Behind every immaculate outfit or fabulous wardrobe is an arsenal of reliable basics. It’s all well and good having the latest It bag or trend piece, but getting dressed will always be difficult if you don’t have the foundations right too. Once you find the perfect black blazer, pair of jeans or pair of loafers, you never need to find another one again. So it’s worth putting in the time to find the best versions of these staples—when you own the perfect tee or white shirt, there’s no need for mediocre duplicates that won’t ever make you feel as good. This only-go-for-the-very-best approach to shopping leads to not only a tighter wardrobe that is made to last but also a more polished look overall.
Together, our Who What Wear editors have over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry, and so we have learned first-hand the best places to find all of these basics. And it’s not just a case of spending more money on things—our list includes investment pieces by Gucci, Celine and The Row, but many of the items we are championing are also under £100. This list will also help you to identify the gaps in your own wardrobe, as we believe that these 35 items make up the complete capsule.
(Image credit: @_loissterling)
SHOP THE BEST BASICS FOR WOMEN, ACCORDING TO FASHION EDITORS
1. Tops
Best T-Shirt: COS
COS
The Clean-Cut T-Shirt
It can be difficult to find the perfect white T-shirt, as they are often a little too sheer, tight or have a neckline that doesn’t sit quite right. This slightly heavier cotton COS style has none of these drawbacks, and the premium-feeling material stays crisper for longer. Size up if you prefer a boxier fit.
Best Breton Top: Sézane
Sézane
Colette Marinière
As we know, the best wardrobes are made up of great staples, and there’s nothing more classic than a striped top. Take it from the French girls—this is a top to rely on for years to come, and Sézane have nailed quality and design.
Best Tank Top: H&M
Trust me when I say I’ve tried all the tank tops out there, from expensive designers to the cheapest high street. And I can confirm it’s H&M’s £7 number that takes the cake as being the very best style. It’s thick cotton, so you don’t need a bra if you don’t want to wear one and it doesn’t go flimsy or out of shape after a few washes. I’ve bought one (read: a few) in every colour—they’re the fashion industry’s best kept secret. Thank me later.
Best Cashmere Jumper: Marks & Spencer
Autograph
Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
A cashmere jumper is a wardrobe classic, for all year round (I always throw mine over my shoulders on cooler summer evenings too). While there are numerous beautiful knitwear brands working in higher price points, we don’t think you can top M&S for value and number of colours. It creates quality, durable cashmere that—if you look after it properly—will last for years.
Best White Shirt: With Nothing Underneath
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend: Poplin
With Nothing Underneath has quickly become the fashion crowd’s go-to brand for shirting of all kinds. Its most popular Boyfriend fit is the perfect relaxed style to tuck in or wear loose.
Best Camisole: Understatement
Understatement
Silk Lace Camisole Black
A camisole can be worn on its own, and it’s the perfect partner for a suit, but it’s also really useful for layering. The satin fabric adds a refined feel without hurting your budget. What makes this one particularly cool is the lace detailing.
Best Linen Shirt: Arket
Casual, cool and endlessly chic, Arket’s linen shirts are the best I’ve ever tried. Available in plenty of colours, from neutrals and stripes to bright, bold hues, and in both a short sleeved and long sleeved iteration, it’s a high-street item I really recommend investing in.
2. Accessories
Best Crossbody Bag: & Other Stories
& Other Stories
Suede Shoulder Bag
& Other Stories creates its iconic moon-shaped crossbody bag in every colour and material you could hope for, but the classic brown and black suede versions will always remain chic. They’re simple enough to go with every single outfit and practical too thanks to the size and compact shape.
Best Hoop Earrings: Mejuri
Gold hoops go with everything. Most importantly these are solid gold, so they won’t oxidise or discolour. You can literally wear these all day every day. They also come in a smaller size as well as a thicker option, too.
Best Tote Bag: Demellier
Best Chain Necklace: Missoma
Missoma
Lucy Williams Flat Curb Chain Necklace
A gold chain is the perfect addition to any outfit all year round. I personally have this necklace and I’ve not taken it off for a good couple of years—it still looks brand new!
