Basics are the backbone of my wardrobe, and I particularly rely on them at this time of the year—i.e. when it's cold and gray out and I'm not always inspired to assemble anything extraordinary. In fact, when I'm stuck in a style rut, it's not usually the trendy pieces that will break me out of it—more often than not, it's the basics which my wardrobe is built upon. Right now, my basics could do with a chic update, and after scrolling through the sales this week, I found a whole host of luxe-looking and elevated styles from J.Crew, Gap, and Banana Republic (three retailers known for their chic take on the classics).
From classic cashmere sweaters to crisp basic button-downs, and staple straight-leg jeans, below, I'm sharing my absolute favorite basics—that are all on sale and worth getting your hands on before they sell out (or go back to full price). Keep scrolling for price tags as low as $12.
J.Crew
jcrew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Lightweight Oxford
A relaxed blue button-down oozes French-girl vibes.
jcrew
Vintage Rib Shelf-Bra Tank Top
A chic tank you can layer up now, and wear alone with white pants come summer.
jcrew
Cashmere-Blend Trouser Socks
Don't sleep on J.Crew's cashmere socks.
jcrew
Sculptural Orb Earrings
Everyday earrings that make a fashion-forward statement.
jcrew
New Relaxed Emilie Sweater Lady Jacket in Stripe
A chic striped knit you can wear year round.
jcrew
Garçon Classic Shirt in Cotton Poplin
Time to upgrade your classic white button-down.
jcrew
Quinn Square-Toe Ballet Flats in Leather
Classic ballet flats are always a good idea.
jcrew
Pima Cotton Slim-Fit T-Shirt
Stock up on the essentials.
jcrew
Natalia Pant in Four-Season Stretch
jcrew
New Stevie Ankle Boots in Leather
The perfect black ankle boots do exist.
jcrew
New Going-Out Blazer in Stretch Twill
Update your blazer with a chic collarless style.
jcrew
Cotton Turtleneck Sweater in Stripe
Style with a pair of white relaxed jeans.
jcrew
Étienne Oversized Shirt in Striped Cotton Poplin
J.Crew's Étienne shirt is one of my all time favorites.
Gap
With a spring on the horizon, you don't want to pass up on a chic new trench for under $100.
Gap
High Rise '90s Straight Jeans
I'm obsessed with Gap's '90s straight jeans. I can't wait to get them in white.
Gap
100% Cotton Oversized Boyfriend Sweater
Gap
High Rise '90s Loose Jeans
Jeans that look elevated and polished for day or night.
Gap
365 High Rise Pleated Trousers
Luxe-looking tailored trousers at an excellent price point.
gap
East-West Canvas Tote Bag
No-one will believe it's under $45.
gap
Linen-Blend Square-Neck Longline Vest
Love this modern square neckline.
Gap
Supima Cotton Relaxed T-Shirt
gap
V-Neck Rib Maxi Sweater Dress
Style with knee-high boots now, and strappy sandals later.
Gap
Cashsoft Cropped Tank
A luxurious-looking knit tank.
Gap
Organic Cotton Oxford Cropped Big Shirt
Just add high-waisted jeans.
Banana Republic
banana republic
Ribbed Racer Tank
banana republic
Timeless Crewneck T-Shirt
banana republic
Relaxed Trouser
Trousers that ooze an effortless elegance.
banana republic
V-Neck Pullover
Guaranteed you'll be reaching for this on repeat.
banana republic
Soft Stretch Camisole
banana republic
Forever Short Sleeve Sweater
The type of relaxed sweater I'll be wearing all spring.
banana republic
Scuba Popover Sweatshirt
Sporty and sophisticated.
banana republic
High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
banana republic
Forever V-Neck Sweater
Lean into spring's sky blue hues.
banana republic
Classic Poplin Shirt
You can never have too many.
banana republic
Boyfriend Blazer
Swap your black blazer for a trend-forward olive green hue.