5 Celebrity Stylists Share Their Exact Fashion Basics
Celebrity stylists are always seeing the best of the best when it comes to the latest fashion—whether they’re sitting front row at fashion month or working with A-list clients to get them ready for the red carpet. So when it comes to their own closets, which pieces do they buy for themselves and what, exactly, are the fashion basics they swear by?
Ahead, I’m breaking down the style essentials of some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrity stylists. From the best denim styles and the shoes that belong in every woman’s closet to the investment pieces they swear by and the affordable finds you’ll spot in their wardrobes, see the exact fashion basics they recommend to their clients and wear themselves. Even if you don’t have access to a stylist on the regular like some of today’s biggest A-list stars, you can still find out some of their expert advice. Go on to see their fashion picks and shop each of them for yourself.
Straight-Leg Jeans
"My new basic but not-so-basic jeans are Frame’s heritage denim Le Sylvie in the Halston wash. High-waisted is key for a leg-lengthening silhouette, and when you're 5'1", super-high is where I head. With an 11-inch rise, they make my legs look long, and the wash and fit exudes '70s style whilst still retaining a basic everyday-jean vibe."
Camel Coat
"The camel coat is an essential basic in my closet. My favorite is the robe coat by AYR. It transcends seasons and can dress up the most basic of outfits. I love to layer mine over other neutral shades—cream sweaters and off-white knife-pleat silk skirts and a slouchy camel boot."
Black Kitten Heels
"Worth the splurge. I live in my black kitten-heeled Manolo Blahnik pumps. They go with literally everything from jeans to dresses and from day to night. I like to pair mine with other basics: the above Frame jeans, a black turtleneck, trench coat, and a slick of red lippy!"
Bodysuit
"I own in both black and white. An essential for layering under dresses, jumpsuits, blazers, and fabulous all on its own."
Ankle Boots
"I own in both black and brown. I love to pair with dresses and cropped denim. Year-round staple. Super-comfortable block heel. Can be worn day or night!"
Oversize Denim Jacket
"A classic staple to wear with over just about everything in your closet—love paired with jeans to serve up the trendy denim on denim look."
Gold Hoops
"I literally live in mine! They are so versatile and fun for a casual day look or a night on the town."
A Bright-Colored Beanie
Camisole
"I always wear a camisole, whatever I’m wearing. In fact, I don’t feel dressed unless I’m wearing one! I have stacks and stacks and they all serve for beneath different items in my wardrobe."
Blazer
"A blazer has forever been my go-to jacket. A few years after leaving school it quickly became my uniform again and remains so. I have shrunken ones, longline ones, double-breasted ones—all varieties—and they are such a handy overgarment for dresses as well as jeans. Mango does fantastic blazers every season."
Cropped Jeans
"I have dozens of jeans and the majority are by Mother Denim. Super-comfy denim, great cut, and fab cropped styles. I don’t think you can ever have too many pairs of jeans."
Cardigan
"I love layering, and a cardigan is the easiest way to do this. Iris & Ink at The Outnet has the best cashmere basics of really good quality, and I’m super fussy on feel and also cut when it comes to cashmere."
Classic Denim
"There is nothing sexier than a classic jean that fits your peach perfectly. It’s a timeless staple."
Crew-Neck Sweater
"Throwing a little crew-neck over a tee, tying it around your waist, or throwing it in your bag is always a smart move. Anyone that knows us knows that leopard is a staple. Combining that with a basic crew-neck makes for the perfect sweater."
Mary Janes
White Tee
"We are obsessed with wearing a classic white men’s tee tucked into a sexy, classic pair of jeans. Our go-to tee is by Arcady. So cozy and chic."
Next: 13 Chanel outfits that feel very 2019.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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