8 Basics Even Carrie Bradshaw Deemed Necessary

Even the most adventurous dresser can benefit from a closet adequately stocked with outfit basics. These slightly less flashy (but ever-so-helpful) pieces include staples like T-shirts, tanks, jeans, and the like and come in handy far more than any trend item you've got your eyes on. Take, for example, Carrie Bradshaw (yes, we're still talking about her because Sex and the City is still free to stream on HBO Go and HBO Now). The style icon mixed and matched her basics with bold items ranging from floral tube tops to tulle skirts, always proving that a classic can be made more interesting depending on how you wear it.

Ahead, we've rounded up all the times Bradshaw proved the versatility and necessity of investing in basics and included a shopping pick for each in the event you're in need of a refresh. Enjoy the fashion flashback and don't forget to buy your basics.

Classic White Button-Down

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(Image credit: Craig Blankenhorn/HBO)

Whether under overalls or paired with a feather-embellished skirt, Bradshaw's crisp white button-down is a bonafide staple.

City Sneakers

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(Image credit: Everett Collection)

Though we typically associate Bradshaw with a pretty pair of Jimmy Choos or Manolo Blahniks, her character also knew the power of a cool pair of flats.

LBD

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(Image credit: Craig Blankenhorn/HBO)

Bradshaw proved time and time again the power of having a LBD in your closet at all times.

Striped Tee

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(Image credit: James Devaney/WireImage)

The perfect way to finish off a pinstripe suit? A striped tee and strappy sandals, according to Bradshaw.

Wrap Dress

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(Image credit: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images)

A wrap dress will always be a New York City girl staple.

Slip Dress

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(Image credit: James Devaney/WireImage)

You'll get a lot of mileage out of a silk slip similar to Bradshaw's.

White Tank

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

Who knew a white tank top could look so chic? 

Black Jeans

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(Image credit: Tom Kingston/WireImage)

Bradshaw was wearing the crop-flare jeans trend long before any of us were, it seems.

Up Next: Seven things we know Carrie Bradshaw would wear in 2019.

Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)