40 Pieces You Need in Your Wardrobe by 40

Skinny jeans have their time and place, but there's something so sophisticated about flared denim. Frame's pair ($210) has the same elongating effect as Cindy Crawford's throwback style.

Nothing shows them who's boss like a classic, tailored suit a la Robin Wright. Banana Republic's Classic Fit Blazer ($198) and Straight-Fit Pants ($110) work just as well for the office as cocktails.

Voluminous trousers like Jennifer Lopez's and J.Crew's Wide-Leg Cropped Pant ($88) have the confidence of a woman who's not afraid to make bold fashion choices.

When you need an instant pick-me-up, a pop of color like Naomi Watts's look or the Asos Design Sundress ($29) is the oldest trick in the book.

The Equipment Leema Floral Silk Shirt ($278), much like Michelle Pfeiffer's shirt, can dress up a pair of jeans and pull together an outfit in a snap.

You've always loved your LBD, but in your 40s it's all about sophisticated, dramatic cuts like Catherine Zeta-Jones's or Helmut Lang's style ($320).

The grown-up cousin of your former favorite mini, skirts like Brooke Shields's and Ralph Lauren's elongated style ($198) are classics for good reason.

Chances are you've amassed something in Halle Berry's tough-as-nails print over the years — if you're lucky, it's as cool as hers or Vis a Vis's cape ($680)!

Bows aren't just for little girls. Ellen Pompeo's and Kate Spade's style ($160) are an easy way to add femininity to your look without being too precious.

You probably said goodbye to hiking up your low-rise pairs long ago in favor of waist-cinchers like Rachel Weisz's or Carven's High-Waist Wool Trousers ($490).

There's no style that works harder for you than black booties, and a pair like Loeffler Randall's ($237 and up) or Julianne Moore's is in every smart dresser's arsenal.

Clean, long lines like those on Kate Beckinsale's style can make a grown-up look out of any coat — even a pink one like Badgley Mischka's Faux Leather Trim Long Trench Coat ($130).

When comfort is key, and sweatpants won't do, nothing beats a pair of boyfriend jeans like Sofia Vergara's or Current/Elliott's relaxed pair ($143).

Sure, you could check your phone, but that's no substitution for a classic timepiece like Reese Witherspoon's or Shinola's mixed-metal style ($525).

Maybe it's the same one you've worn since high school, maybe you've bought a new one year after year, but a denim jacket like Amy Adams's or Gap's design ($70) is bound to be in your closet.

Cameron Diaz's hard-working staple or Theory's sleek style ($595) is essential for anyone who needs to make quick transitions (or who works in an air conditioned office!).

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but sleek stilettos like Cate Blanchett's and Manolo Blahnik's pair ($625) are any pulled-together outfit's BFF.

Gwyneth Paltrow's essential layering piece never goes out of style. Pieces like the Tory Burch Greer Cardigan ($328) utilize a bold palette to invigorate the classic cut.

When you want to add just a touch of edge, luxurious styles like Salma Hayek's or Madewell's moto jacket ($495) are the perfect solution.

Jennifer Connelly's and Stuart Weitzman's sky-high boots ($383) prove you don't have to show a lot of skin to ooze appeal.

Whether they're ballet or menswear-inspired like Nicole Kidman's and rag & bone's Victor Oxford ($450), a pair of flats is key when you're too busy to deal with heels.

Leave the cheap underwear in the past — a fine design like Taraji P. Henson's or La Perla's lace bra ($385) is so luxurious, you might want to show it off.

Bold earrings like Tracee Ellis Ross's and Lizzie Fortunato's Ernesto Earrings ($245) are a fun way to draw the eyes up and emphasize your glow.

Who needs a low-cut top when you can look as sexy as Uma Thurman does in an elegant high-neck design like the Everlane Cashmere Turtleneck ($120)?

Upgrade this playful style with an elongated cut like Sarah Jessica Parker's or Derek Lam 10 Crosby's pleated design ($495).

The older cousin of your former go-to peacoat, camel coats like Leslie Mann's and Burberry's retro-inspired style ($1,695) are one of the most polished ways to stay warm.

Trendy mirrored lenses and wire frames have their place, but elegant black shades like Sandra Bullock's and Oliver Peoples's pair ($380) are a thing of beauty.

This classic silhouette adds a touch of sportiness without going full-on athleisure — bonus points for throwing in a playful print like Demi Moore did or H&M's floral style ($40).

Rainy days are no match for your style — and a time-tested trench coat like Julia Louis-Dreyfus's or Leith's design ($99) are evidence of that.

A comfortable ensemble like Eva Longoria's is the secret formula for any seasoned traveler. James Perse's Crewneck Tee ($50) and Brushed Cashmere Sweatpants ($450) can be paired for a flight or worn separately on casual days.

Much like Jennifer Garner's style, a spacious yet ladylike design like Mansur Gavriel's bag ($750) is essential for busy women with no desire to schlep multiple totes.

Chances are you don't own one classic t-shirt like Diane Lane's or Madewell's ($20), you own several.

When you've got lipstick, a phone, tissues, a mirror, house keys, car keys, etc. in your clutch, no itty bitty minaudiere will do. Julie Bowen's and Clare V.'s spacious design ($209) pair well with dressed-up and down outfits, without compromising on the essentials.

When paired with a sharp silhouette, a lace style like Penélope Cruz's and Self-Portrait's dress ($495) is more womanly than girlie.

Sometimes, a hands-free design like Drew Barrymore's or Rebecca Minkoff's saddle bag ($245) isn't just stylish, it's a savior.

Subtle designs like Lucy Liu's and Stuart Weitzman's sandals ($398) create a leg-lengthening effect no matter how high or low the heel.

You may or may not be wearing your original plaid shirt from the '90s, but you'll definitely be glad you own one as timeless as Gwen Stefani's or Treasure & Bond's style ($69).

Whether layered underneath a low-cut silhouette, like Julia Roberts did, or tucked into your favorite pair of trousers, a design like J.Crew's button-down ($80) is a true multitasker.

More polished than sportier kicks, Gabrielle Union's pair and Adidas's classic sneakers ($60) are an off-duty staple.