This is an often-repeated FFBO that I'm sure you've all seen before but I took a pic of it today because I think it's a good illustration of my confusion about essentials.

So, the black skinnies and the black knee high boots are definitely essentials. I don't think anyone would argue about those. But what about the handknit sweater? I wear it like once a week in the winter. It's a neutral color and I can just throw it on and go. But on the other hand it's a one of a kind, handmade piece and heavily cabled, which might make it more of a statement. So I guess my question is: can an essential also be a statement piece so long as it's versatile? Or does it have to be a "background" sort of piece, like the black jeans here?

The MZ Wallace crossbody is another one of these confusing possibly-essential items. It's definitely got statement qualities and gets noticed all the time but it goes with everything and is my go-to small bag (when I don't need to carry a lunch and/or laptop).