In a world overflowing with different trends, there’s something quietly powerful about your wardrobe basics – the crisp white tee, the classic denim, the tailored blazer, and the little black (or white) dress. These wardrobe workhorses might not steal the spotlight on their own, but choose the right basics, or put them together with something more flamboyant, and they can create looks that are anything but ordinary.
Why basics matter
Your basics are the unsung heroes of your wardrobe – the foundation pieces that you wear the most, and that carry your style every day. They’re the canvas that lets your personal style shine. So, whether dressing them up with bold accessories or layering them together for impact, never neglect your basics. Choose the right ones, and they will elevate your look while making putting together your outfits effortless.
Brands to look at for your wardrobe basics
If you’re looking to update your wardrobe basics, these are some of the brands we love here at 40+ Style.
Materials matter
When choosing your basics, be sure to choose quality materials that look and feel great, stand the test of time, and add texture and an expensive feel to your outfits. Look for cashmere, cotton, merino wool, linen, and quality denim.
Adaline @sdmomstyles above puts together an outfit of chic basics. Note how she elevates her outfit by combining different textures and by adding casual sneakers to more formal clothes.
Get her look with this similar tee, blazer, skirt, sneakers, bag and necklace.
This is where your investment should be
While it’s easy to be attracted to the more flamboyant pieces, your basics will be what you wear most. They’re the backbone of your wardrobe, so it makes sense to invest here. If there’s something you love and that fits brilliantly, it’s okay to buy it in several colors.
Stick to a neutral color palette
You want your basics to go with everything and have longevity, so it makes sense to stick to a palette of neutrals. Then, you can layer over seasonal or more on-trend items to give your basics a fresh look each season.
Your basics capsule
So, what should your basics wardrobe consist of? We’ve put together a capsule made entirely of basics for you below and created 9 different outfits from them. But you’ll see there are plenty of other ways you could wear these together or add them to your existing outfits.
tops
For your tops, a long white button-down shirt will go with, under, or over so many of your outfits that it’s a great starting point. A tank top or camisole for layering, a quality t-shirt, and a sweater made from merino wool or cashmere should be among your basics.
J.Crew Étienne Lightweight Oxford Oversized Shirt – Vince Bias Stretch Silk Tank – SKIMS Stretch Cotton Jersey T-Shirt – NAADAM The Original Cashmere Sweater
Nora @ juststylela above puts together an outfit of timeless basics: a striped shirt, sweater, and straight-leg jeans. She adds a classic pair of designer pumps.
Check out this similar shirt, sweater (another option here), jeans, pumps, handbag, earrings and sunglasses.
Coats and jackets
A well-chosen collection of coats is key to building a wardrobe that works hard year after year. Start with a classic trench coat, lightweight, tailored, and effortlessly polished; it’s perfect for transitional weather and will never date. For cooler weather, also add a wool, belted overcoat. A structured blazer will bring sharpness to any outfit. For warmer months, a denim jacket and a lightweight shacket are perfect.
J.Crew Alexandra Stretch Linen Blend Blazer – Wit & Wisdom Peplum Denim Jacket – rag & bone Savannah Shirt Jacket – MANGO Cotton Trench Coat
See below how you can combine the formality of a blazer and tote bag with more casual clothes.
J.Crew Alexandra Stretch Linen Blend Blazer – SKIMS Stretch Cotton Jersey T-Shirt – Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Slim Straight Leg Twill Pants – Dr. Scholl’s Young And Free Sneakers – Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote – Ana Luisa Giulia Huggie Hoop Earrings
Pants and jeans
No wardrobe is complete without a solid line-up of pants and jeans – the kind you reach for on repeat because they fit you brilliantly and go with everything. Choose a pair of dark denim bootcut jeans, black and white dress pants, chinos, and leggings, and you will have the foundational pieces you need to go with all your tops.
Wit & Wisdom Brittany ‘Ab’Solution Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – Nordstrom Flat Front Wide Leg Pants – Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Slim Straight Leg Twill Pants – Zella Studio Luxe High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings
Eileen @eileenternullo above looks super chic and polished in her maritime inspired look.
Steal her look with this similar tee (another option here), pants, sneakers, handbag, belt, necklace, earrings and sunglasses.
Dresses and skirts
Dresses and skirts can offer instant polish with minimal effort. Think about shirt dresses that you can wear as they are or over your leggings, tank and T-shirt dresses to wear in the summer, and midi skirts that you can pair with your tank tops and T-shirts in summer or knitwear in winter. Also, consider a denim skirt and a wrap dress.
