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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
This unique sweater will get you all the compliments.
Obsessed with the color, the scrunch straps, and the styling.
I already own this and can confirm it's so chic and cozy.
Never worry about keeping your T-shirt tucked in again.
Next up, 13 stunning Nordstrom shoes that are leaving us shook.
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.
-
Your Fall Wardrobe Is About to Get an Upgrade—Shop Our Latest Collection
Our fall drop is here.
By Michaela Bushkin
-
This Is Not a Drill—Everything From Who What Wear Collection Is 50% Off RN
You know what to do!
By Kat Collings
-
Our Who What Wear Collection Summer Drop Is Live—See How We Styled It
Hint: chic Cartier jewelry is involved.
By Michaela Bushkin
-
I Live in NYC, and My Colleague Is in L.A., But We Both Love This $128 Top
It's perfect for the summer.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
-
I'm an Editorial Director, and I'll Be Wearing These 5 Pieces All Summer Long
You heard it here first.
By Lauren Eggertsen
-
I Just Added These 5 Pieces to My Closet—See the Pics of How Amazing They Are
I've already received so many compliments.
By Sierra Mayhew
-
These Cool-Girl Basics Are on Super Sale, and I'm Going HAM
I'll need one of everything, thanks.
By Courtney Falsey
-
The Cost Per Wear on These Classic Yet Cool Items Just Makes Sense
Fashion math ftw.
By Indya Brown