Wondering Why You Look Basic? Well, Your Basics Are Too Basic
Calling a pumpkin spice latte sipping UGG boot enthusiast “basic” was just about the worst insult you could hurl at someone back in 2014. But almost ten years later, the fashion industry is still trying to sell us on being basic. Whether it’s 5, 10, or 25, we’ve all heard some iteration of the basic items every woman must have in her wardrobe.
I fell for the advice, and bought nearly all of these “must have” items. But I don’t think I have ever worn my ‘minimalist blazer’, and you know why? Because I’m not a minimalist. I haven’t worn my straight fit white tee shirt since I bought it. Why? Because that may be ‘every woman’s’ ideal fit, but it’s not mine. And why don’t I wear my plain black ballerina flats without even a bow embellishment? I find them a little boring.
Here’s what I learned in the process: what’s basic for me, isn’t necessarily basic for you. They’re the foundation of your entire wardrobe — the items you rely on to build outfits that make you feel like yourself. But nobody is “every woman” or an “average” woman, and so your “basics” should actually be the most uniquely ‘you’ items that you own!
We’ve made our feelings clear before about one-size-fits all approaches (hint: we don’t like ‘em). So, don’t expect a shopping list of “perfect basics” items at the end of this article. But you can expect a few different ways of thinking to start identifying the right basics for you. Let’s dive in.
What Most People Get Wrong About Basics
When we think of “basics” a few things come to mind: a white tee shirt, straight fit jeans, a black blazer, ballerina flats, a trench coat…just to name a few. The way we’ve been talking about basics, like it’s a shopping list for some hypothetical run-of-the-mill woman, isn’t really helpful to anyone except the brands that are trying to sell as much as they can, with as little effort as they can get away with.
Basics won’t look the same to everyone. While you may prefer a white tank top, I may choose a white baby tee, and someone else may prefer a button down. So, no checklists!
Beyond the “checklist” trap, the other major pitfall people make is choosing basics that are just…too basic! Shopping for them feels like an obligation, and wearing them feels totally boring. There’s just nothing at all special about them. But since basics are the foundation of your wardrobe, then if you’re feeling ‘blah’ about your basics, then you’re going to feel ‘blah’ about your entire wardrobe! Your basics *can* in fact be foundational, but still feel special to you in quiet ways.
A Better Way to Approach Basics
Let’s back up one step: what is the role of basics?
In our opinion, they are the go-to items that make every outfit feel like ‘you’. They are also the facilitators to unlock the rest of your wardrobe, creating a go-to canvas on which to style your more standout items. And so, we want to make sure that all our basics share two traits: versatility and reliability.
Basic items go with everything (or, at least, many things in your closet), making it easier for you to mix and match your wardrobe. They’re the glue that holds things together.
Basic items are also reliable. Specifically, reliably you. They are items you love and make you feel at home in your style.
We love Amy Smilovic’s “Without Fails” definition, where she refers to basic items as the items that never fail her. She will mix and match newer, trendier pieces with the essential items of her wardrobe that are uniquely her aesthetic. A basics checklist might recommend a pair of straight dark-wash jeans, but that isn’t her without fail. Instead, her go-to pants are relaxed, borderline baggy grey jeans. Her essential white top is a button down with a peter pan collar, not just a white tee shirt or a completely basic button down (and note that even the way she styles it is unique to her). Nothing about it is boring, and yet they are basics, for her.
Well, that’s great for Amy, but how do I go about identifying my basics?
How to Identify Your Basics
Start by identifying the go-tos that already exist in your closet. Those are your basics, and you may discover new basics by riffing on that formula. For example, if, like Amy, a pair of relaxed jeans is already a go-to, then consider whether adding a pair of relaxed wide-leg trousers might give you another versatile option that still feels like ‘you’ in vibe and silhouette. On the other hand, a pair of high-waisted dark-wash skinny jeans - considered by many to be a “basic” - probably won’t make you feel very much like yourself.
Another way to go is to start paying close attention to the functional gaps in your wardrobe. When putting together outfits, what types of items - or, tools - do you feel you’re missing? If you feel like you can put an outfit 90% together but then run into a styling roadblock that makes you tear it apart and start nearly all-over again, notice that. It’s usually because you’re missing a certain tool, and you’re forced to re-design the entire outfit to work without it.
For example, I noticed that I was missing a jacket that can easily layer over my outfits - something that has a polished look that has a bit of an edge. So, I found that one of my basic items is a slim fit tailored leather blazer. It’s not a leather moto jacket or a wool blazer, it fills a functional gap and specifically matches the ‘vibe’ of style, using my three words. And, I actually bought it with money from reselling my “essential” blazer and leather moto jacket to someone who was hopefully looking for their perfect basics.
How to Shop For Special Basics
Now you might have an idea of some new go-to pieces that you’re looking out for - say, a pair of relaxed trousers and a leather blazer. But, how do you make them feel not-so-basic? In our opinion, there should be at least one special thing about everything you own, and something can be made special by…
Design: Look for items that have subtle design features that speak to your style. It’s a great idea to think of your three style words here! An unexpected silhouette or unique detail that matches your three words can do so much to elevate a go-to item. For example, I was looking for a white button-down shirt for work, but I don’t like the overly corporate look. I found a white button-down shirt with a broderie anglaise embroidery on the collar, puffy sleeves and a sculpted, almost corset-like silhouette. It feels feminine and a little unexpected which is just my kind of basic.
Fit: Hold out for an item that fits you perfectly! Don’t settle on this one. There is nothing like the feeling of a basic that fits you just the way you want it to. I will say you will rarely find an item that just fits you perfectly but find one that is worth taking to the tailor. Even if you can’t hold this standard for everything in your wardrobe, these are exactly the pieces to invest the time (and, maybe money) into since you’ll be wearing them the most.
Quality: Even if you choose to keep the design very simple, a basic with a sumptuous, luxurious look and feel will still make it feel special to wear. There is a huge difference between that thin, flimsy throwaway tee and a thick, sturdy one. The tricky bit is you can’t necessarily rely on price point or brand name, so it’s important to learn how to shop for quality. I’m looking for a basic navy crewneck sweater to take me into fall, and the one thing I am focusing on is finding good quality cashmere.
When you’re looking for a specific basic it’s all about setting your own criteria, like Jacquie on TikTok in her search for her perfect white tank. She clearly took her search to the extreme, testing (and, of course, sharing) what seems to be at least 25 options… but we appreciate her dedication to knowing what she wants! Be picky. You can keep your overcomplicated Starbucks drink and objectively ugly, yet superiorly comfortable UGG boots - I know I have - but let’s draw the line there on “basic”.
Rebecca is a fashion stylist and writer, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently living in London. She enjoys reading, skiing and having people cook for her.