From Denim to White T-Shirts—These Are the Specific Brands I Source My Basics From

Working in fashion means trying a lot of stuff on, testing new arrivals and tried-and-true pieces alike to see if they're actually worth buying. It would be wrong of any of us to sell you on something that we didn't like wearing ourselves, so wearing (and rewearing) clothes becomes a big part of the job. Out of all the clothing items I've worn during my years as a fashion editor, basics are the ones I have the most firsthand experience with. T-shirts, tank tops, jeans, blazers—name any wardrobe essential, and I've probably tried on at least a hundred of them from both designer and low-cost brands. Trust me. I know where to shop for basics, and fortunately for you, gatekeeping isn't something I stand behind.

One look at my Instagram feed or inside my closet will prove that I have very specific sources for each category of basics. For example, I pretty much only buy tank tops from Zara. (I just got a new one in two colors that I cannot stop talking about to anyone who will listen.) My jeans are primarily sourced from Citizens of Humanity, but jean shorts are always from Levi's—preferably vintage. Of course, I'll explore other brands for non-basics like blouses, dresses, most outerwear, and footwear, but when it comes to those critical wardrobe staples, I know what works. When something works, why fix it?

Ahead, discover everything from the only brand I'll buy new trousers from to my one true source for blazers. Consider it your guide to the best basics in 2025. You're welcome.

• Best Tanks: Zara
• Best Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
• Best Blazers: COS
• Best Cashmere Sweaters: J.Crew
• Best Trousers: Kallmeyer
• Best T-Shirts: Uniqlo
• Best Jean Shorts: Levi's
• Best Trench Coats: Sézane
• Best Button-Down Shirts: COS

Tanks: Zara

There's a time to invest a lot of money in basics and a time to save, and when it comes to tank tops, you don't have to spend a lot to get a great product. For the last five or so years, I've bought nearly all of my tanks from Zara and haven't looked back. From thick-strap, sophisticated options to strappy camisoles, the Spanish retailer really does sell it all at unbeatable prices. For example, I actually just bought the second tank option in the shopping mix below in black and was shocked by how thick and high-quality it is. I bought it in white the next day.

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Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

I own probably 50 pairs of jeans, if not more. The ones I grab for most and keep in reaching distance (not stored underneath my bed or on the highest shelf in my closet) are all from Citizens of Humanity. From stovepipe styles like the Zurie and Baretta to baggier alternatives like the Ayla, all of my denim-related needs are met by the brand's offering. My only qualm? What size I buy is fully dependent on the style of denim, so if you're thinking of buying COH jeans, do some research. Know your measurements, and if you're still not sure, go into a store and try on multiple sizes. Once you find the perfect fit, you'll wear your COH denim for life.

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Blazers: COS

I've tried plenty of expensive blazers in my day, and still, the ones I throw on most frequently are from COS, including leather and suede versions, cropped versions, and more. They feel pricey, are made of high-quality materials, and have unique cuts—all the while typically costing me less than $300 (minus anything made of genuine leather). They do their job, and for that, I'll keep coming back for more.

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Cashmere Sweaters: J.Crew

I'll admit that I have cashmere sweaters that I think are higher quality than J.Crew's, but they cost hundreds of dollars more and are harder to take care of. I can't wash a $900 cashmere sweater in the washing machine at the Laundromat across the street from my apartment. My J.Crew sweaters do go in the machine (sorry), and I just hang-dry them. I own five of them and adore them all, wearing one probably every single week of my life. Specifically, the shrunken styles are my favorite, but all are fantastic.

Shop J.Crew cashmere sweaters:

Trousers: Kallmeyer

Trousers, in my opinion, are one essential item worth spending big bucks on. Bad trousers are, well, bad. They fit poorly and deteriorate quickly. With that in mind, when I want to buy a pair of trousers that'll live in my closet forever, I go to Kallmeyer. Exquisitely tailored using elite fabrics and cut in a modern yet classic way, Kallmeyer's trousers have yet to disappoint me.

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T-Shirts: Uniqlo

If you ask someone in the fashion industry where they buy their white T-shirts—items that will get dirty and will need replacing—nine times out of 10, they'll tell you Uniqlo. Specifically, the Uniqlo U tees are elite, but honestly, all of the brand's basic T-shirts are worth stocking up on, especially since they're affordable and often go on sale. Don't spend a lot on items that are easily stained by makeup and sweat and tend to stretch out over time. It's not worth it.

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Jean Shorts: Levi's

I might buy my jeans from COH, but when it comes to denim shorts, it's Levi's every time. Though I prefer them to be vintage (usually vintage jeans that didn't fit just right and I ended up cutting), Levi's has done a great job of letting its vintage archives guide its newer creations, making jean shorts that feel old-school and cool without the hassle of sorting through racks of old denim.

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Trench Coats: Sézane

This is a newer addition to my list of go-tos, but that doesn't make it any less great. I got a Clyde Trench Coat from Sézane—yes, the one every fashion person has—and fell in love. The price is perfect, especially for the quality, and I love that there aren't really any frills to it. It's just a really good trench coat, which is exactly what I need my basics to be. I also appreciate that it comes in multiple lengths, shapes, colors, and patterns, allowing you to customize your experience.

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Button-Down Shirts: COS

Last, but certainly not least, are button-down shirts, one of my most-worn basics. I've tried them all, and no matter what price point I test out, I usually come up disappointed. They lose their shape after one wash and never get crisp again. They wrinkle immediately and end up looking sloppy. They're too oversize or too fitted. For an item as common as a button-down shirt, they're so rarely done right. However, COS's versions have always impressed me. I have multiple colors and versions in my closet and love the simplicity of them.

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