January 25, 2026

Dana Davis/NYT Wirecutter; source photos by Amy Lombard for The New York Times, Devin Oktar Yalkin for The New York Times

After more than 50 years in fashion, designer Norma Kamali — creator behind the iconic Sleeping Bag Coat — has one rule of thumb when it comes to her own wardrobe: Forgo trends. Just buy what you love.

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Fashion legend Norma Kamali’s not-so-glamorous guide to personal style→

Her approach is to divide the closet in two: the core wardrobe and the styling wardrobe.

The former consists of more everyday basics and uniform-like pieces. “Then there’s the closet that is sort of inspirational that you can pull from and mix into whatever you just bought or however you’ve been dressing,” says Norma.

Below, some tried-and-true staples from our style experts, for whichever of your two closets needs some zhuzh.

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Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Elizabeth Serwin The best women’s white T-shirts We’ve tested nearly 100 to find the quintessential blank canvas of any wardrobe. Our picks are comfortable, durable, and layer-friendly→

Marki Williams Excellent jeans Our favorites include time-tested silhouettes in various styles, denim fabrics, and prices→

Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter 8 trend-proof little black dresses These are the LBDs that we’ll be wearing to work, weddings, and lots of occasions in between for years to come→

Alex Aciman/NYT Wirecutter The last Chelsea boots you’ll perhaps ever buy These versatile, hard-wearing leather boots have lasted one Wirecutter writer 12 years→

Hannah Schwob for NYT Wirecutter 11 standout wool coats Including a preppy-chic peacoat and a sophisticated, single-breasted investment piece→

Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Our style editor swears by these timeless loafers They’re handmade with gleaming, super-soft leather that comfortably encases your feet→

NYT Wirecutter This shape-shifting bag looks nothing like a basic tote Our expert calls it “an elevated and stylish take on the traditional work bag” that’s worth the investment→

NYT Wirecutter These raw selvedge jeans we recommend cost $250. Here’s why. For the look and feel that only high-end denim can deliver, these impeccably crafted straight-leg jeans are the standard-bearer→

NYT Wirecutter A breezy cotton caftan Over a decade ago, one Wirecutter writer got hooked on the “gossamer lightness and beautiful simplicity” of this airy caftan — and has since purchased four more→

Photo illustration by Dana Davis/NYT Wirecutter; source photos by Hannah Rimm/NYT Wirecutter The colorful, fits-any-body jumpsuit beloved by Wirecutter journalists Available in a kaleidoscope of colors, this jumpsuit is the closest thing to “cute on everyone” that we’ve ever encountered→

NYT Wirecutter A plush, faux-fur bucket hat This fuzzy bucket hat won’t smush delicate curls. And it’s surprisingly warm, too→

Anthropologie A striking velvet gown The jewel-tone velvet material and floor-length silhouette of this dress — punctuated by a daring side slit — would shine at any formal winter soirée→

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

If you look hard enough, you can find items in great condition — even after decades. Today’s sweet spot, according to Norma? The 70s and 80s. Our style experts have a couple of tips to help you weed out the duds and thrift some true treasures for cheap.

How 2 style experts thrift a versatile look for $250→

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