Whether You're 23 or 53, These Wardrobe Basics Are Non-Negotiable

Basics have always been part of my wardrobe, but only in the past couple of years have I truly come to appreciate them in their own right. Formerly a second thought to more statement pieces, they are now the centrepieces of my outfits. And you know what? I feel like I dress better for it. Another thing I enjoy about basics is just how versatile they are; many can be mixed and matched with one another to create effortless and chic outfits. Then, there's the fact that they're ageless.

While age certainly has nothing to do with what you should or shouldn't wear , I get there are some items that you might be initially tentative to try. This comes down to years of being conditioned to think you should dress a certain way when you reach a certain age. But I'm here to tell you those rules are a work of fiction, and when it comes to basics, they really are ageless.

To prove my point, I've scoured the social media feeds of my favourite follows to see which basics span their respective wardrobes. From Grece Ghanem to Sasha Mei, each showcases just how integral basics are to effortless style. So much so, I was inspired to create a best-ageless-basics capsule from them. And trust, the pieces coming your way are incredibly versatile and easy to wear, whether you're 23 or 53. Scroll on to see them.

1. White Dresses

Style Notes: White dresses have always been prevalent on the spring/summer runways, but make no mistake; this bona fide basic feels current and will never go out of style—its one of those pieces that looks good on all who wear it. 

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2. Tailored Trousers

Style Notes: 2024 is undoubtedly the year of the spring trouser with pedal pushers, baggy jeans and utility trousers cropping up on all of fashions best dressed. Tailored styles always look elevated and can be styled in an endless number of ways. I particularly like Grece’s combination of trousers, a crop top, trainers and a leather biker. 

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3. Linen Blazers

Style Notes: While I’d welcome any blazer into my collection of basics, at the moment, I’m partial to the linen iterations going around. Not only is the fabrication breezy, making it ideal for balmy summer days, but it hangs beautifully too. I’m also into the neutral palette seen on many; another signifier of a solid basic. 

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4. Vest Tops

Style Notes: Vest tops are certainly having a moment right now, with Loewe’s long-embroidered tank being one of the most in-demand designer items of the year. Of course, you don’t need to invest in a Loewe one, but when you see how good it looks on Renia, it sure is tempting. 

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5. Breton Knits

Style Notes: If you have been on the internet even just once in the last year, then you’ll have heard of the coastal-grandmother aesthetic sweeping the fashion world (for the second time). Essentially, it involves styling looks that seem as if they’re costumes plucked from a Nancy Meyers movie set in Nantucket. The linchpins of this movement are wardrobe basics, with the Breton-stripe knit playing a starring role. 

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6. Baseball Caps

Style Notes: Though it was previously considered too casual to be high-end, the humble baseball cap has undergone something of a fashion metamorphosis of late and is now one of the most stylish things you can wear. I was recently chatting to a 70-something woman I met in a coffee shop (who used to work on the picture desk at Vogue, no less), and she told me her favourite accessory is the baseball cap. 

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7. Ecru Jeans

Style Notes: White denim might seem daunting, but it really is an everlasting staple that your outfit, especially your summer ensembles, will benefit from. I love how Franny has paired hers with a printed blouse and a basket bag for a French-style feel, but rest assured they’d work just as well with any top option you see in this edit, too. 

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9. Knee Boots

Style Notes: Okay, okay, so I know it’s spring, and we should probably be talking about sandals right now, but I think heeled knee-high boots are all too often overlooked in their versatility and ageless appeal. Worn with dresses both above and below the knee, Bermuda shorts or even denim skirts, they’re a surefire way to add polish to any look. 

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Next Up: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

Opening Image: @thetennillelife_