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It can be tempting to overshop, to buy everything that catches your eye. Most of us have been victims of the COVID Shein heist, and before I knew it, I had piles of cheap clothes whose price spoke for their quality. Over time, I have figured out that quality clothes overcome quantity, so here are 5 staples that are a must in anyone’s closet. 

1. A good pair of black leggings

Black leggings are the most versatile item of clothing; they can be worn with athleisure, a comfortable sweatshirt, or even paired with a business casual top to create a professional look. I do see the hype with Lululemon leggings, as they do perform well for a long time, and fit quite well. Most people don’t know that if Lulu leggings are damaged or start to pill within 5 years of purchase, all you need is a receipt to trade in for a brand-new pair! However, if this is not in your price range, some great alternatives are TnaBUTTER™ Leggings or the Halara Leggings

2. White button-down shirt

Whether you are going for that business casual look, or that European style, a linen button-down shirt is a must in everyone’s closet. I’ve also used mine as a beach cover-up, or even a cute look under a sweater-and the best part, this can be purchased from anywhere! Some good places to look would be your local department store, whether it’s Kohls or TJMaxx. 

How to spice up a going out look by pairing it with a white button down!

3. Tight-fitted black top

Black is a staple color, there are so many different ways to style this- paired under a cardigan, with sweatpants or jeans, and even to wear downtown! Here are some inspiration pics to help you style your black top! https://pin.it/5MMHZYvFT

4. NEUTRALS!!

Neutrals are a MUST in everyone’s closet. It could be a cute neutral sweater or even neutral sweatpants. If you want to achieve that clean-girl vanilla look, neutrals are the way to go. I have several different tops in neutral colors, and you can keep mixing and matching them with different pairs of jeans, or really, any kind of pants!

5. Puffers & Sweatshirts

This one is for my girls who live in the chilly areas, and as someone who’s from Boston, trust me when I tell you I know the best quality sweatshirts and puffers- on a budget! If you want a hoodie that hoodies, the Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie will help you achieve that goal. Another favorite I have are the oversized hoodies from Amazon! As for puffers, Cider is extremely cute and affordable. Another good option is Garage Puffers! So for my girls who like to be comfy and warm, check these out!

Ishita Rao is a newfound writer for Her Campus, but has always been passionate about writing. Currently in her junior year at North Carolina State University, Ishita is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering, as well as a minor in business administration. Her academic journey has been enriched by many experiences, spanning from a marketing internship to a business position at Fidelity Investments during the recent summer. Additionally, Ishita actively contributes her skills at the Electrical Engineering office at NCSU and is her university’s Pearson Campus Ambassador. She also immerses herself in the vibrant communities of the BMES society and the Helping Hand project at the university. Though originally from Boston, she currently lives in Apex, North Carolina. Beyond her academic and professional commitments, she finds comfort in her love for dance, especially as a dedicated member of her university's competitive Bollywood team. Her creative spirit extends to other hobbies, including painting, swimming, and binging the latest Netflix show. In her free time, she enjoys visits to the beach and boba dates with friends. Her favorite artists are The Weeknd, Tory Lanez, Don Toliver, and Frank Ocean.