Now and Always
When we created the Essentials Collection back in 2013, it was because we wanted to identify the timeless pieces we always needed—and to make sure they’d be available year-round. We labored over every stitch and seam to guarantee their sartorial livelihood. As a result, our Essentials embody ease, confidence, and enduring style. Here, we break down why these eight are the ones to own.
When it comes to showing off that favorite necklace, no other Essential will do. The V Neck’s open neckline with ribbed trim frames the collarbone nicely, while the gently tapered silhouette will make you look polished and put together even while you WFH.
2. Essential Cashmere Shrunken Crewneck
Yes, the Shrunken Crewneck is the byproduct of our desire to create a leaner (but no less flattering) version of our Essential Crewneck. But the waist-shaping fit stands on its own—an Essential that makes a great partner to denim and skirts alike.
3. Essential Cashmere Crewneck
We like to think of the Crewneck as the closet workhorse that will take you from lounging around the house to navigating a jam-packed social calendar. Consider it a fail-safe option when you can’t decipher the dress code—with its finely ribbed trims and straight fit, it’s as versatile as it is well crafted.
The demise of office dress codes has given new meaning to the Essential Tee. Our elbow-sleeve version retains the comfort and ease of the cotton archetype, but with a potential for lightweight layering only our signature cashmere can achieve.
5. Essential Cashmere Trapeze Cardigan
There’s a reason the Trapeze Cardigan has been unchanged over the course of its 20+ years as a White + Warren Essential. Delicate and airy, drapey in fit and fingertip-grazing in length, the Trapeze Cardigan is as universally flattering as it gets.
6. Essential Cashmere Mini Trapeze Cardigan
We’ve previously described the Mini Trapeze Cardigan as “small but mighty.” In truth, it’s much more than that. Yes, it’s cut for a shorter length with the same silhouette as the original, but it’ll be the first Essential you'll reach for when you’re wearing a long dress or high-waisted pant.
7. Essential Cashmere Shrunken Trapeze Cardigan
A true test of a timeless piece of clothing is whether you can see yourself wearing it in 10 years’ time. We’ve perfected the idea of the timeless Trapeze Cardigan (see above), which is why we’re pretty confident that our Shrunken Trapeze Cardigan—the same beloved silhouette, but with a cropped hem—will follow suit.

A turtleneck delivers the most coverage out of any knitwear piece, making it cozy-critical during the coldest months of the year. Our Essential Turtleneck version has a substantial, fold-over neckline and raglan shoulder, which create a more relaxed and roomy shape throughout the body—easy on its own, extra-warm when layered over a tee.