Back to Basics

Recently, I have had that horrible feeling like I have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear. I realized, the reason for this feeling is not having the right basics in my closet. Most of the time when I shop, I don't really have anything in mind. I see something I like and then I buy it. So when I finally understood my problem of not having basics, I started the hunt. Having basics in your closet is so important because they are literally the base of every outfit. And not having those normal, basic pieces make it hard to find a cohesive outfit that makes you feel comfortable. So here is a list of all the pieces you should have in your wardrobe that aren't even staples for fashion, just good basic pieces that will help pull your outfits together.

Solid Colored Tanks

This is the best base layer of any outfit. So you have to make sure you have the right kinds and color tanks that work for you. I recommend at least having one black and one white solid tank for layering. Even better if you have a black and white striped one too! Tanks are a great basic to have because you can wear them so many ways. Layer them under a blazer, cardigan, button down, jumpsuit, sweatshirt, or sweater. Sometimes you just need one good tank and the rest of the outfit will come together!

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Basic Tees

Again, I recommend having a good basic white and black tee. These are always pieces that you can layer or build an outfit around. A good tee is the foundation of your outfit. It needs to fit right, be comfortable, and be able to layer underneath pieces. The great thing about a good tee is that you can always just wear that as your top. A white or black tee goes with any kind of bottom. But it can also be perfect as a solid to layer under pieces. Just a good basic that you need to have.

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A Tight Long Sleeve Bodysuit

For this I also recommend having one black and one white. It doesn't even have to be a bodysuit if that's not your cup of tea. It can be just a tight long sleeve. I personally like bodysuits because they don't come untucked when you move around. And a good tight long sleeve is essential for everyone to have because you can throw anything over it. The tight sleeves are essential for layering so you don't look sloppy when you layer. Another basic that makes all the difference in the world.

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A White Button Down

I talk about white button downs a lot and how they are a wardrobe staple that everyone should have. But not only are they great for fashion, they are genuinely a basic. The ways you can wear a white button down are endless, so having this basic in your wardrobe helps create so many different outfits for you. You can wear it by itself with jeans, layer it under a sweater, or even wear it open. This is a basic you might not think you need, but trust me once you have it you won't know how you lived without it!

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Straight Leg Jeans

I say straight leg jeans because I think they are the most versatile, but really whatever jeans are the comfiest and make you feel the best serve the same purpose. You really just need one good pair of denim in your closet that make you feel confident. A good jean is a building block in creating your outfit, and that paired with a solid basic top help open the canvas for a more fun jacket or topper. Jeans can be worn dressed up or down, so this is a basic that is non negotiable!

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A Good Sneaker

I know this one was also on my list of closet staples, but it truly is a basic too. Basics are the building blocks to creating any outfit, and I really think you can find a way to wear a good sneaker for anything. Wear it with leggings and a sweatshirt for a casual day. With jeans and a cute top to hang out with friends. With a suit for a funky yet cool office look. The possibilities are never ending which is why this is a good basic piece to have.

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An Oversized Blazer

Another piece I talk about a lot is an oversized blazer. This is a basic though because you can start your look with an oversized blazer and work around it. If you are only going to have one blazer, make it a simple black one. No patterns, no colors, just simple black. This is what makes it a basic piece that is perfect for anything. A blazer can be worn with literally anything- dressed up or down- and can even be your jacket. So invest in a good quality blazer.

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A Simple Sweater

I can't tell you how many years I went without having just a basic, simple black sweater in my closet. And now that I have it, I will never go without it again. A simple sweater can be whatever style you love, but mine is a simple crew neck. I like that you can wear this alone tucked into jeans or leather pants and it looks polished and put together. You can also wear it with leggings and combat boots for a more casual look. This is a basic piece you must have if you live somewhere that gets cold.

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A Good Boot

Another shoe that really is a basis shoe is a good boot. The idea behind having all your basics is that you can build any outfit around them- almost like creating a capsule wardrobe. So in the sense that you want this boot to help you build outfits, I recommend a simple black boot. It can be a boot or a bootie depending on what's more comfortable to you, but a simple black boot is a basic that can be worn anytime, anywhere.

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A Trouser

This is a basic that I think a lot of people don't actually have. I think this is a basic, however, that everyone needs. You never know when a situation will arise when a jean is not appropriate and you can't find a dress or a skirt that works. Insert your basic trouser and boom! Problem solved. You can also throw a trouser on with pretty much anything- like a graphic tee and sneakers. So while you might not already have this one, I think a good black or grey trouser is a great piece to have and make outfits with.

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A Black Bag

There is never a time or a place where a good, simple black bag isn't appropriate. Or if you're more into tans, make it a good and simple tan bag. This basic bag can sometimes be the piece that actually helps pull your whole outfit together. You never want to run into the problem of having an outfit full of color and patterns and a bag that doesn't go. So a simple and basic solid colored good bag is a necessity!