Building a wardrobe that reflects your style is a years-long process involving a lot of trial and error. As rewarding as it is, it can also be frustrating and expensive. Investing in the following basic pieces, which can be mixed and matched for any occasion, will allow you to always be dressed appropriately without the hassle and expense of purchasing new clothes that you will only wear once:

1. White t-shirt
It’s a near universal truth that a white t-shirt looks good on anyone and with anything. A white t-shirt with jeans is a great casual look, and throwing a blazer on top elevates the look to business-casual. A white t-shirt also works well as an undershirt for itchy sweaters and thinner button-ups.

2. Dark wash jeans
good pair of jeans will provide a base for a multitude of outfits for many different occasions. While jean styles come and go, a pair of well-fitting dark wash jeans are timeless, flattering, and can easily be dressed up or down. Don’t be afraid to invest in a high-quality pair of jeans—a good pair of Levi’s or a similar quality brand should last you for several years.

3. Navy blazer
Unless you’re getting married and need to purchase a tuxedo, a simple navy blazer will be able to get you through most events that you will attend throughout your life. A blazer is perfect for dressing up even a casual t-shirt and jeans, and navy is a great neutral color that is dark enough to go with most of your wardrobe but isn’t as intense as black. Even if you are in a situation where you should own a suit, don’t be afraid to wear the individual pants and jacket as separates to get even more use out of the suit overall.

4. Neutral button-up shirts
While a blazer over a t-shirt is great for business-casual occasions, be sure to have a few button up shirts on hand for more formal events. Wear a button-up with a blazer and a tie if you want to be really sharp, or, if you want a more casual look, ditch the tie, the blazer, or both, and leave the top button of the shirt open and the sleeves rolled up.

5. Leather jacket
While many might feel intimidated by the idea of owning a leather jacket, associating them with guys who wear cool sunglasses and ride motorcycles, a quality leather jacket is a good investment. Whether real or vegan leather, a good jacket in a dark brown or black will last a long time, go with most of your wardrobe, and keep you nice and warm, especially during transitional seasons.

6. Henley or polo shirts
So, you’ve been invited to an event that is too nice for a t-shirt but not formal enough for a button down—what do you wear? This is where having a few henley or polo shirts come in handy. Nicer than a t-shirt but still casual and comfortable, try pairing a henley with jeans for a cool, laid-back look, or a polo shirt with some khakis and a nice watch if you want to go preppy.

7. White sneakers
If you invest in nothing else, buy a good pair of shoes. White sneakers are comfortable and, though they will need to be cleaned fairly often, will go with almost any casual outfit. They add a relaxed vibe to jeans and a button down or henley, and sneakers with jeans and a t-shirt is the classic relaxed-but-nice outfit.

8. Chinos
As versatile as jeans are, they don’t go with everything. A pair of fitted chinos in a neutral color is the perfect alternative when jeans aren’t going to cut it. Pair with a t-shirt to keep things casual, a polo for semi-formal, or with a button up and blazer when dressing to impress.

9. Leather boots
While sneakers are a comfortable and appropriate option for warmer months, when you start breaking out the hats and gloves it’s a good idea to also switch out your sneakers for leather boots. Like a leather jacket, good boots in black or dark brown are versatile, durable, and will keep your feet warm and dry throughout the colder months.