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.
If you're wondering where their jeans are from, the answer is probably Levi's.
Mango deserves all the love for making this excellent suiting in a range of sizes (from XXS to 4XL).
It's about the neckline. Keep it casual (and under $60) like this, or…
When the brand co-founder is Vogue Australia's editor in chief, Christine Centenera, and the HB stands for Hailey Bieber, you click.
Just some excellent cashmere in an excellent shade of brown at a pretty excellent price.
If a sweatshirt isn't fleecey on the inside, I don't want to know about it, thank you.
Not all dresses pair flawlessly with a blazer or a chunky sweater, but this one sure does.
I'm sorry, but it just wouldn't be a "fashion-crowd basics" story without a knit from The Row.
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.
-
Sporty, Unexpected, and Unquestionably Cool—The Outerwear Trend That Will Supercharge Your Spring Wardrobe
Who doesn't love a comfy way to be on-trend?
By Judith Jones
-
Here's Your Amazon Big Spring Sale Cheat Sheet—Shop the Best Activewear, Travel Items, Home Décor, and More
Shop for deeply discounted goods today.
By Chichi Offor
-
Light-Wash Jeans Always Look More Expensive When Worn With This Elevated Basic
As seen on Zendaya in Italy.
By Allyson Payer
-
Tired of Jeans? We Are Too—Here's What We're Wearing Instead This Spring
Chic and comfortable.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
7 Ways to Style Your Jeans for Spring That Feel Very 2025
Courtesy of the street style set.
By Emma Spedding
-
My Most Complimented Everyday Jeans Are on Sale for Just a Few More Hours
Grab them now, or pay full price later.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
Rich-Looking Outfits Are the Goal—31 Chic Pieces From the Amazon Big Spring Sale That Fit the Bill
These will have you doing a double take.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
36 On-Trend Spring Items I'm Eyeing From Reformation, Zara, and Mango
Prepare your carts.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
Stop Right There! These Gorgeous H&M and Zara New Arrivals Are Bound to Sell Out Soon
The only spring shopping list you need.
By Chichi Offor
-
I Give This $35 Designer-Passing H&M Cardigan One Week Before It's Sold Out
Guaranteed.
By Nikki Chwatt