28 Basics Every Who What Wear Editor Is Gatekeeping From You

"I could probably write the book on turtlenecks—that's how many of them I had to try before finally landing on my holy grail, Commando's Butter Turtleneck Bodysuit. It's all in the name: The fabric feels buttery soft. It's thin enough for layering but sculpting at the same time."

"If you know me at all, you've already heard me rant about my adoration for this cardigan. Its hourglass-like shape is undeniably chic and makes it the kind of piece that quite literally styles itself. Jeans, maxi skirts, silk trousers—I've yet to find a combination that doesn't look good with this piece. I've already convinced at least 10 people in my life to order it, and now that it's stocked at Nordstrom, I fully expect that number to double."

"In case you were wondering, these are the sunglasses I wear every single day without fail. The shape is a little retro and feels different than all the '90s oval silhouettes I've tried. Not to mention, they always earn me a compliment or two wherever I go."

"I own north of 40 pairs of jeans (I know), but I always come back to this pair. Easy and classic is how I'd describe their relaxed-straight fit and vintage-inspired mid-rise button fly. I own them in three washes—a dark rinse, classic blue, and ivory—but am already eyeing more to add to my closet."

"I'm picky about my cashmere, but J.Crew's Shrunken Cashmere Sweaters check off every box, especially for how affordable they are. I have two colors—charcoal and navy—and grab them every single time I don't know what to wear. My trick? Buy one size up and then wash it on a gentle setting. Hang it or lay it flat to dry overnight, and in the morning, it'll be the perfect super-soft texture."

"I can't say enough great things about these jeans. I wear them at least once a week with everything from formal tops to easy T-shirts. They feature a super-high rise and are perfectly narrow through the legs for a stovepipe shape."

"Boatneck T-shirts, to me, are the chicest and most luxurious option in the basic-top realm. They always remind me of '90s supermodel outfits and just seem to flatter everyone who wears them. I've paired this super-soft Donni option with column skirts, jeans, and trousers and can always count on it to do the job right."

"When I find a great pair of black heels, I wear them daily. They become an extension of me. This pair from Flattered is filling that role right now and has been for about six or so months. They look good with everything, are comfortable, and currently are on sale too."

"Tank tops are both my favorite thing and the bane of my existence. When they're good, they're great. When they're bad, they loosen in a matter of minutes, are too see-through, or are way too cropped. This one by Agolde is none of those things, which is why I swear by it. Its winningest quality is how it holds its shape through multiple wears in a way I've truly never experienced with another tank."

"I'm really not a lounge-pant person because they're always too bulky or short (I'm 5'8") on me, so they just look awkward. When these waffle-knit pants arrived, though, I was shocked to find that they were neither bulky nor short. In fact, they were just right. No pair of pants in my wardrobe is comfier. Plus, they look really great on."

"I'm a firm believer that if you shop right, you only need one or two designer bags in your closet, and you won't have to go looking for a new one every year. I've had the Gucci Jackie Bag ever since the brand reinvented it, and for almost five years, it has not gone out of style once. It is a classic silhouette reimagined from a historic piece, so you can't go wrong with it."

"The latest addition to my T-shirt collection simply had to be this boxy number from Aritzia. It's the perfect loose fit, and it's slightly cropped, hitting just above the hips. It looks great styled with a sweater on top, and I'm thinking of buying it in black next."

"I'll talk about these jeans to anyone who will listen. They're simply my favorite. Who can complain about jeans at this price point? I do a daily sweep of my denim cabinet and often graze over dozens of designer pairs just to wear this one again and again. I am always sad on the laundry days when I can't wear them, and I highly recommend the Dark Marble wash."

"The one basic I wear on repeat? J.Crew's Cashmere Relaxed Crewneck. The Hthr Charcoal sweater is my go-to, but I'm slowly collecting all the colors! It's warm, soft, and beautiful and isn't too heavy—one of those knits you'll wear for years to come. The relaxed fit means you can easily style it over another layer. It looks great with jeans, but I also love to wear it with a sheer or embellished skirt for an evening out. If you're in between sizes, I recommend sizing down."

"Jenny Bird's Doune Chunky Hoops add a fashion-forward, elevated touch to all my outfits. I wear them practically every day. They make me look instantly more put-together."

"Truthfully, I am not in the tax bracket to invest in a pair of pricey trousers, but you could easily mistake this pair from Aritzia for trousers from an expensive quiet luxury brand. They have a classic high-rise, wide-leg fit that toes the perfect line between sophisticated and laid-back."

"For curious minds, yes, this top is worth the hype. The It-girl staple (Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid have been spotted wearing it) has become my not-so-basic going-out top. I own it in four colors: Black, Vamp Red, Medium Grey, and Vanilla. The subtle sheer appearance looks so pretty when paired with a lace bra and denim, and the modal-cashmere blend is incredibly soft."

"Since I bought this tee in November, it has become my go-to for layering under sweaters. I love how it's thin, so it doesn't make my tops look bulky but keeps me warm at the same time. Come spring, you can catch me wearing it on its own with jeans and skirts."

"I may not be the only one obsessed with these jeans, as they're always sold out, but trust me when I say you need to get them. They look like Levi's 501 jeans because of the high rise and vintage-like blue wash, but they feel and fit a lot nicer—justifying the mid-$200 price."

"Lié Studio has beautiful pieces that can transition from everyday outfits to evening looks, including these beautiful earrings that I pair with practically everything."

"I've tried T-shirts at every price point and always return to Uniqlo's U-Neck style, which is designed by Christophe Lemaire."

"It's just as likely that you'll find a pair of G.H.Bass loafers in a fashion editor's closet as you'll find a pair in your grandfather's. The footwear brand has been around for nearly 150 years, and while many of the pairs now come in on-trend colors and have modern details, such as my favorite lug-sole pair, the top-notch quality and timeless style remain. The loafers do take some time to break in, though, so I recommend wearing ankle socks with them until you do. I promise you'll be walking miles in these shoes in no time."

"I'm extremely picky when it comes to white T-shirts, but I wear them at least three days a week, so it's more than warranted IMO. I look for something ever-so-slightly cropped (I don't like to do a lot of tucking), a sturdy neckline, and a decently thick material. My bra should not be visible in any light. It's surprisingly tough to find, but I have a list of tees that make the cut, and this Uniqlo option is the one I've been reaching for the most lately. It's an essential in any capsule wardrobe, and it just so happens to be extremely affordable, especially in comparison to my other wonderful but more expensive go-to."

"I inevitably buy one new pair of designer eyewear a year, yet my most worn sunglasses are the Le Specs Outta Love. I own them in three colors, but the black pair is my most worn. Trust me—they look good on every face shape."

"The Frankie Shop is probably most known for its oversize blazers, but it's hard to know which one to buy, especially considering some styles are only available in one size. My favorite blazer of all time is the brand's Bea Blazer. It has the perfect baggy fit without actually looking like you purchased the incorrect size. On that note, I do recommend sizing down. Start with the black but definitely don't sleep on this brown option."

"Don't sleep on Banana Republic cashmere sweaters. Yes, they're still on the higher end in terms of price, but the quality is top-notch for the price. The sweaters are so soft they seem like they'd be three times the price. I also love how lightweight yet warm they are."

"I own this sweater in a few colors and can confirm that the glowing reviews are accurate. It's lightweight yet cozy and comes in a million colors (and cashmere). It also looks great layered over a T-shirt."

"I've been wearing these jeans multiple times a week this winter. It's the perfect straight-leg fit—not too skinny and not too baggy. They're also the ideal length for my 5'4" height. I ordered them in another wash right after receiving my first pair."