When it comes to fashion, sometimes all it takes to go from ho-hum to high impact is a few key pieces. We polled some Canadian fashion insiders for their all-time favourite items, why they love them and what they'd pair them with. Here are the eight pieces that made the cut.

Karen Kwinter, Canadian Living & Homemakers style editor
“My all-time favourite piece is a satchel-style black leather handbag. It's slouchy, has gold coloured horse-bit hardware, and it's something that will never go out of style. It lends anything I wear an immediate style upgrade, and with the exception of working with evening wear (it's a bit large to cart around), it works with anything.”

Jessica Ungerman, Canadian Living & Homemakers assistant style editor
“My pick has got to be ballerina flats. Whether in classic black or the latest trendy colour, you can't go wrong with these for everyday. They look great with almost any outfit and their comfort quotient makes them worth their weight in gold.”

Ingrie Williams, freelance stylist
“Mine is a wrap dress or an empire-waist dress. They're comfortable, easy to accessorize, and always make me feel polished. I think most women choose dresses for big occasions, but simple shapes and casual fabrics are perfect for everyday. Plus, they help to accentuate areas like the collarbone, bust and waistline, and detract from problem spots, like the tummy, hips and thighs.”

Shannon Johnson, public relations manager for Winners
“My black patent boots, definitely. I pair them with a sleek pencil skirt for the office, wide leg denim for the weekend, and with a little black dress for evenings out. I also love the fact that they offer the perfect combination of shape and shine to my outfits.”

David Clemmer, owner and CEO of Judy Inc, wardrobe consultant on W Network's Style by Jury
“My vote goes to the body shaper – it's a must for women sizes 2 to 20. It helps smooth your silhouette and is the perfect choice to wear under any outfit. It's also versatile enough to work with any ensemble because it comes in a variety of colours and textures.”

Amy Lu Cameron, stylist, Judy Inc.
“I'm really into vintage 1950s floral-print sheath dresses right now because they're such a great figure flatterer. To keep the look modern, stick to natural-looking makeup and hair – anything that looks too done will make you look dated. As for accessories, go with simple pieces like big bangles and chunky beaded necklaces that contrast the print.”

Kurt Salt, stylist, Judy Inc.
“If I had to narrow my favourites down to one, I'd go with a neck scarf. They're all the rage right now and anyone who's anyone is wearing them. I'm really liking Victorian fabrics and fur detailing for visual interest, and in terms of what to wear them with, they're very versatile and can work with pretty much anything.”

Laura Minquini, stylist, Judy Inc.
“My Miu Miu heels from a few years ago. I love that the shape of the toe comes to a rounded point, and the four-inch heel is a very cool, modern wooden shape. They're great to dress up or down and look amazing with a pair of skinny jeans.”

Read more: How to wear trends without looking like a teen.