While trends come and go, some staple items will and should always find their way into a girl’s closet. No matter what age she is, these fashion must-haves need to be available to her on any occasion that may pop up.

If you’re on a budget or just looking to add to your clothing collection with pieces you’ll have for a long time, any of these items could be relatively inexpensive to find and all are guaranteed to look great for years to come. Easy to pair together or wear separate, this list should be helpful to any girl struggling for that perfect outfit for any occasion.

Great pair of jeans

While this may seem like an obvious addition to the list, many girls have at least 10 pairs of jeans that simply look just okay on them and may not flatter your best assets.

A good, well-made pair of dark-wash jeans can be worn casually or dressed up and yet still be a comfortable outfit choice.  It’s also important to make sure these jeans flatter you and you are comfortable in them. Pick the jeans that most flatter your body type, which may not be what is popular in that particular season. Though jeans can get expensive, it is best to invest for the long term and spend a little extra for a pair of jeans that will last forever and flatter your every curve.

Blazers

A blazer can easily dress up any average outfit and you can never have too many of them.

For example, wearing a blazer with your favorite t-shirt, jeans and Converse sneakers, pulls this casual ensemble together just enough without making you look like you’re trying to hard.

While blazers can easily make a casual outfit look a little more formal, blazers also tie together outfits for an event where you may be unsure of what to wear. A simple blazer fits nicely over sweaters or for a more formal approach, button-down shirts. Make sure you pick out a size that fits you comfortably and in the shoulders, otherwise you’ll look like you’re trying to wear your grandfather’s old sport coats.

While a black blazer may be the best way to go because the dark color matches any type of outfit, gray, navy blue and beige blazers are also always in style. Blazers last forever and can be purchased at either high-end retail shops or cheaper at thrift stores.

Heels

Whether black, nude or red, at least one classic pair of patent leather pumps are a must have for any girl. Even if you only need heels for a few occasions out of the year, surprise events may pop up where you need to look and feel confident.

Black pumps are particularly great to buy because they rarely get dirty and black matches everything. But sometimes a bright color heel can be a powerful boost you need to make it through the day. When purchasing this heel, don’t go for a sky-high stiletto, go for something that is comfortable and would pair well with any type of outfit.

LBD

What girl doesn’t own a perfect little black dress?

Another fashion favorite, black dresses can be dressed up or down, and worn out at night, to a fancy dinner or around campus, depending on the accessories it is paired with. Pick a simple style that flatters your body type and is not too revealing so you can make this piece as versatile as possible. With this article of clothing, allow the accessories and you to be the focus.

Appropriate for any occasion, a little black dress can be paired on it’s own, with flats or heels, or added with chunky or simple jewelry, to create an interesting and unique look.

Jewelry

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but for a girl on a budget you don’t want to break the bank with any sort of jewelry.

While chunky necklaces and huge bangles are sometimes popular, pearls and diamond (whether real or fake) earrings will never go out of style. These two classic pieces work paired with a fancy evening gown, or with a simple t-shirt and jeans look.

Shop at stores like T.J. Maxx or Marshall’s or dig through your grandmother’s or mother’s jewelry box to find lower price but still great quality jewelry pieces. Don’t get pieces that are too bulky, heavy or distracting; for this item, find pieces that are simple and elegant.

Whether you’re dressing up or down, these items can be put together to create a few great outfits or to be worn with items that are already in your closet.

Ashley Berger can be reached at [email protected].