Is there any better feeling than finally finding that perfect white T-shirt that makes getting dressed so much easier every week? How about finding the perfect T-shirt, jeans, turtleneck, trousers, blazer, and more, all with minimal effort and all at the same time? Yeah, I know it sounds too good to be true, but after seeing how much our readers took away from our sharing the basic outfits we wear on repeat, I figured why not take it one step further by breaking down the actual pieces we couldn’t live without.
So with that in mind, I recently reached out to the squad (aka my fellow editors here at Who What Wear) and forced them to spill the deets on just that. As always, they delivered beyond my expectations and even forced me to add a few items to my cart in the process. To see, read about, and shop all 17 of the basics our team wears over and over again, just keep scrolling.
Kat Collings, Editor in Chief
"What can't you wear with a white turtleneck? I love how they look layered with a sweater, button-down, or dress."
"Levi's ribcage jeans are my absolute favorite, and I consider them a basic at this point. They have the body-hugging fit of a vintage pair of levis at the top and then the legs flare out, which feels more current than a super-slim flitted leg."
Nicole Eshaghpour, Senior Market Editor
Our whole team has been wearing (and talking about) these jeans for like a year and a half, and I'm still not over them.
I have this blazer in black and I love it because it doubles as a top, making it particularly useful. I'm sharing the ivory version today because it seems like just what my spring wardrobe needs.
Lauren Eggertsen, Senior Fashion Editor
"I have been wearing these gray trousers on repeat all season long. They look good no matter what you pair them with and I can't wait to wear them with tiny tank tops come spring and summer."
"After wearing boots and pretty much boots alone this entire winter, I was desperate for a transitional shoe that was basic but still a little exciting. These square-toe lace-up heels were just the thing I needed and the amount I wear them is honestly troubling. I might need to buy a second pair soon."
Allyson Payer, Senior Editor
"I'm really into the New Balance sneaker trend and have been wearing this pair constantly. They're so versatile and don't feel too casual."
"I wear this sweatshirt a couple times a week. It's lightweight and soft but still warm. I also love that it's cropped, so I never feel sloppy when I wear it."
"Of course, Totême would make the perfect black pants. Everything about these is perfect, but especially the fit. Worth every penny."
Bobby Schuessler, Senior Market Editor
"One of my go-to looks of the moment is forward (in my eyes) and features one of the cheapest basics I live in: white crew socks. Yep, the black-loafers–and–white-socks pairing is where it's at."
"For my more dressed-up looks, I always go for slim black trousers for a sophisticated and timeless look."
Kristen Nichols, Managing Editor
"I bought this leather trench last year and it has easily become my most-worn piece of outerwear. It feels a bit more grown-up and tailored that the leather biker jacket I used to rely on and looks good layered over practically anything. My Nanushka version sold out, but Apparis has a similar vegan one."
"I pretty much live in these trouser-style jeans from Citizens of Humanity. The wide-leg cut and high rise make them super flattering, but they're also the most comfortable jeans I own."
Judith Jones, Market Editor
"I'm a sucker for a great beige blazer. (I own way too many in every type of silhouette). I've been wearing this chic one from H&M on repeat with jeans and tailored separates. It looks way more expensive than its price tag, and I love the longer, slightly oversize fit."
"I always rely on a basic white tee for layering under blazers or pairing with jeans and midi skirts. This super-affordable one from Hanes is my go-to. It has an easy and effortless fit and the fabric is good quality (and not see-through!). Not bad for $7."
Anna LaPlaca, Associate Editor
"After wearing all my sweaters to death over the past few months, this knit polo feels like a breath of fresh air and the perfect transition into spring while it still feels like winter. I'm so charmed by the details on this top, like the baby ruffle sleeves, pointelle open-knit texture, and the gold closure."
"I've been giving my basic blue jeans a break lately and have been wearing this cream-hued pair nonstop instead. I love how the seaming details give them a utility-inspired look."
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