolveThe LBD: Why does the Little Black Dress remain such a timeless classic? They're generally flattering, go from day to night, and there are infinite styles to choose from. If you're on a budget, stick with one that's ultra simple, so you can use accessories to change it up for the occasion.Silence & Noise Long Sleeve Mini, $29, Urban OutfittersA Great Pair Of Jeans: Denim is not only affordable and accessible, most of us could live in it. Skinnies are still en vogue, but the most important thing to keep in mind is choosing the cut and fit that most flatters your body type. A classic dark wash is best because it can be dressed up or down and stays, well, classic.Classical Blue Jean, $35, Forever 21Black (Platform) Heels: You can never go wrong with a pair of basic black pumps that can be counted on to go with anything, but for the past few seasons and going forward, an easy way to update your look is to elevate it with a chunky base.Sarney Platform, $69, G. By GuessSimple Trench: Never. Goes. Out. Of. Style. The trench not only looks great with everything, it's also the go-to for in between seasons. Why not play with the traditional shape while you're at it?Bell-sleeve Trench, $32, Forever 21The Classic Boot: Talk about a staple. A classy riding boot is both utilitarian and good-looking, and gets you through the winter yet looks super chic with a summer dress. Take good care of a pair and they will last you for years.Berliew Boots, $77, AldoUpscale Gray Sweatshirt: Call it one of the new classics, but the ultra-soft, heather-gray fleece top has become a go-to for chic dressers. It's actually more versatile than you think: It can be layered over button-downs and worn with pants or skirts to make them more casual, and of course, you can always still wear it to the gym.Alternative "The Champ" Sweatshirt, $40, NordstromYour Standard Belt: Whether studs, sequins or just basic black leather are your thing, belts are always handy-dandy. Use one to cinch bulkier jackets and sweaters, or just to hold up your jeans.Michael by Michael Kors Studded Skinny Belt, $22, BlueflyThe Basic Blazer: The so-called "boyfriend" style that everyone got so worked up about last year is actually a menswear-for-ladies staple that never really went away. A tailored jacket is a great way to pull either pants or a dress together into a crisp outfit.Necessary Objects Blazer, $29, NordstromA Slouchy Carry-All: These days, your bag needs to not only fit your keys and phone and lipstick, you should be able to stick your laptop in that sucker as well. Invest in a roomy piece in a neutral color, and you have no reason to shuffle multiple purses around ever again.Big Buddha Mari Hobo, $90, EndlessSimple Leggings: While the leggings-as-pants trend is questionable at best, we can't argue the fact that these bad boys come in handy all the time.Simply Vera Wang Solid Leggings, $20, Kohl'sThe Statement Scarf: We wish we could afford one of those Alexander McQueen skull scarves, but let's face it, they're played at this point anyway. Or at least that's what we tell ourselves to feel better. Still, a scarf or even a cashmere wrap comes in handy for changing up an outfit and can also be used to wrap around your head (if you're feeling daring) or just keep your neck warm (if you're feeling cold).A.Ok Grey Gauze Double Layer Scarf, $48, OakA Bad Hair Day Hat: I'm not suggesting you have to stick with this trendy beanie (although lots of cute, hip girls are wearing them right now), or even a beret or a Lindsay Lohan fedora. But having a hat close by for tragic hair moments makes for an easy, chic solution.Cobweb Beanie Hat, $20, TopshopChic Evening Bag: It's easy to ruin a perfectly good cocktail dress by carrying your casual workaday bag. And while clutches are lovely, they're not very practical for a night on the town. Try an evening bag with a detachable strap so you can wear it if you need to.Scallop Edge Detachable Strap Bag, $10, AsosDressy Shorts: A tailored pair of shorts have become a wardrobe staple because they're now acceptable in a lot of workplaces (probably a longer pair than these), can be layered over tights in the winter, and obviously look cute but polished all summer long.Elizabeth & James Edith Short, $79, RevolveAn Oversized Cardigan: Love it or hate it, the layered look is not going anywhere. Buy your sweater in one size that's too big and wear it over a button-down or tee. It goes with pants and skirts and dresses, too, and don't overlook the cozy factor.Boyfriend Cardigan, $15, Old NavyAviator Sunglasses: Your vintage Ray-Ban and oversized movie star sunnies may come and go, but aviators are always in style and look sleek, dig?Pop Color Aviators, $24, Anne Taylor Loft
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