36 Shockingly Chic Basics From Madewell, Gap, and J.Crew That Look So Expensive

When I hear the phrase "spring cleaning," I'm reminded of how badly I need to apply that to my closet, as I'm out of hangers (that's how I know). So I did. And I noticed the same thing I notice every time I clean my closet—it's seriously lacking in good basics. I'm someone that's much quicker to buy a pair of It shoes or a cute top than to stock up on basics, so I've been on a recent mission to make up for lost shopping time this season.
I took to three of my favorite old-school retailers for basics in search of the most versatile, expensive-looking ones. I think you'll be pleased to discover that thanks to Madewell, Gap, and J.Crew, you don't need to spend more than $100 to get a great basic. Keep scrolling to see this for yourself and potentially add some of my favorite basics to your own closet.
Madewell
This tank is my latest Madewell purchase, and I highly recommend it. The fit is perfect.
I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for comfortable denim shorts.
You can thank me later because you're going to wear these a ton.
I have a feeling Madewell is going to sell a lot of these.
Gap
Who needs designer denim when Gap makes jeans this good?
I've been looking for a pair of pants exactly like these, so this is exciting.
J.Crew
These chic pants are raking in the good reviews.
Just the thing you need to achieve that '90s minimalism look this summer.
You'll want to wear these comfortable sandals all summer long.
This is exactly what I want to wear with denim shorts.
Speaking of denim shorts, this pair is a great length and wash.
I tried to keep everything in this story below $100, but I couldn't resist this jacket.
Next up, eight secretly and shockingly affordable finds our editors wear nearly every day.

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 arts. 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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