The foundation of any wardrobe is great basics. Sure, it may be the statement heels or the sparkly party dress that gets all of the attention, but a collection of stylish foundational pieces is what will allow you to get dressed every day and feel like the best version of yourself. Whether you wear them together to create stylishlysimple outfits or you wear them in a way that lets your statement pieces shine, they’re the workhorses in your wardrobe, and when they’re missing, there’s a feeling that outfits are lacking that little something special.
Now that it’s chilly, it's worth evaluating what are the everyday pieces you reach for time and again, and take stock of what’s lacking, too. The five basics outlined below are on-trend without being overly trendy and offer a way to upgrade your look for work or weekend errands. Relaxed jeans, a polo sweater, and a striped long-sleeve tee serve as an easy starting place. They can be mixed and matched a million ways and always look good. Think of them as your heroes. The addition of a classic trench coat and a cozy down vest offers the chance to think strategically about layering. Theoretically, you could even wear all five pieces at once.
Shop the best of the best across each category, and lock down your five-piecewinter capsuleso that you can effortlessly leave the house without worrying that everything goes together.
Relaxed Jeans
Levi's
Low Loose Rigid Jeans
A relaxed fit looks great with sneakers.
Madewell
Baggy Straight Jean
Feathering sets these jeans apart.
Toteme
Original Cropped Straight-Leg Jeans
A darker wash adds a dressy touch.
The Reformation
Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Black jeans are always in style.
Zara
Mid-Rise Wide Jeans
Wear these to work.
Agolde
Harper Ankle Wide Leg Jeans
Relaxed jeans balance out your favorite heels.
Polo Sweater
Everlane
Merino Wool Sweater
Simple, sleek, sophisticated.
Rag
Bone
Monti Rib Polo Sweater
This polo makes for great layering.
Vero Moda
Milena Cable Stitch Polo Sweater
You'll be cozy in this pullover sweater.
Mango
Knitted Polo-Neck Vest
A sweater-vest is great for layering.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Wool
Cashmere Crop Cable Polo Sweater
The perfect preppy touch.
Rails
Greta Wool
Alpaca Blend Polo Sweater
This simple black sweater is an easy styling choice.
Down Vest
Lululemon
Wunder Puff Down Vest
Sporty meets chic.
Everlane
Redown Vest
Consider this a minimalist layering piece.
Alo Yoga
Ribbed Velour Mountain Side Puffer Vest
The soft velour fabric will feel great on your skin.
The North Face
Aconagua 3 Puffer Vest
Layer a white vest with a colorful coat.
Topshop
Oversize Nylon Puffer Vest
Sleek, classic, timeless.
Iets Frans
Emily Hooded Puffer Vest
A sporty vest is great for weekends.
Trench Coat
Other Stories
Oversized Wide Sleeve Trench Coat
This oversize trench will fit a bulky sweater underneath.
J.Crew
Relaxed Heritage Trench Coat
Throw a trench on over everyday basics.
H&M
Double-Breasted Trench Coat
A black trench is a sleek alternate to classic taupe.