Bare Necessities
the all comprehensive list of the best basics you can buy
Working a 9-5 job in office, while also trying infuse my day to day wardrobe with my own style & point of view, can be a CHALLENGE. I never want to invest in pieces that will work for my work life and not my personal life, or vice versa. Since moving to New York, and having this internal debate, to spend on a piece or to not, I have FINALLY narrowed down the secret to creating a wardrobe I am able to dress up or down, make special, make fun, etc.
Basics are the answer. Having solid, long lasting basics has completely changed the way that I think about getting dressed, both for work in the morning and for dinner on a Friday. If you have basics that you love, that are reliable, that you know you can style countless ways, it makes finding the more exciting pieces more palatable like, “well I guess this cheetah print pant would work with a bunch of different tops I own”.
I have compiled a list of my favorite basics that I think everyone should own. You can mix and match these in a million ways, make them fancy, lay in them on the couch, accessorize with more fashion and fun styles, without feeling like you only own clothes that you can only wear one time. This may be my favorite, most important shopping list that I have ever created…
Solid Tops Worth The Price
If you don’t have a reliable white tee & tank, your life is very hard. Especially in the era of “the fun pant or skirt” that we find ourselves in now, a crisp tee and a good tank is all of the more important. I am a huge fan of the LESET Margo Tee’s. I got the two pack and even after many, many washes, they still sit perfectly. It’s important to me to have a shirt peek out of a crewneck sweater, and these are the perfect neckline for that. It’s also super important to have a good black and white turtleneck. I love the Donni Ribbed Turtleneck that I wear under sweaters in the winter, it even works for skiing and an aprés day. Boat necks and long sleeves are also key pieces in my tops drawer, good to wear under anything or alone.
My Picks: Tops
Denim for Every Occasion
My passion, is denim. The day I found out the jeans are supposed to be comfortable, my life changed. After much personal research (I buy a lot of jeans), I have come to the conclusion that you truly only need one pair of jeans in each of the following categories: a baggy jean that is so comfortable you can sleep in them, a dark denim, a jean jacket that matches one of the washes of jeans, a more tailored jean for work, an ecru/tan jean, a white jean, and a barrel jean (or a different structured jean of your choosing). My all time favorites below -
My Picks
An Added Layer
Sweaters, shirting, and styling pieces that you must have in your closet. Cardigans go without saying, a white and a black are necessities but any color goes here. A turtleneck, a v neck, and an oversized crew (i chose my favorite fuzzy cashmere), and a stripe, are the extra sweaters you should add to have pieces at the ready for a colder night, or a throw over the shoulder. For work, a crisp white and blue button down are must haves, and can be dressed up at night with a mini skirt or open in the summer. A button down is the most versatile thing you can have in your closet. 2 blazers, do I have to elaborate on the necessity for a good blazer? And of course, a signature elevated crewneck, you never know when you need her.
My Picks
Easy Transitional Pants
When a jean won’t work or feels tired, here are some options for what to wear instead. Satin pants have been a revolutionary item in my closet, they are elevated but so comfortable and easy. I always talk about the Reformation ones (i love them), so I linked two different black and white options I also love below. For the transition to and from summer, having a good linen pant is SO important. Easy to dress up with a cute shoe, and easy to throw over a bathing suit. A white or cream is the must have, but it’s always good to have options. I love the LESET Carpenter pant as an alternative to a linen, but still fits easy and styles well. OF course, you gotta have trousers. Find one you like and buy it in a bunch of colors.
My Picks
Staple Accessories That Last
If you have each of these accessories and shoes, you are set to be dressed for every occasion that enters your calendar. You must have a gold and a silver hardware belt. You never know when a bag, a jewelry piece, or a button is going to call for either or, and it’s always better to have both at the ready. Similarly to jeans, You only need 5 pairs of shoes to survive in life (that’s not to say more isn’t always better, it is), a black tall boot, a loafer, a white/natural sneaker, a sandal, and a go to nude heel. I also love cashmere socks, maybe not a 100% necessity but a luxe addition nonetheless. Also grab a lettuce edge sock, makes everything cuter and you can get them for less than $10.
In terms of jewelry, there are very few times I change up my go to’s. I’ve spoke about this before, but buying vintage watches is such a nice way to save money and find something timeless and unique. I go to this shop in NYC for all of my watch needs, but there are also a ton on Etsy. Linked one that looks very similar to mine below. Other than a watch, a tennis necklace is another timeless item that you will never regret splurging on. I truly believe in spending on jewelry, you one way or the other end up spending a lot when a piece tarnishes or breaks, might as well get something built to last. A hoop and a stud, 14 carat gold ball bracelets, and sterling silver rings are all of my basic, everyday jewelry pieces that look, AND STAY, elevated and in good quality.
My Picks
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Per usual, everything in this piece is linked in my ShopMy for easy viewing! Follow me on Instagram to keep up with the day to day. TYSM for being here!!!!!
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Loved every category!!!
Love this roundup and NEEDED this for a mental wardrobe reset🙌🏼