Tag: basics

The foundation of any wardrobe is great basics. Sure, it may be the statement heels or the sparkly party dress that gets all of the attention, but a collection of stylish foundational pieces is what will allow you to get dressed every day and feel like the best version of yourself. Whether you wear them together to create stylishly simple outfits or you wear them in a way that lets your statement pieces shine, they’re the workhorses in your wardrobe, and when they’re missing, there’s a feeling that outfits are lacking that little something special.

Now that it’s chilly, it’s worth evaluating what are the everyday pieces you reach for time and again, and take stock of what’s lacking, too. The five basics outlined below are on-trend without being overly trendy and offer a way to upgrade your look for work or weekend errands. Relaxed jeans, a polo sweater, and a striped long-sleeve tee serve as an easy starting place. They can be mixed and matched a million ways and always look good. Think of them as your heroes. The addition of a classic trench coat and a cozy down vest offers the chance to think strategically about layering. Theoretically, you could even wear all five pieces at once.

Shop the best of the best across each category, and lock down your five-piece winter capsule so that you can effortlessly leave the house without worrying that everything goes together.

The reality is when I’m in a rush, it’s not my boldest wardrobe pieces I reach for; it’s the basics. There’s comfort in knowing that I can throw on a pair of jeans and a tee or a skirt and a cardigan, and I’ll be able to navigate whatever is on the agenda for the day ahead. But there’s one rule I follow when I’m buying staples: They have to look luxe. When you’re wearing something simple, the difference in quality and style is much more obvious because even the smallest details have to be well-done. 

Luckily, I find that luxe doesn’t always equate to expensive. In fact, some of my most elevated pieces I’ve managed to find for under $100. Knowing that I have a corral of brands that have honed in on their lanes makes it easy for me to cherry-pick great finds from the likes of Madewell, J.Crew, and Everlane. If I want to, I can add a designer handbag or a dressy pair of shoes, but the power of luxe-looking basics is that even with simple accessories they shine. 

If I can add one additional tip to making everyday items look elevated, it’s to pay attention to fit. Tailoring jeans to perfectly hug your body goes a long way in making an outfit seem more expensive than it is. But, even without a trip to the tailor, finding silhouettes that accentuate your favorite assets and hit in all the right places is a game changer.