7 Closet Basics That Will Never Go Out of Style
We’re all for incorporating those trendy pieces into our wardrobes, but it’s the more timeless items that become our tried-and-true staples to mix and match with the more seasonal buys. As a result, we’re consistently on the hunt for those fresh basics that could become the building blocks in our rotations. And while there’s a range of top-notch basics out there (and really, everyone defines a "basic” as something different), we believe there are a few specific silhouettes that are absolute classics—meaning they’ll never go out of style.
If you’re doing some shopping at the moment or want some outfit inspo for now or to save for later, we’ve got you covered below with our breakdown of the seven elevated basics—complete with visual reference—that are potentially worth owning thanks to their versatile nature. As an added bonus, all of the shopping recommendations coming at you just happen to be on sale as well.
1. Straight-Leg Jeans
In reality, there is a range of denim cuts that withstand the test of time (yes, skinny jeans included), but it’s straight-leg blue jeans that are definitely here to stay for the long haul.
2. Tank Top
There’s no denying that a tank—like a racerback style—is a staple. While you can wear on its own with jeans, that perfect style also acts as a solid foundation for a smattering of layered looks.
3. White Button-Down
The white button-down shirt is actually trending at the moment, but the versatile shirt style has really remained a go-to basic for many for quite some time. It basically pairs flawlessly with anything.
4. Gray Sweatshirt
In the loungewear realm, the gray sweatshirt—either in hoodie or crew-neck form—will most likely remain a constant in your wardrobe that can be dressed up or down with joggers and tube socks for an A+ WFH ensemble.
5. Leggings
You could easily think of leggings as a top basic in an activewear wardrobe, but as the fashion crowd continues to prove, black leggings, in particular, are also a staple for that post-workout life as well.
6. Trench Coat
Whether it’s a fresher reworked style or a more classic silhouette, a trench coat will always hold strong in a wardrobe as a sophisticated outerwear option.
7. Moto Jacket
A leather jacket is one of those pieces that will just never go out given its basically timeless nature. It has the ability to bring that cool edge to any simple look.
Next, check out more simple items that are quite chic.
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.
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