Fashion: There's a new wind blowing through fashion, and it has nothing to do with It bags or expensive party dresses. It doesn't even have anything to do with cool catwalk trends, or must-have items.

There's a new wind blowing through fashion, and it has nothing to do with It bags or expensive party dresses. It doesn't even have anything to do with cool catwalk trends, or must-have items. This wind of change, which is blowing through fashion like a hurricane at the moment, is instead about sensible, sustainable garments.

Although it might sound a little like motherly advice - and horribly similar to the kind of basic clothing we were all forced to wear to school - these classic pieces are the key to getting through a recession looking polished. In these lean times, even the most ardent fashion fan will admit that slavishly following trends each season just isn't an option. Instead, smart-thinking women are looking for classic garments that will look as good in five years as they do now. As a result, clothing such as white shirts, pencil skirts and court shoes are now some of the most sought-after items on the high street.

To help stock your wardrobe with classic styles, rather than one-trend wonders, we've put together a list of the top 10 enduring items that everyone should own. Fortunately for those who are a little bit cash-strapped at the moment, classic doesn't mean expensive, so you can happily pick your new long-life wardrobe from more affordable shops on the high street.

The Black Dress

• The cornerstone of any woman's wardrobe. The little black dress is a great garment for all those occasions when you just don't have anything else to wear. Choose one that fits your body shape and existing style and avoid dresses that represent current trends. This simple knee-length jersey dress with sweetheart neckline, from Oasis (£50), is a great example of the timeless LBD. This garment can be dressed up with different accessories and worn with either flat or high shoes. Oasis 0131 556 4854/ 0141 248 8661.

The White Shirt

• While some see the white shirt as a boring essential, others rightly view this great garment as the foundation of polished dressing. A good, well-fitted white shirt is one of those garments that you'll hanker after time and time again. It can help you look sophisticated for a job interview and transform a party skirt into something a little more grown-up - it also looks great with jeans. The style of shirt you choose is entirely up to you, but the house of Yves Saint Laurent showed us all how it could look in its spring/summer 2009 collection. Fitted shirts, such as this one from Reiss (£69), are perfect for a working wardrobe. Reiss 0141 204 1449/ 0131 557 5008.

The Tuxedo Jacket

• One of the most versatile garments you can own, the tuxedo jacket can be dressed up or down to create a simple-but-chic outfit. While these jackets do come in other colours - cream and silver are relatively common - black is always the best option. As with all classic clothing, look for a jacket that is tailored to fit your shape. Sleeve length is vitally important, so don't be afraid to take a high street offering, such as this Reiss jacket (£169), to the tailors if the arms are a bit long. To update the look, season to season, add a broach or an on-trend necklace to your outfit. Or copy Christian Dior's spring/summer 2009 example and wear the jacket with a sheer printed dress and statement hat. Reiss 0141 204 1449/ 0131 557 5008.

The Court Shoes

• Forget all those ridiculously high heels you've seen on the catwalks, no-one could walk in them anyway - including those poised Prada models. Instead, invest in a good pair of high-heel court shoes to smarten up your wardrobe. While brown and black leather are the obvious choices, colours aren't out of the question, either, as these beautiful tomato red L K Bennett heels prove (£129). The trick is to choose a shoe that has a classic shape and then select a colour to suit your existing wardrobe and your personality. It's also worth considering the height of the heel - high stilettos look fantastic, but not everyone can walk in them. L K Bennett 0131 226 3370/ 0141 221 5500.

The Practical Raincoat

• Frankly a must if you live in sunny Scotland. A good, reliable raincoat might sound like one of the more boring items on our list, but it's essential nonetheless. For all those who nod off at the idea of shopping for sensible clothing, think again. Outer wear is one of the most-seen parts of your wardrobe, so it's worth spending a bit of time and money picking just the right raincoat for you. However, the classic double breasted Mac is always a winner, as this coat from Maxmara at House of Fraser (£370) proves. House of Fraser 0870 160 7243.

The Classic Cardigan

• A good cardigan is a must for any wardrobe. The classic layering piece, a nice cardi works as both a highly practical and an aesthetically pleasing garment. Quality, not cut, style or colour, is the important thing to consider when classic-cardigan buying. While cheaper high street numbers might initially look the part, unless they survive washing and ironing, you could be left with little more than a rag after a few months. Instead, choose something that has been beautifully made, such as this Jigsaw cardigan (£49), and take the time to care for it properly. Jigsaw 0141 552 7639/0131 225 4501.

The Pencil Skirt

• From sensible to downright sexy, the black pencil skirt has every look covered. Once purchased and safely tucked away in your wardrobe, this is the kind of garment you'll thank your lucky stars for. Don't know what to wear to work? Wear the pencil skirt with a nice shirt. Confused about a casual dinner-date ensemble? That same pencil skirt will look great worn with a simple vest or T-shirt. Although it might require some clever hold-you-in knickers, a fitted pencil skirt, such as this Lycra number from Reiss (£110), always looks best. Especially if you're planning to wear said garment with a pair of high heels. Reiss 0141 204 1449/0131 557 5008.

The Classic T-shirt

• Simple and effortless, the T-shirt is one of the few classic garments that you can wear to almost every occasion. The classic T-shirt looks just as good worn underneath a dress as it does with a pair of jeans. It won't shock you to know that the best T-shirts aren't made from cheap, bobbly cotton. Instead, look for good-quality fabrics and simple round or v-neck cuts - anything else will date and be thrown to the back of the wardrobe. Buy T-shirts in a range of colours, such as these Jigsaw tops (£23.49 each), although if you're being sensible, black and white will be among the selection. Jigsaw 0141 552 7639/0131 225 4501.

The Flat Shoe

• Overwhelmingly sensible but nonetheless key to achieving a polished look, the flat shoe is a crucial classic buy. Perfect for those days when high heels just won't be a comfortable option, a smart pair of flat shoes will ensure your otherwise beautiful outfit isn't let down by inappropriate footwear. Black patent flat shoes, such as these Carvella shoes at Kurt Geiger in House of Fraser (£79), are a great wardrobe staple that will go with most things. Although do feel free, as with court shoes, to buy them in any other colour you prefer. Available at House of Fraser, 0870 160 7243.

And something for the weekend ...

Denims

• No classic wardrobe is complete without a pair of well-fitting jeans, as actress and denim-lover Katie Holmes has so-often shown us. While denim styles go in and out of fashion like a merry-go-round, a good pair of jeans will be a linchpin of your weekend wardrobe. Buy whatever style suits your figure best - although most people look good in a classic pair of stonewash, boot-cut denims. If you're looking for something a little less ordinary, these classic denims from Mango (£42) would be an ideal wardrobe staple thanks to their timeless cut. Available at Mango, 0141 332 9260.