Basics are the bread and butter of my wardrobe, and I particularly rely on them at this time of the year—i.e. when it's cold and gray out and I'm not always inspired to assemble anything extraordinary. In fact, when I'm stuck in a style rut, it's not the trend-led statement pieces that will break me out of it—more often than not, it's the basics which my wardrobe is built upon—and buying a fresh style or two can help me unlock a slew of outfit ideas.
Right now, with one foot in winter and the other foot stepping towards spring, I'm compelled to give my basics the much needed update they deserve. From staple sweaters to cool t-shirts and trench coats, I've made a list below of elevated basics that I can't wait to add to my wardrobe. These will not only make outfit-planning much easier, but also do no harm to your bank account. In fact, I've kept all my finds to under $90—because you don't have to spend a ton of money on basics to get a chic look.
Outerwear
A timeless trench to ease us into spring.
The everyday jacket you'll reach for on repeat.
Time to give your denim jacket a fashion-forward upgrade.
Add some variation to your classics and opt for a chic collarless blazer.
Sweaters Knits
I never knew how much I needed a short-sleeve cardigan.
Give your black crewneck a break and swap it with a trend-forward dark brown one instead.
A light-knit sweater to take you from winter to spring in style.
Sky blue hues will be a huge color trend this spring.
A no-brainer.
T-Shirts
Look pretty in pointelle.
All our editors agree—Uniqlo's crewneck tee is superior.
Easy and effortless.
I'm long overdue for a new long sleeve tee.
A boatneck silhouette will elevate your basic top.
A striped polo feels fresh for the season.
Shirts
Opt for a button-down in this season's trending powder pink hue.
A shirt that will look ridiculously good with your staple jeans.
A blue button-down oozes chic French-girl vibes.
Bottoms
The perfect silhouette.
Update your tailored trousers with this season's must-have slimmer-fitting silhouettes.
Off-duty cool.
I'm just the messenger but as you can see skinny jeans are back.
Give your slip skirts a break and opt for this chic staple instead.
Wear with sweaters now, and tank tops later.
Bags
No-one will believe it's $35.
The fashion set are all about minimalist East-West bags right now.
Shoes
New ballet flats that feel fresh and cool.
Snap up these classic black ankle boots while they're on sale.
A style you won't regret.
Accessories
Add a cool touch to your look.
This will pull together your outfit in an instant.
Love the mocha mousse hued frames.
Time for a hair accessory upgrade.
-
If Looking Stylish Is the Goal, These AffordableReplica Store Fall Items Are ItExpensive-looking jackets, sweaters, and more.
-
The Easy-Yet-Elevated Outfit Formula Fashion People Will Be Wearing Straight Into FallHere are seven takes on the chic look.
-
Uniqlo Is a Treasure Trove of Chic Fall Finds—29 Under-$90 Basics I'd Buy ImmediatelyTime to update your staples.
-
I Asked a Fashion Designer What to Buy From H&M Studio's Pre-Fall Collection—Here's What She SaidEverything is seriously so good.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 FindsSo, so good.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your BuckStellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
7 Dated Fall Basics I Just Found Hiding in My Closet and Immediately RemovedIn with the new.
-
This Simple Fashion Person Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My BasicsEffortlessly cool.