Best Basket Bag: Loewe
Loewe
Anagram Basket Bag in Iraca Palm and Calfskin
For summer, a basket bag has become an absolute essential whether you’re heading to the beach or not. Of course, Loewe is the gold standard. If you’re looking for something more low-key with less logo, though, Dragon Diffusion’s woven styles are completely timeless too.
Best Belt: Anderson’s
Buy a good belt, and you never need to buy another one again. Anderon’s black leather belt comes in gold and silver hardware options, and its subtle design is timelessly elegant, elevating any outfit you wear it with. For one that’s more affordable, try COS’s classic leather belt.
Best Sunglasses: Celine
Celine
TRIOMPHE 01 SUNGLASSES
Celine’s sunglasses are popular for a reason. The brand’s various styles are flattering on almost everyone and most are shapes that won’t feel dated in a year or two. Whether you’re a fan of mod oval sunglasses or statement cat-eye sunnies, there is bound to be a silhouette to suit your face shape.
Best Watch: Cartier
Cartier
Cartier Large Yellow Gold Tank Louis Cartier Watch 25.5mm | Harrods Uk
Cartier’s iconic ‘Tank Must’ watch can be dated back to 1917—proving just how timeless the shape is. The brand is world-renowned for its timepieces and offers the kind of investment watch you’ll wear for the rest of your life. The black is probably the most classic, but I also have a soft spot for the incredibly elegant tan alligator version.
Best Silk Scarf: Toteme
Toteme
Centered Monogram Silk Scarf Crème
A silk square scarf is a classic wardrobe item. We recommend you go straight to Toteme. The logo on this one is subtle and the black-and-white colour combination will always feel timeless.
Best Wool Scarf: Acne Studios
Acne Studios
Fringed Wool Scarf
ACNE is the ultimate label for luxury basics, and the wool and cashmere scarves are close to perfect. The brand makes the classic scarf with a fringed hem in every colour you could want, from grey to the brand’s signature dusty pink.
3. Shoes
Best Loafers: Gucci
Gucci
Leather Horsebit Loafer
Gucci’s horsebit loafers were first launched in 1953 and are a classic piece worth investing in because they will last for decades. According to a feature on the loafers on Mr Porter, ‘All of the artisans involved in making Gucci loafers are located in a single workshop in Florence. They wear traditional leather aprons over white lab coats and use a personalised tool kit to hand-make each shoe.’
Best Heels: Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik
Bb 90 Suede Pumps
Undeniably, the best heels in the world come from Manolo Blahnik. Whether you’re looking to invest in a wear-with-everything pair of simple, comfortable court heels like the BB 90s (a favourite of Meghan and Princess Kate), or you want a bit more sparkle in your life with the Hangisi, you just can’t beat them. On the high street, Charles & Keith’s Emmy heels are the best alternative.
Best Trainers: Veja
VEJA
Campo Textured-Leather Sneakers
Vejas have a lot going for them. These trainers are French and sustainable. They are made using leather that’s tanned sans hazardous chemicals. Plus, they are really stylish, too. Everyone from Emma Watson to Meghan Markle has been seen in Vejas.
Best Sandals: The Row
The Row
Fisherman Sandal in Leather
Sandal trends come and go, but The Row is always a classic. Whether you want a leather slider or a pair of fisherman sandals, it’s probably created the perfect pair. My feet are like tissue paper, and so I am very fussy when it comes to shoes, but these sandals always pass the no-blister test for me. They’re frequently out of stock, so get them while you can.
Best Ankle Boots: Aeyde
AEYDE
Linn Leather Ankle Boots
When it comes to ankle boots, you really can’t beat Aeyde. Whether you’re after a round or pointed toe (or a mixture of both), Western suede style or classic leather, Aeydē has them all. The brand truly isn’t ruled by trends.
4. Bottoms
Best Designer Jeans: Agolde
AGOLDE
+ Net Sustain ’90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
We all agreed that Agolde is the best for designer jeans, as it has really flattering cuts and uses very soft, comfortable denim. Editors and influencers rave about the ’90s Pinch Waist style, noting it’s the perfect classic straight jean.
