Let’s talk about the underrated star of any good wardrobe: basics. Seriously guys, basics are SO underrated! People go crazy over the latest trends and prints, but forget to spend time and money on the main wardrobe staples.
Think of how effortlessly chic the French are…all basics.
Basics have the magical ability to be dressed up or down depending on what you’re doing and how you pair them. They are the easiest way to supplement any look and really allow you to express your personal style.
As far as spending money on basics, there are some things I think you can find at pretty cheap: t-shirts, sweaters and any style of black pants; but I think spending more money on a great pair of jeans that fit your shape, a quality leather jacket and fabulous shoes are well worth the splurge.
1. Basic T-Shirt
This one is a no-brainer. Every wardrobe needs to have some basic t-shirts. I would recommend getting them in three colors: white, black and grey, that way you have all of your bases covered. I’ve been loving J. Crew’s basic t-shirts, and they come in a variety of styles. Other good options can be found here and here.
2. Jeans
We all know that feeling when you put on the perfect pair of jeans- it’s like the skies open up and all the angels start singing because of how glorious you look in those perfectly curve hugging denim. A great pair of jeans can be a total make-it or break-it, and I think spending time and money to find a great pair that fit your shape is so worth it. For my frame I love a good pair of dark-wash skinnies (some favs here and here).
3. Leather Jacket
I was intimidated by leather jackets for a long time. I had this weird perception that I had to be more edgy or daring, but leather jackets are classic and make anyone feel like a badass. I LOVE my leather jacket. As a Queen of basics, I love that it goes with just about everything I own. It’s a great in-between seasons layer, and super fun to mix up your look. It can be paired down with a simple t-shirt and jeans or add and edgy vibe to a floral dress. I found mine at ASOS but another great option can be found here.
4. Striped Shirt
Back to the effortlessly chic style of the Parisians… what is more classically French than your basic striped shirt? It’s simple, understated but tailored enough to pull together any lazy-day outfit. The important thing about a striped shirt is finding a neckline and stripe width that is flattering for your frame. I like the classic smaller stripes with a scoop or boat neck. My picks can be found here, here and here.
5. Black Pants
To me black pants might be more important than a great pair of jeans. A great black pant, whether it’s a more tailored trouser or black jean, will never go out of style. I have over three different pairs and styles that I wear any given day. They’re great for the office with a simple blazer on top, or for going out with friends on the weekend. Recently I’ve been living in these, but have been wanting to branch out to a more tailored trouser pant like these, and even these fun ripped pair for weekends.
9. White Button Up
Easiest outfit ever: white button-up, dark wash jeans, flats and simple jewelry and you’re ready to go. A classic White Button Up goes from office to weekend so quickly with just a swap of accessories and either jeans or a skirt, and is a MUST in every closet. This is something you can get for pretty cheap, but some good options can be found here, here and here.
7. Black Booties
I’m a total boot freak. I LOVE boots, all types of boots: Short, tall, moto boots, riding boots. You name it, I love them. But as far as a basic boot that serves for a great wardrobe foundation, I’d have to say a classic black bootie is a must. They’re great year-round and can be worn with literally anything. ANYTHING. I have a few different styles, but have been eye these Madewell booties for a while (they also come in brown). Other good picks can be found here and here.
6. Chambray
Almost as essential as a white button up, a good chambray is another neutral that can be paired with any bottoms. I love wearing two different colors of denim, so either a light chambray with dark wash jeans or vice versa. Tossing on a Chambray with some classic blank pants is another go-to for my everyday office look (especially this Anthro shirt). Again, dress it up with some different accessories and shoes, and you can completely change your look.
8. Sneakers
A year ago I might have said that a simple pair of flats were a must-have for your wardrobe, but recently I’ve been riding the sneakers train. Seriously can’t get enough of them. I’m really digging these but think a classic pair like this or this are perfect.
10. Sweater
Nothing makes me swoon more than a cozy, chunky knit sweater. Like I mentioned in my previous post here, I LOVE the look of layering and adding on a knit sweater is simple and easy to up any look. Investing in a cozy sweater than can go from weekend, to seasonal outerwear is so worth it! My Top picks for various sweaters are here and here.
- Basic T-Shirt
- Sneakers
- Leather Jacket
- Striped Shirt
- Black Pants
- Black Booties
- Sweater and Jeans
|Photo 1| Photo 2| Photo 3| Photo 4| Photo 5|