I Don't Like Buying Items That Risk Going "Out"—These Basics Will Work Forever

I’m all for testing out new trends. I do work in fashion, after all. That said, I typically like to ensure a new piece has a strong cost per wear when I do invest in something. Basically, I prefer styles that have some longevity and won’t risk going "out” after the season. Although, in reality, your style preferences are personal and will never be "out” if you love them.
Currently, I’m especially into trend-forward basics. These pieces are highly versatile but have fashion design details that make them modern staples. Below, I’m showcasing the items in question that I think could work in a wardrobe forever. They can be mixed and matched with a range of other basics or trendy pieces to create well-balanced looks. Keep scrolling for visual and shopping inspiration.
1. Cardigan
A cardigan is a go-to for many for practical purposes (ahem, warmth) but also to bring more style to a look.
2. White Button-Down Shirt
You can't deny the power of a classic white button-down shirt to elevate a wardrobe. It's the more relaxed styles right now that are noteworthy.
3. Straight-Leg Jeans
There are many denim silhouettes that could be considered modern classics, and straight-leg jeans would definetly rank high as a favorite.
4. Ribbed Dress
A ribbed dress in a neutral hue can be styled with so many items to create a chic and fashion-forward vibe.
5. Blazer
A blazer is one of the key pieces that will add instant polish and sophistication to a wardrobe.
Next, check out more chic basics.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 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.
-
35 Incredibly Chic Luxury Finds I Would Immediately Buy If My Salary Tripled Tomorrow
A girl can dream, right?
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
30 Jumping-Off Items for Every New Trend That's Worth Trying
I made it easy.
By Allyson Payer
-
I Just Saved $360 by Purchasing These New H&M Flats Instead of the Designer Pair I Originally Wanted
Talk about a win.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
10 Who What Wear Editors, 64 Spring Buys—Inside Our Seasonal Mood Boards
Everything inspiring our wardrobes this season.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
This Hailey Bieber–Backed Handbag Trend Is Everything to Me Right Now
I need it.
By Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour
-
I Just Created 5 Expensive-Looking Pre-Spring Outfits from Zara, Mango, and Nordstrom—You're Welcome
Outfits for everything from a wedding to brunch.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Found: The Only Nordstrom Spring Sale Picks You Need for Expensive-Looking Outfits
These gems are all under $150.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 30 Items That Will Define Style This Spring
From Prada to Phoebe Philo.
By Eliza Huber