It's True: You Can Just Add One of These 5 Simple Basics to Your Outfit to Look Elegant

modern-basics-308510-1690380065700-image

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Basics can often be described as the true backbones of a wardrobe because of their versatility and ability to be mixed and matched with a variety of other items. While there are a slew of classic basics that you might already have in your wardrobe, like white tees and straight-leg jeans, there are a few forward basics that are noteworthy. Essentially, you could just incorporate one of the five basics coming your way into an ensemble to look chic.

You could wear one of the elevated basics ahead with trendier pieces or with other classic basics, like a black midi skirt, to create an of-the-moment silhouette. Also, given that the items below fall in that basics category and have that versatility factor, the selects aren't fleeting and will remain relevant for seasons to come.

Keep scrolling to check out the five modern basics that could be worth adding to your wardrobe right now.

1. Denim Skirt

modern-basics-308510-1690372582142-image

(Image credit: @kingharriett52)

Style Notes: Denim skirts continue to reign supreme as a cool and chic item that can be worn with everything from a simple tee to a blouse to a trendier bandeau top.

Shop Denim Skirts:

2. Striped Shirt

modern-basics-308510-1690372583362-image

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: A button-down shirt is a no-fail basic, especially in a more relaxed cut. Consider incorporating a striped iteration into a look for an elegant and sleek feel.

Shop Striped Shirts:

3. Waistcoat

modern-basics-308510-1690372583921-image

(Image credit: @oliviafaeh)

Style Notes: A waistcoat is inherently polished and works flawlessly on its own teamed with jeans, trousers, or a skirt. You could also try one layered or with a coordinating jacket. Forward yet versatile.

Shop Waistcoats:

4. High-Neck Vest Top

modern-basics-308510-1690372583706-image

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Style Notes: You can't deny the power of a trusty tank, as it's a go-to basic for so many. A style with a higher neckline has a very chic and refined feeling.

Shop High-Neck Vest Tops:

5. Cinched-In Blazer

modern-basics-308510-1690372584184-image

(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: Whether the silhouette itself is tailored at the waist or you add a belt or tie detail, a cinched-in blazer will bring a sophisticated and polished feel to any look.

Shop Cinched-In Blazers:

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear US.

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.