When Anyone Asks Me What New Basics to Buy, I Suggest These 5 Pieces

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

If someone asks me for shopping advice, I typically suggest a variety of elevated basics first. After all, it's these special pieces that often become wardrobe go-tos given their versatility and easy-to-style nature. Currently, there are five key basics I'm telling everyone to consider for the season.

Below, you'll uncover my edit, which includes everything from my favorite shirt silhouette that can be dressed up or down to the denim style that you just may want to live in. There's also visual inspiration and a variety of actual shopping recommendations if you want to add one or all of the basics to your offering.

Double-Breasted Blazer

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

A blazer always tops my list of must-have staples. I'm very into double-breasted blazers right now because I think they bring a polished element to legit any ensemble.

Striped Button-Down Shirt

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

You can't deny the chicness of a button-down shirt teamed with anything, from jeans to skirts. A striped iteration (especially with a contrasting collar) is top-notch.

Relaxed Jeans

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

In the denim realm, relaxed jeans still reign supreme as a go-to pick to wear with sweaters, tees, button-down shirts, and so on.

Cream/Camel Cardigan

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

A gorgeous cardigan is no-fail for fall. A cream or camel silhouette is particularly chic, in my opinion. I also love the idea of buttoning one all the way up as an alt to a regular top.

Longline Trench

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(Image credit: @_ceciliekrog)

Similarly to a blazer, adding a longline trench coat to a look is beyond elegant.

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Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.