Eileen Fisher Cuff Sleeve Organic Linen Shift Dress – Wit & Wisdom Sleeveless Button-Up Denim Shirtdress – Nordstrom Stretch Cotton Ribbed Tank Dress – Eileen Fisher Curved Hem Organic Cotton Midi Skirt
See below for how you could wear our featured shirtdress for summer.
Eileen Fisher Cuff Sleeve Organic Linen Shift Dress – Dr. Scholl’s Young And Free Sneakers – Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote – Nordstrom Cashmere & Silk Wrap – Nordstrom Fray Edge Packable Panama Hat – QUAY Call The Shots 54mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses
Shoes and boots
Shoes and boots are essential, obviously, and the right pair can really define your look. A pair of white sneakers will pair with everything from shorts to jeans to dresses. Classic loafers or ballet flats bring polish to casual outfits. For summer, a pair of comfy, chunky heeled sandals is perfect to go with your vacation wear. For cooler weather, opt for a pair of flat or block heel ankle boots, and you could also add knee-high boots.
FLY London Bexy Sandals – Dr. Scholl’s Hello Loafers – Dr. Scholl’s Young And Free Sneakers – Lucky Brand Basel Boots
Jas @jaschanastylist above wears a white blazer over her maxi dress for a very chic look. The stitching on her sandals and her gold jewelry elevate her look.
Check out this similar top, blazer, wide pants (another option here), sandals, handbag, bracelet, earrings and sunglasses.
Accessories
When putting together your basics, don’t forget your accessories. Choose bags made of quality leather that you can use for many years to come. Cashmere and silk scarves will add elegance, and classic jewelry will add polish.
Tory Burch Perry Triple Compartment Leather Tote – HOBO Small Grant Leather Crossbody Bag – Ana Luisa Mini Pebble Necklace – Ana Luisa Giulia Huggie Hoop Earrings – Nordstrom Cashmere & Silk Wrap
Below, we’ve put together an outfit perfect for lunch or dinner on vacation.
rag & bone Savannah Shirt Jacket – Vince Bias Stretch Silk Tank – Eileen Fisher Curved Hem Organic Cotton Midi Skirt – FLY London Bexy Sandals – HOBO Small Grant Leather Crossbody Bag – Ana Luisa Mini Pebble Necklace – Ana Luisa Giulia Huggie Hoop Earrings
How basics can come into your own while travelling
When you’re on vacation, basics definitely come into their own. With limited space in your suitcase, it’s your versatile, well-loved pieces that prove their worth. You can use your crisp white shirt as a beach cover-up by day and a dinner-ready layer by night. You can always add a couple of trendier pieces to update your basics, or leave a little bit of space in your suitcase to bring back clothes or accessories you buy on vacation.
As you’ve seen, many of the clothes, shoes, and accessories from above would be perfect for your vacation. We suggest adding a few more items from below, and then you’re good to go!
add shorts
Choose a great pair of shorts in cotton or linen. Wear with your shirt, t-shirt or tank top, or simply over your swimwear.
Madewell Drawstring Linen Shorts
ruana
A ruana or wrap is perfect for staying warm and cozy during your journey, and then for throwing over your shoulders on cooler evenings when you arrive at your destination.
Lauren Ralph Lauren Jet Setter Reversible Knit Poncho
Fonda @savvysouthernchic above wears leggings and a top with her ruana. If you’re travelling, you could always wear flat shoes for more comfort.
Get her look with this similar top, ruana, leggings, booties, earrings and necklace.
a hat
Keep the sun off your face with a wide-brim hat. If you don’t want to carry your hat through the airport and you don’t want it to get squashed, choose a packable hat that bounces back into shape.
Nordstrom Fray Edge Packable Panama Hat
oversized sunglasses
Of course, you’ll want sunglasses to protect your eyesight and the delicate skin around your eyes and to look chic.
QUAY Call The Shots 54mm Gradient Cat Eye Sunglasses
Your basics together in one capsule
Below, you can see the outfits from above together. You can see that you could easily mix and match these pieces. For example, wear the blazer over the black dress or the denim jacket over the tank dress. Combine the tank top with shorts for hot weather, or wear the ruana with the white pants. We’re sure there are lots of ways you could add these to your own closet.
What are your tips for making your wardrobe basics shine? What are the basics you can’t live without? Let us know in the comments below.
Continue reading:
- Mastering the art of spring layering
- A capsule wardrobe for the classic style personality
- How to dress after 40 and look hip?
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Feature image by Jas @jaschanastylist
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