I'm Shopbop's Fashion Director—I'm Telling Everyone to Try These Basics in 2022

shopbop-best-basics-297211-1641908250716-main

(Image credit: @carolineinnycity)

There are certain industry insiders that we routinely turn to for top-notch shopping advice and sartorial guidance. Shopbop’s fashion director, Caroline Maguire, is one of said people. After all, it’s her literal job to guide style direction for one of the largest fashion e-commerce brands out there. So naturally, you can see why her tips are of utmost interest to us.

On that note, Maguire just offered up some fresh fashion advice to help guide our wardrobes this year. Given that she turns to elevated basics to balance out her looks, she specifically focused on the fashion-forward basics she’s loving and is telling everyone to test out in 2022.

Intrigued? Wonderful. Keep scrolling to check out the next-level basics Maguire is into. Oh, and since Shopbop stocks a variety of A+ basics, there are inspired product recommendations as well.

1. The Perfect White Tee

"How can I have a favorite basics list without the perfect white tee? A basic white tee is an absolute wardrobe staple, but you need different styles for different purposes. The classic crew-neck boy tee from James Perse has always been one of my go-tos. It never feels bulky and can be worn under everything, from a brightly colored cardigan to an oversize blazer. Then you need your easy, slouchy, off-duty essential, like the Amo one that’s roomier with lengthier sleeves, front-tucked into your favorite pair of Re/Dones."

2. The Perfect Cardi

"While still working from home, I always need to be wrapped in something plush and über-comfy. My requirements: must be oversize and must feel like a blanket. These are definitely approved."

3. Cropped, Wide-Leg Denim

"I'm loving this new take on cropped denim with a wider fit and unique details such as the R13 crossover jeans or the Nili Lotan carpenter-like pair with darted knees and lowered back pockets. They are a perfect transitional style for spring, but for those chillier winter days in the meantime, I would layer with thin leggings or opaque tights underneath. When sunny, warm weather finally shows up, pair them with your favorite blouse or tee and flatforms or chic slides."

4. Hoop Huggies

"Classic yet still modern and on-trend, hoop huggies are the best to dress up any look. Although, I never take mine off and play around with wearing multiple styles at once like stacking for your ears! I love the Lasso Huggie Hoops from Adina Reyter, and Baby Chubbie Huggies from Loren Stewart."

5. Go-To Sweatpants

"Not ashamed to say it—I'm still throwing on my favorite sweatpants. It's important that you have some elevated styles on hand like the Agolde paper-bag pair. They are high-waisted, so you can tuck in your tees and knits and still feel pulled together, or who knows? Maybe even throw on a strappy sandal for lunch."

6. Lug-Sole Boots

"Lug-sole boots are It for this cold-weather season. Not only can they look really cool, but they actually serve a purpose! I'm a big fan of all heights too, like the Gia Borghini knee-high or a more classic-looking ankle hiking boot like the pair from Larroude. I hope the lug sole sticks around for the long haul."

Next, check out more items to buy at Shopbop.

Explore More:
Market Director

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.