I'm Very Picky About My Basics, and I Swear By These 8 Anti-Trend Items

If you read Who What Wear on the reg, you know just how obsessed we are with our wardrobe basics. Whether we're sourcing the best closet staples from our go-to retailers or sharing the items our French friends rely on, you can be sure we've covered the topic from nearly every angle. In my mind, the true indicator of a great closet staple is when you find yourself reaching for it over and over (and over) again.

Today, I'm highlighting the best quality basics in my own closet. After owning them for months or years in some cases, I would recommend them to anyone and everyone. While I certainly have my own investment items, the below list focuses on buys that are wallet friendly. In other words, these pieces are worth every penny if you ask me. Continue on to see why I think these are the best basics out there, from high-rise jeans to the elevated tanks worth stocking up on, and get inspired by how I style them.

1. Dissh Sienna Top

Wearing: Dissh Sienna Knit Top ($70); Alex Mill Carla High-Rise Straight Jeans ($225); Bottega Veneta Small Andiamo Bag ($4200); Brilliant Earth Tennis 18k White Gold Petite Diamond Tennis Necklace ($3995)

When you like something so much that you have to have it in multiple colors, that's when you know you've found a good thing. The ribbed boatneck top from Dissh is so easy to wear it almost feels illegal—how can something so brainless to throw on look so pulled-together? Anyway, it comes in a nice range of neutral shades, so it's basically asking to be bought in bulk.

2. Éterne Francis Cashmere Sweater

Éterne's sweaters are of a different breed. I've had this crewneck style in my closet for years now and can't remember the last time I traveled without it, which is a testament to how well it holds up.

3. Alex Mill Carla Jeans

Wearing: Abercrombie & Fitch Long-Length Tailored Vest Top ($45); Alex Mill Carla High-Rise Straight Jeans ($225); Zara Mini-Heel Leather Flats ($60)

Alex Mill recently branched out into denim, and while I expected the minds behind some of the most cult-loved staples to produce a good pair of jeans, I was simply not prepared for just how good they'd be. I'll just cut to the chase: The Carla jeans are 10/10. Elements such as a high-rise button fly, slim-straight leg shape, and full-length hem check all my denim boxes.

4. Déhanche Belt

When I added one of Déhanche's beautiful leather belts to my arsenal, I knew it was game over for the other brands I had on rotation. It's hard to describe how nice the leather feels, but you can judge the belts based on how quickly they elevate an outfit.

5. Lafayette 148 Gramercy Trousers

Everyone needs a really great pair of trousers in their closet, and I've auditioned dozens of different styles in search of a go-to pair before landing most recently on the Gramercy pants from Lafayette 148. Their slim-fitting cigarette shape is about as timeless as it gets, but the real reason I rank them so highly is the stretchy-but-structured fabric that feels like a dream to wear.

6. Les Tien Sweats

We all have that one clothing item that single-handedly carried us through the most intense period of pandemic life, and well, this is mine. Did I wear these sweats more than I care to admit? Maybe, but it's also the reason why I justified their luxury price tag, and looking back, I don't regret a thing. The sweats are lightweight, breathable, and beyond soft—it's no wonder the brand has racked up an impressive celebrity fan base.

7. The Frankie Shop Isle Skirt

The Frankie Shop is a well-known source for forward tailoring. While the blazers and trousers tend to get the most attention, it's the tailored skirts that I've found the most success with. I added the brand's Isle miniskirt to my closet last year and have found myself reaching for it over and over. It mimics the fit and feel of a pair of trousers with a substantial linen-blend fabric, and elements like a tab closure and belt loops make the simple skirt feel upgraded.

8. Almina Concept V-Neck Cardigan

Wearing: Almina Concept V Neck Cardigan ($289)

If you know me IRL, you've witnessed firsthand just how much wear I get out of me V Neck Cardigan from Korean label Almina Concept. Whether I'm styling it with an airy skirt, classic jeans, or a dress, it's become one of my favorite staples, and I couldn't imagine my closet without it now. The weighty knit features a beautiful hourglass shape and bell sleeves that lend such a cool shape to it, and I can't recommend this piece, or any of the other knits from the brand, enough.