Basics are the bread and butter 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 the trend-led statement pieces that will break me out of it—more often than not, it's the basics which my wardrobe is built upon—and buying a fresh style or two can help me unlock a slew of outfit ideas.
Right now, with one foot in winter and the other foot stepping towards spring, I'm compelled to give my basics the much needed update they deserve. From staple sweaters to cool t-shirts and trench coats, I've made a list below of elevated basics that I can't wait to add to my wardrobe. These will not only make outfit-planning much easier, but also do no harm to your bank account. In fact, I've kept all my finds to under $90—because you don't have to spend a ton of money on basics to get a chic look.
Outerwear
pull & bear
Belted Trench Coat
A timeless trench to ease us into spring.
ZARA
Water Repellent Puffer Jacket
The everyday jacket you'll reach for on repeat.
Time to give your denim jacket a fashion-forward upgrade.
ELOQUII
The 365 Double Breasted Blazer
Add some variation to your classics and opt for a chic collarless blazer.
Sweaters & Knits
H&M
Short-Sleeved Cardigan
I never knew how much I needed a short-sleeve cardigan.
ZARA
Basic Soft Knit Sweater
Give your black crewneck a break and swap it with a trend-forward dark brown one instead.
MANGO
Camp-Collar Knit Sweater
A light-knit sweater to take you from winter to spring in style.
Nordstrom
Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Sky blue hues will be a huge color trend this spring.
T-Shirts
jcrew
Pointelle Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
Look pretty in pointelle.
Uniqlo
Crew Neck Short Sleeved T-Shirt
All our editors agree—Uniqlo's crewneck tee is superior.
Na-Kd
Ribbed Long Sleeved Round Neck Top
I'm long overdue for a new long sleeve tee.
J.Crew
Fine Rib Boatneck Top
A boatneck silhouette will elevate your basic top.
Na-kd
Collar Long Sleeve Top
A striped polo feels fresh for the season.
Shirts
Opt for a button-down in this season's trending powder pink hue.
ZARA
Oversized Gabardine Shirt
A shirt that will look ridiculously good with your staple jeans.
MANGO
Regular Cotton Lyocell-Blend Shirt
A blue button-down oozes chic French-girl vibes.
Bottoms
abercrombie
Low Rise Baggy Jean
ZARA
Slim High Waist Pants
Update your tailored trousers with this season's must-have slimmer-fitting silhouettes.
EDIKTED
Roman Slouchy Low Rise Wide Leg Jeans
jcrew
Mid-Rise Slim Jean in 2003 Super-Stretch
I'm just the messenger but as you can see skinny jeans are back.
ZARA
Midi Skirt With Belt
Give your slip skirts a break and opt for this chic staple instead.
Wear with sweaters now, and tank tops later.
Bags
No-one will believe it's $35.
MANGO
Double-Handle Bowling Bag
The fashion set are all about minimalist East-West bags right now.
Shoes
STEVEMADDEN
Leni Brown Suede
New ballet flats that feel fresh and cool.
Nordstrom
Arazio Kitten Heel Bootie
Snap up these classic black ankle boots while they're on sale.
A style you won't regret.
Accessories
Polo Ralph Lauren
Chapeau
Add a cool touch to your look.
MANGO
Leather Skinny Belt
This will pull together your outfit in an instant.
Love the mocha mousse hued frames.
jcrew
Wide Tortoise Shell Headband
Time for a hair accessory upgrade.
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