Best High-Street Jeans: Arket
Arket
Jade Cropped Slim Stretch Jeans
All our editors are in agreement that Arket does the best affordable denim. It’s all organic and recycled cotton, and there’s a mix of comfortable stretch styles and vintage-inspired rigid versions. The cropped designs are perfect for petites, and the loose wide legs feel incredibly fresh for right now. It’s the Dhalia straight leg jeans that I wear on repeat, though.
Best Satin Slip Skirt: Ghost
Ghost
Luna Satin Slip Skirt
A simple slip skirt might not be the most exciting purchase, but it really is useful, especially for transition dressing. They look just as good with a strappy top and sandals as they do a cosy knit and boots. Ghost’s satin pieces are famously good, and we love their Luna skirt which comes in eight different colours. The black is evergreen, but I love the white for spring/summer.
Best Trousers: Reformation
Trousers are always tricky to find, but we think the best place to start is at Reformation. Wide-leg, linen, cargos, petites, extended sizes—you name it and Ref has it covered. The Mason pants have to be our absolute favourites though.
5. Underwear Drawer
Best Hidden Layers: Uniqlo
Uniqlo
Airism Sleeveless Camisole Bra Top
For those days when you need a discreet layer underneath your outfit, Uniqlo is the go-to. The seamless style cami top is made to go unnoticed but will also keep you warmer on cooler British days. It’s my hidden secret I’m willing to share.
Best Bodysuit: Skims
SKIMS
Fits Everybody Square Neck Bodysuit
It should come as no surprise that Skims is our number one for bodysuits. We love that you can choose a nude colour shade for wearing underneath your clothes, but they also look great worn to be seen as well. This one will hug you in all the right places to smooth, sculpt and support. It’s a stylish, useful and practical addition to your wardrobe.
Best Socks: John Lewis
John Lewis
John Lewis Cotton Cashmere Blend Ankle Socks
John Lewis is our winner for socks. These always stay looking new for longer than other pairs I’ve tried.
Best Underwear: Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer
Flexifit Modal Thongs, 3-Pack
There’s so many lovely smaller labels doing pretty lingerie (we love Cou Cou Intimates and Hanky Panky) but if it’s reliable comfort, practicality and long-lasting quality you’re after—no one can beat M&S. Personally, I rely on the flexifit range—even the thongs are incredibly comfortable, and they don’t show under any of my clothes.
Best Tights: Falke
Falke
Matte Deluxe 30 Denier Tights
Say goodbye to ladders, Falke’s tights are stronger than ever.
6. Outerwear
Best Blazer: Arket
Arket
Wool Hopsack Blazer
A classic tailored blazer is a wardrobe essential, and you can call off your search for the perfect one with Arket. We can’t recommend this jacket enough, partly because of the exquisite tailoring mixed with the relaxed fit and partly because there are plenty of ways to style this.
Best Trench: Burberry
BURBERRY
Chelsea Long Organic Cotton-Gabardine Trench Coat
The original Burberry trench was designed for soldiers for the first world war and uses the gabardine fabric, which was created by Thomas Burberry in 1879. According to the Burberry website, the fabric is now created at a textile mill near Keighley, England, and there are 127 stages in producing one coat. It is quite simply timeless. We rounded up everything you need to know about choosing your perfect Burberry trench here, but you can never go wrong with the Chelsea style.
Best Denim Jackets: Reformation
Reformation
Brooks Denim Jacket
Reformation’s denim jackets aren’t cheap, but they are all beautiful quality and have an unbeatable fit. From cropped styles to more relaxed silhouettes and even bomber jackets, it’s hard not to find a style you’ll fall in love with for transitional seasons like spring and autumn.
Best Leather Jacket: Whistles
Whistles
Agnes Pocket Leather Jacket
Our editors have tried a lot of leather jackets in our time, and season after season, Whistles always has the perfect biker. I have had my Whistles biker for 11 years, and it is still in good condition.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
link
