The 6 Basics Everyone Forgets to Buy But Definitely Needs

While we talk about elevated basics like blazers and relaxed trousers heavily on Who What Wear, I noticed that the more "boring" but useful basics don't get as much attention. Not just while writing my stories, but I found myself prioritizing this category of basics less because they seemed less interesting to buy—but what I didn't realize is that they're just as important in creating a foundation in my wardrobe.

Without investing in these basics, I was selling myself short. While it's more fun to shop for a cool blazer or matching set, it can be a forgotten task to purchase a new T-shirt, find a good-quality pair of socks, or finally get refitted for another bra instead of opting for the one you've had for way too long. In an effort to make my closet more wearable I've been giving my basics game an upgrade, and that includes the less exciting ones too. 

If you're also one who forgets about a few foundational pieces when shopping, you've come across the right story. Below, I've relayed six wardrobe basics that I always forget to buy more of, even though they're 100% necessary. Keep scrolling to find a trove of options. It may not be as exciting as buying into a new trend, but you'll thank me when you look into your closet and can easily put together an outfit since you're stocked with the correct basics to do so.

1.T-Shirts

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(Image credit: @basicstouch)

For a while, the only T-shirts I owned were the free ones that I got from random college events or ones I stole from my brother and husband. Who knew finding a good quality and comfy tee was so hard, but also so necessary? I finally found my pick from Hanes, and it's become something I wear almost weekly. I think it's important to have a collection of T-shirts in a few colors because they come in handy.

2. Thermals

Everyone loves a good pair of Uniqlo Heattech, and I think it's 100% worth the hype. It's what got me through the New York City cold this past winter. Even if you don't need something as strong as heattech, a long-sleeve talk works wonders when it comes to outfits that involve or need an extra layer.

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

3. Bras

I know I can't be the only one who procrastinates when buying bras, right? I feel like I've been circling through the same few for a very long time, and it's about time I made an upgrade. They do a lot in terms of shaping, so I think they're very important when it comes to how the overall look of an outfit comes out. 

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(Image credit: @STELLASIMONA)

4. Belts

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(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

Last year, I owned zero belts. Now, I own three and I've been wearing them on heavy rotation. They don't just make pants fit better, sometimes they just elevate a simple outfit in the way you want it. Useful accessories for the win, folks.

5. Leggings

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

I wear leggings till they have rips in them, so I finally started thinking about a pair that's not only comfy but durable for the long haul.

6. Socks

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

If you're wearing mismatching socks right now, you should consider buying more socks for the new year instead of the random ones at the bottom of your drawer. It automatically makes me feel put together and plus, a perfect soft sock will help makes shoes more comfortable.

Next, Hit Refresh—7 Trends I'm Prioritizing and 7 I'm Passing on This Spring

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Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.