I'd Give Up My Dated Basics for These 9 Affordable New Ones

Basics have a much longer shelf life than trendy items, but I'm sorry to report that you'll probably need to replace some of your basics from time to time too. But maybe that's not such a bad thing, depending on how you look at it. Luckily, our very own Who What Wear Collection makes upgrading your basics a lot easier—and your wallet won't suffer for it.

Who What Wear Collection's new arrivals for fall and winter have been coming in hot lately, and it's inspired me to make a list of dated basics I've been trying to force myself to part with. That way, I can free up some space for some of the chic new basics currently in my very full cart.

Below, find out what basics I'd give up and which I'd gladly replace them with. Think outerwear, trousers, sweaters, and more, all for an under-$230 price point.

Basic I'm Ditching: Pilled Sweaters

Replacement: Henley Sweaters

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606408943-image

(Image credit: @streetstyleteller)

Once a sweater is covered in pills, it's hard to make it look new again, and it might be best to swap it for something a little more current anyway. I'm loving pullover styles like this cozy henley.

Shop the basic:

Basic I'm Ditching: Boring Midi Skirts

Replacement: Vegan Leather Midi Skirt

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606407764-image

(Image credit: @laurenegg)

Over the years, I've accumulated a lot of midi skirts that I'm just not excited to wear, so why not opt for one that goes with everything but is far chicer than a basic black slip skirt?

Shop the basic:

Basic I'm Ditching: Shrunken Denim Jackets

Replacement: Shackets

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606408115-image

(Image credit: @sarahwisted)

The denim jackets I've acquired over the past 10 years barely get any wear anymore, so I'm replacing them with this cool oversize sacket.

Shop the basic:

Basic I'm Ditching: Bell-Sleeve Sweaters

Replacement: Interesting Neckline Sweaters

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606409334-image

(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

When bell-sleeve sweaters were a trend, I really leaned in. But the trend peaked long ago and now, I'm shopping for sweaters with interesting necklines, like this alluring keyhole bodysuit.

Shop the basic:

Basic I'm Ditching: Cropped Flare Pants

Replacement: Vegan Leather Pants

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606407451-image

(Image credit: @michaela_bee)

Remember the days of cropped flare pants or bust? I'm actively donating mine and replacing them with more varied styles such as these relaxed vegan leather trousers.

Shop the basic:

Basic I'm Ditching: Plain V-Neck Tops

Replacement: Ribbed V-Neck Sweaters

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606406363-image

(Image credit: @cinsitymiami)

If I'm going to buy a plain T-shirt, it's going to be a crew-neck or turtleneck. That being said, I love a ribbed V-neck sweater and think they make for great fall and winter going-out tops.

Shop the basic:

Basic I'm Ditching: Bib-Collar Tops

Replacement: Polo Tops

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606406607-image

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Many basics in recent seasons featured a Victorian-inspired bib collar. I'm kind of over that look and am far more motivated to buy polo tops these days.

Shop the basic:

Basic I'm Ditching: Pleather Jackets

Replacement: Shearling Jackets

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606409539-image

(Image credit: @erin_jahns)

I recently came across a few pleather jackets in my closet from when those were considered basics a few years ago. I'm saying bye-bye and replacing them with cozy shearling styles.

Shop the basic:

Basic I'm Ditching: Skinny Pants

Replacement: Pleated Trousers

stylish-affordable-basics-296573-1637606407126-image

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

I can't say that I'll never wear skinny pants again but for now, I'm far more drawn to slouchy trousers. These have everything I desire in the perfect pair.

Shop the basic:

Shop More Updated Basics

Next up, 13 stunning Nordstrom shoes that are leaving us shook.

Explore More:
Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

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.