I'm an NYC-Based CEO—My Best Looks Feature These 7 Elevated Basics
Basics act as the foundational elements of any solid wardrobe. After all, these versatile staples are more or less crucial to help balance out those trendier buys. While everyone defines basics differently based on style, we wanted to gain further insight into the elevated basics an insider swears by in case you're looking for a bit of inspiration.
And that's where NYC-based Nicole Wegman, founder and CEO of Ring Concierge, comes in. As a seasoned private jeweler, Wegman launched Ring Concierge in 2013 to shake up the industry with her vision to design inspirational forever pieces. Given that she runs her own business in NYC, Wegman relies on easy and effortlessly-chic items that she can mix and match to create her signature looks. There are actually seven elevated basics she routinely wears for her life on the go. They are considered no-fail in her eyes.
Keep scrolling to check out basics that work for Wegman, and that could pique your interest as well. There are also inspired shopping picks, complete with a few standout pieces from Ring Concierge.
1. Light-Wash Jeans
"I've always been a big fan of Agolde denim. The most recent pair I added to my wardrobe was the light-wash, high-rise cropped Riley. I'll get a ton of wear out of these all summer."—Wegman
2. Bodysuit
"If it's not obvious yet, I gravitate towards elevated basics and neutrals. Skims has tons of neutral shades and I own five different colorways, all nudes in different tones. This bodysuit is truly so soft and seamless, I love the fit. They look great on and make the perfect base layer to wear underneath a blazer or on its own with a killer necklace stack as your accessory."
3. Black Blazer
"I'm really big on elevated basics, and a nice black blazer is just one of those must-haves. It will never go out of style and you can wear it throughout all seasons. There are endless ways to style a blazer too, I'll throw it on over my favorite T-shirt and denim or dress it up with a skirt or trousers. I've recently been loving a belted blazer, it's just so chic and sophisticated. Frames a necklace layer nicely."
4. Chic Belt
"Even though Bottega is super hot right now, the design is simple. I've been loving the belted blazer trend, and the geometric buckle on the belt gives the simple look a fun twist."
5. Oversize Sunglasses
"It's so difficult finding a pair of sunglasses that frame your face nicely. I particularly prefer a larger lens, which isn't so easy to find especially when all these tiny sunglasses are trending right now. Once I found these, I grabbed them in a few different colorways and I receive compliments on them daily!"
6. Black Mini Bag
"I'm a minimalist, so the small handbag trend was made for me—I just need my wallet, lip gloss, keys, phone, and I'm out the door. The long strap on this handbag is great for when I'm on the go and prefer a crossbody, or I'll just remove it and hold it by the handle when going out to dinner. Convertible styles are always a plus! I even have this in two colors, beige for summer and black for everything else."
7. Coated Denim
"Truly my favorite recent purchase and addition to my wardrobe. These are a coated denim, but have the look of a leather pant, so they are so great for dressing up a look."
Now, shop some of Wegman's favorite pieces from Ring Concierge:
"The base of every great necklace look. It's gold heavy so it feels substantial in a look, but the delicate design doesn't overpower other necklaces."
"This ring is such a big look for under $500. It looks great on every finger, but I'm particularly loving it as a pinky ring."
"Even on my most dressed-down days, classic diamond studs pull my look together."
"Stackables are a huge part of my daily look, love this Gold Claw Stackable with other RC Rings or on its own."
Next, check out more wardrobe essentials.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
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