28 Tried-and-True Basics I'd Be Lost Without
Everyone talks about wardrobe basics so much that the word "basics" tends to lose its meaning. Trust me—I get it. I'm a very self-aware fashion editor. But there's a reason we all want to know what basics are best: They take up the majority of our wardrobes and get the most wear, so they are indeed important. And the best basics are the ones that come highly recommended via personal experience.
Speaking of personal experience, I'm here to share mine, which I hope will help you shop if you're in the market for new clothes. I'm giving some of my own unsolicited basics recommendations, as I have some new favorites I want to share (in addition to the ones I've been wearing for years). Scroll on for the jeans, tees, blazers, dresses, and more that I get so much wear out of. I'd say "I have nothing to wear" a lot if they were gone.
I wear jeans a lot, but when I decide it's time to change things up, I reach for these expensive-looking vegan-leather pants. The fit is so good.
From the first time I put these jeans on, they've been my favorite pair.
Finding the perfect pants is a constant mission of mine. These are my latest top-notch discovery.
If you need leggings, these are my new go-to. They're as comfortable as they are flattering.
No other turtleneck bodysuits hold a candle to Woldford's gorgeous versions. This camel-colored one is my latest purchase.
I've tried many different sweatshirts, but this is one of my favorites by far. It's very soft and has a great slouchy-but-not-too-slouchy fit.
I've worn this gorgeous leather blazer more times than I can count. It's surprisingly tricky to find a good oversize leather blazer, especially for under $400.
All I can say is that you need to click through and see how chic this bodysuit looks on.
I ordered these in an attempt to not wear denim shorts all the time, and it was a wise decision, as they're the most comfortable shorts I own.
I sleep in one of these ridiculously comfortable tees every night.
& Other Stories makes the best affordable jeans. This is the pair I'm currently wearing on repeat.
Speaking of & Other Stories jeans, this is the other style I'm obsessed with. (Pro tip: I recommend sizing up in these jeans.)
Speaking of The Frankie Shop, I'm a baseball-cap girl, and this logo one is my current favorite.
Once spring and summer hit, I live in these gorgeous Aritzia tanks.
I've finally gotten rid of all of my super-short denim shorts and invested in longer styles that are much more comfortable to wear.
If you see me when the temperature is above 70°, there's a good chance I'll be wearing these.
Everything Alo makes is incredibly soft, and this is no exception. I wear it to and from Pilates on a weekly basis.
If you're looking for the softest, most on-trend T-shirts that are loved by celebs such as Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, allow me to introduce you to Eterne.
I live in the South, so I tend to swap out leggings for bike shorts in the summer. These became fast favorites after I bought them last year.
I'm a firm believer that everyone should own a North Face puffer. They're so lightweight yet warm.
I don't know what it is about this simple sweater, but it's so easy to wear and looks chic with everything.
There are a lot of sweatpants to choose from, but I'm partial to Reformation's.
In my opinion, everything about this black midi dress is perfect.
My sneaker collection wouldn't be complete without the classic New Balance 574s.
Next up, 9 Items I Purged From My Closet and Lived to Regret
Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.
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