I Love to Shop, But I'd Skip Every New Trend in Honour of These 5 Chic Basics
As a fashion editor, I get such a thrill discovering fresh trends. That said, when it comes to my personal wardrobe, my selection tends to skew to the simple side thanks to a hefty assortment of basics. When I do go for it a bit more, it's usually in the form of statement accessories.
If I'm being totally honest, I'd probably skip every new, trendy item right now in honour of the staple pieces I've pulled out below. These items really are the backbone of a modern wardrobe—they're all extremely versatile and could be styled in so many different ways.
I bet some of these pieces are already go-tos for you. If so, there's a bunch of shopping inspiration below if you want to refresh anything. Keep scrolling to check out my current favourite wardrobe basics.
1. Relaxed White Shirt
Style Notes: A white button-down shirt is classic. The oversized silhouette has become a staple in many wardrobes over the past few seasons.
Shop White Shirts:
2. Black Blazer
Style Notes: A trusty blazer will always be a go-to. I believe it's one of the most versatile pieces you can own because you can dress it up or down.
Shop Blazers:
Who What Wear always loves The Frankie Shop's slouchy silhouettes.
3. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: Yes, blue jeans are always front-runners, but I also love black in a straight-leg fit. Both are versatile, sleek and create a streamlined silhouette.
Shop Straight-Leg Jeans:
4. Tank Top
Style Notes: I rely on a basic tank top to take my simplest looks to the next level. It's the perfect foundation for just about any easy summer look.
Shop Tank Tops:
M&S is brilliant for inclusive sizing on the high street.
5. Camel Knitwear
Style Notes: A tan or camel jumper or cardigan is effortlessly chic—it just feels so elevated. Tie it around your shoulders as a layering piece or wear it with your favourite jeans when the weather gets chillier.
Shop Camel Sweaters:
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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.
-
H&M Just Released a Pair of £38 Mules That Are Designer-Passing and Bound to Sell Out
Just in time for party season.
By Florrie Alexander
-
European Women Rely on This Elegant Coat Trend to Look Polished in Winter—18 of the Best for Every Budget
A modern classic.
By Maisie Bovingdon
-
6 Winter Outfits That Are Guaranteed to Make You Look Rich
From a designer-loving editor.
By Humaa Hussain
-
My Job Is Finding Expensive-Looking High Street Buys—27 H&M, Zara and Mango Winter Pieces You Need to See
These are so good.
By Florrie Alexander
-
I’m Shocked That 1) Lila Moss Wore a H&M Jumper, and 2) That It’s Still In Stock
Grab it before it goes.
By Natalie Munro
-
I've Just Assembled 4 Chic and Classy Outfits With H&M's Perfect £16 Cardigan
Affordable and versatile.
By Natalie Munro
-
Coats, Boots and Knits Are All I’m Interested in Right Now—H&M, COS and Mango Have the Best I’ve Seen
Trust me.
By Natalie Munro
-
H&M Called It: The 5 Timeless, Expensive-Looking Trends That Will Define Winter
Cold-weather dressing just got chicer.
By Florrie Alexander