Fashion People Are Relentless When It Comes to Chic Basics—These Get the Nod

A controversial opinion during award season, but red carpet looks are only so interesting to me. I'm always more interested in seeing how people with great style approach the most low-key pieces in their wardrobe—I mean, love a gown, but maybe I love airport style more? I want to see the comfy pants of chic people. Their jeans! I definitely want to know which is their choice of black tank or white T-shirt, plucked from that bottomless sea of options that await us on the internet.
When it comes to such basics (the cool ones, the ones that feel on-trend and make simple outfits look expensive), there's a slew of go-to brands and designers that hit the spot at different price points. From that effortless Reformation cardigan (gestures frantically above) to my favorite Toteme tank (aka $105 well spent) and the jeans everyone seems to own, here are some picks that deserve a spot in any wardrobe.
When the brand co-founder is Vogue Australia's editor in chief, Christine Centenera, and the HB stands for Hailey Bieber, you click.

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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