I Asked My NYC and L.A. Friends for the Basics They'll Never Give Up

I'm consistently inspired by NYC and L.A. style-setters. So I'm always interested in learning about the items these fashion people gravitate toward for their lives on the coasts. On that note, I thought I'd ask my fellow editor friends who reside in these two cities for a few fresh shopping recommendations. Given that elevated basics are the foundational pieces in many of our wardrobes, I specifically inquired about the pieces they consider to be go-tos.

Three of my fellow editors in NYC and four in L.A. ended up sharing lists of the basics they'll never give up because they're true staples thanks to their versatile nature. And believe it or not, there was actually an overlap with four specific items across all of the lists. Furthermore, all of the pieces that the NYC and L.A. crowds love happen to be available from our namesake line, Who What Wear Collection.

Keep scrolling to check out forward basics that are crowd-pleasers, complete with visual and shopping inspiration.

Ribbed Knits

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(Image credit: @indyabrown)

A coordinating knit set is a modern classic. You can wear the pieces together or mix and match.

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

A slouchier knit teamed with high-waisted trousers is effortlessly chic.

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(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

You just can't go wrong with a ribbed-knit-and-jeans combo.

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(Image credit: @fashionwithjazz)

This cutout knit would be considered a next-level basic. It's forward yet versatile, in that it can be styled with so many pieces (including the midi skirt).

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(Image credit: @indyabrown)

A black turtleneck is incredibly sleek.

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(Image credit: @erin_jahns)

Such a sweet knit with the matching skirt.

Updated LBDs

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A trend-ish LBD with the cutout details.

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(Image credit: @sarahayang)

A darling dress to wear with sandals or boots.

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(Image credit: @allypayer)

Another great black dress with cutout details.

Relaxed Shirts

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(Image credit: @trustmebuythis)

This relaxed button-down shirt works with the coordinating pants or with just about anything else.

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Here is that same top in a lovely hue.

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(Image credit: @katcollings)

A white blouse is a wardrobe staple, in all of our editors' eyes, to be worn with a range of pieces.

Modern Blazers

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(Image credit: @laurenegg)

A blazer (whether worn on its own or as part of a suit) adds an elegant twist to any look.

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

One word: sharp.

Next, check out more standout pieces.

Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers likeReplica Store, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront ofBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.