It Took a Pandemic, But Now We Realize How Useful These 6 Basics Are

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(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

As cliché as it may sound by now, we're a year and some change into living through a pandemic, and, well, I'm definitely still processing everything. I wish the tragedy it's wreaked never happened, but it did, and it's only human of me to try to find some sort of silver lining in all of it. As a fashion editor, I naturally do a lot of thinking about the state of my own closet, and what I've come to realize after so many months of living in nothing but sweatpants and loungewear is that I had never really given my wardrobe basics the time of day pre-pandemic. 

So, yes, it took an unprecedented global event to bring it to my attention, but now I finally realize just how valuable the below closet staples really are. Hey, better late than never. At the very least, the pandemic (which, let's be real, is far from over) has inspired me to give these items a new emphasis. So while I navigate the in-between lifestyle of going out more while continuing to work from home, you can bet I'll be keeping a healthy stock of these items in my rotation, this year and beyond.

1. Sweatshorts

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(Image credit: @kelseykotzur)

How did we ever get by without sweatshorts? They've nearly replaced all my joggers as the easy, at-home option.

2. Big Button-Downs

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Wear them with sweats, wear them unbuttoned as a layering piece, or wear them dressed up—the options are quite literally endless.

3. Ribbed Knitwear

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(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

Ribbed anything—the detailed texture just makes any piece seem that much more luxurious. 

4. Thick Tube Socks

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(Image credit: @discodaydream)

Because shoes are so 2019.

5. Plain Racer Tanks

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(Image credit: @bellathomas)

The unofficial basic in fashion-girl closets everywhere.

6. All the Knit Sets

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(Image credit: @jordanrisa)

Versatile, comfortable, chic. Name a more useful wardrobe staple… I'll wait.

Up next: Retro Rewind: The Vintage Trend Everyone Will Wear This Summer

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.