Mama Bean always offered very simple wardrobe advice: buy some classic, well-made pieces that will last you for years. Even if you spend a little more on them initially, the money and hassle you will save by always having them on-hand will more than pay for it. As a teenager, those words were met with an eye roll, but as years wore on, they started to make sense.

Shopping this way isn't just smart from a financial perspective, it's always one way you can help reduce your environmental impact. How can your clothing choices be good for the earth? Well, getting years and years of wear from your wardrobe means not only are you keeping your clothes out of a landfill, you also aren't inadvertently contributing to greenhouse gas emissions by replacing clothing that was manufactured and shipped under harmful conditions.

The question that remains then, is what exactly is worth investing your money in and be versatile enough to span several seasons of changing trends? The following wardrobe staples are pretty much sure bets in terms of their long-term potential and are pieces all women should have in their closets.

Black pants 
Avoid a trendy style like skinny legs and stick with traditional cuts and material that are well made. The pants should not be too high- or low-cut; high-waisted pants are too trendy while low-waisted ones may guarantee you're always flashing your undertgarmets at someone. Pants the fall just below the navel are a safe choice as they aren't unflattering to your bottom, but will hold you in and prevent embarassing wardrobe malfunctions.

Black flats or black heels
A woman who can't walk in heels or find they hurt her feet will rarely learn to love them (this is spoken from personal experience). The good news is that flats and heels are versatile. Avoid trendy designs and patterns. If you love your heels, go with a nice low-heeled black pump. If you like flats and want maximum wear, round-toed shoes tend to look less clunky with skirts but still pair well with pants.

Little black dress
The LBD is notorious, however the word "little" is negotiable. A truly perfect little black dress will ideally hit you just above or below the knee. Too long and it's no longer as versatile, too short and you may pull a Britney and leave too little to the imagination. The resst is up to you: sleeveless, cap-sleeve, slim cut, A-line. Find one that fits you well and that you feel great in. Half the beauty of the LBD is the confidence with which you wear it. And once again, make sure it is simple enough and free from trendy details so that it won't look out of place three years down the road. If you to look current, add trendy accessories such as the bag style of the day or a funky necklace.

Dark pantsuit
It may sound drab and boring, but you would be surpised how far a basic, dark suit will take you. From an interview for your dream job to an unexpected funeral, you'll always be prepared. You can always add a pop of color with a shirt or a belt. If the thought of a solid color bores you, look for something in pinstripe for a look that never goes out of style. If your not a pants person, a skirt suit will also work.

Fitted blazer
Recently Jennifer Aniston proved why the fitted blazer is a key item in your wardrobe. Paired with jeans, she had the perfect outfit for a casual business lunch. Polished and professional, but not too formal. If you want to be taken seriously without over-dressing, this is one of those articles of clothing that instantly adds a chic element to a plain outfit of jeans and a black t-shirt.

Jeans
Like the all-important black pants, a pair of jeans in a classic wash and style and that also make you feel amazing every time you wear them is something everyone (man or woman!) should have in their wardrobe. You can pair them with the blazer mentioned above for casual Friday at the office or with a cute blouse or sweater (or a golf or button-down shirt for guys) for your weekend date. Look for a straight cut, bootcut or flared leg for women, a straight or bootcut for men with a mid-rise, as they never look out-of-place or dated.

Tailored white shirt
Worn plain or under a jacket, sweater or sweater vest, the tailored shirt is one of the ultimate pieces for those in the professional world. Paired with several of the other items on this list and it's hard to imagine you won't be taken seriously. The shirt should fit well and never be too baggy or short in the sleeves. Avoid any ruffle or lace detailing which may not always look appropriate depending on the setting (ie. a business meeting where you want to impress the company CEO).

Black V-neck sweater and/or a black turtleneck
You can pair that white shirt under a black v-neck sweater and wear it with jeans, dress pants or a skirt for an instantly dressy, polished look. You can also pair a black turtlenck with either of the three aforementioned bottoms and instantly look put together.

Above all remember to pick silhouettes, shapes and styles that suit your body. there isn't one style that works for everyone (wouldn't that be too easy?) and one of the most important aspects of building your wardrobe with these pieces is finding ones that make you feel great every time you put them on. After all, even if a jacket is considered "classic," you probably won't wear it very often if it makes you feel frumpy.

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