The 2021 Starter Pack: Everything You Need for a Complete Wardrobe Refresh

Welcome to the Starter Pack series, a Who What Wear column that dives deep into the seasonal trends everyone's talking about.

We finally made it to 2021 and if you ask me, that warrants a wardrobe refresh. If your style has been altered in one way or another over the course of the past year, you are not alone. Since most of our lifestyles have changed, so have the contents of our closet, and this year, we want to make sure every time you go to get dressed, you are feeling joyous and well-equipped. In year's past, a wardrobe refresh would have consisted of accessories, the latest trends, and so on and so forth, but this time, we wanted to highlight the items we truly believe will ensure you feel good about yourself every day as you tackle this new (well, not anymore) indoor lifestyle. 

Featuring loungewear that should replace your stained sweatpants, dresses that will actually feel comfortable as you work from home, and fresh takes on knitwear, the 5 items ahead are small in number but mighty in ability. Adding any of the below to your wardrobe in 2021 will ensure you are feeling refreshed and prepared for the new lifestyle we're all navigating. 

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

At this point, I know we sound like a broken record when it comes to the loungewear content, but if you're anything like me (a major procrastinator), you have yet to really invest in loungewear simply because it makes you feel good. Up until last year, a cute matching knit set seemed like more of a luxury, but now as we spend most of our days indoors working from home, these comfortable items are no longer a luxury, they are a necessity, and I can guarantee they will make getting dressed each day that much more exciting. 

Shop luxe loungewear:

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

In this day and age, no one is excited to slip into a pair of rigid or tight-fitting pants. Since the majority of our time is now spent in sweatpants or leggings, when we do opt for a more traditional choice of bottoms, really relaxed trousers seems like the best choice. Luckily, this pant trend is one of the most popular styles for spring 2021, meaning a purchase within this category will be one that is both trendy and practical. 

Shop relaxed trousers:

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(Image credit: @matildadjerf)

In case you haven't noticed, this starter pack has a theme and that theme has everything to do with comfort. Thanks to recent trend developments, simple and soft dresses have increased in popularity. These comfortable frocks allow you to live your life comfortably without having to sacrifice style whatsoever. Whether you're lounging around the house or are running errands, these dresses will ensure you always look like you put tons of effort into your look that day, even if you didn't. 

Shop soft dresses:

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(Image credit: @stalker.of.fashion)

By now you've exhausted your favorite sweaters and are ready to invest in some new ones for the year ahead. My suggestion? The new multipurpose knitwear trend that's been bubbling. Brands have been churning out knit sets that can be worn more ways than one ensuring you get your money's worth as you don some of the season's hottest knitwear trends (i.e. boleros, cardigan sets, built-in scarfs). 

Shop multipurpose knits:

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

 Silky and colorful separates have been making appearances in the wardrobes of fashion girls all over recently and for good reason. These eye-catching pieces look so expensive and ensure whatever outfit you're wearing has that joyous touch of something bright and pretty. From button-downs to miniskirts, this trend is one that will make all your go-to basics feel ten times more exciting. 

Shop silky separates:

Editorial Director

Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Wear and has worked at the company for over eight years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Kaia Gerber, Normani, and Kristen Stewart.

She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, Milan, and Paris, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.