What’s your wardrobe go-to? Style Panel on the one piece that instantly pulls an outfit together

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Hands up if you’ve looked at your chock-full closet feeling as if it were empty at least 3 times a week (ours are, for the record). Luckily, you’ve usually got a “get out of jail free” pass for those nightmare moments: your wardrobe go-to. Whether it’s the perfect vintage moto you scored on vacation or the designer bag you splurged for, there’s something about a wardrobe go-to that makes you feel instantly put together. Here, our Style Panel members share theirs.

Question 144: What is the one item in your closet that always makes you feel properly put together? Read the answers now! »

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Kerrie Sanderson, 25

Edmonton | Kerried Aweigh

As cliché as it sounds, the one item in my closet that always makes me feel put together is my leather jacket. There’s a reason that the leather jacket has been a style staple forever: it goes with everything. Jeans, skirts, leggings, and even fancy dresses are all played up by throwing on a classic leather jacket. I’ve had mine for about 8 years which I think proves the value of investing in classics, and it’s no surprise that it pairs effortlessly with a white tee, chucks and aviators.

Kerrie’s wearing: Leather jacket, thrifted. Jeans, thrifted. Aviators, Ray-Ban. T-shirt, Wilfred Free. Shoes, Converse. Necklace.House of Harlow.

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Amy Nelson, 19

Calgary | Amy Flying a Kite

The one garment I feel naked without is hats. Whether they’re vintage, wide brimmed, feminine or fit for adventuring, I can always count on them to make me feel put together and happy to be me. I have so many hats, but I always come back to the classic styles.

I pick my hats based on mood and aesthetic. Wide brim adventuring hats look best with outdoorsy styles. If you plan on hiking, these types of hats are best! If you want to look like a storybook character, wear a hat adorned with bows or made of straw. It’s all about experimentation!

A well made hat can carry you through years of changing outfits and moods. An added bonus is how they protect you from harsh sunlight.

Amy’s wearing: Hat, Value Village. Dress, Chicwish. Heels, Oasap.

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Jameela Ghann, 25

Calgary | Jam & Tea

The one item I cannot live without in my closet is a blazer! Blazers instantly polish a look and can help transition seamlessly from dropping your kids off at school to a mid-morning downtown meeting.

I love this navy blue blazer because it compliments my skin so well and goes with just about everything I own. I can mix and match it with patterns and other fall neutrals like black and cream. Not only that, but I find that blazers are casual enough that I can wear them with just about anything: skirts, skinny jeans, dress pants and fun tops. I keep this blazer handy all through fall and winter and the funky lining inside reminds me that spring is only 8 months away!

Jameela’s wearing: Blazer, Joyce’s Closet. Top, Studio Intent. Pants, Bianca Nygard. Shoes, Joyce’s Closet. Jewelry, Alora Boutique.

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Lee Vosburgh, 28

Guelph | Style Bee

I’ve always loved the transformative effects of a great coat. A classic like this black trench is all it takes to make ripped jeans and a tee presentable. In this case I rolled up the sleeves for a less formal vibe. I’ll be switching it up with an oversize sweater and skinny jeans for a more office appropriate look as the temperatures drop.

Lee’s wearing: Trench, H&M. Tee, Krochet Kids Intl. Jeans, J.Crew. Heels, Madewell. Watch, Cluse. Necklace, Fierce Deer.

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Becky Kung, 30

Calgary | Velvet & Vino

I never leave my house without my favorite pair of sunglasses. The perfect accessory to glam up any look, sunglasses are a closet staple for me. I love all styles and especially look for versatility in a pair, styles, colors and shapes that can match with almost any look. And in my opinion, it’s all about go big or go home when it comes to sunnies!

Becky’s wearing: Sunglasses, Karen Walker. Sweater, Liz and Honey. Shorts, Joe’s Jeans from Nordstrom. Sneakers, ECCO. Handbag, Rebecca Minkoff.

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Kayla Short, 26

Halifax | Short Presents

Without question, my sunglasses. To be honest I feel quite naked without them. There’s something about sunglasses that kind of gives a look of completion while also giving a lot of personality. I kind of go through phases with them too where I’ll quite literally wear a pair into the ground, and then I’m just done. Much like the ones I’m wearing here I’ve pretty much been killing them since I purchased them last spring, and anytime I’m wearing black you can go ahead and guess I’m wearing these.

Kayla’s wearing: Pants, Aritzia. Blouse, Envy Clothing Co. Watch, Bulova. Bracelet, Olive + Piper. Shoes, Vans.

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