While trends are known to float in and out of the fashion ether, classic style staples will always be of the moment. The best basic clothing items deliver maximum style with minimal effort—think of the million and one ways to wear a white T-shirt, whether tucked into a classic jean or with a tailored trouser. As we build upon our fall capsule wardrobes, streamlining with useful clothing basics has never been easier or chicer.
PETIT BATEAU/Iconic crew-neck T-shirt
The Petit Bateau Iconic T-shirt is just that. It is simple and elegant, and looks just as good with a long evening skirt as it does a loose pair of worn-in denim. Bonus points: The brand makes them for kids too.
MADEWELL/cotton perfect crewneck tee
I recently stocked up on some new T-shirts from Madewell and they are amazing. In fact, they are so great that I bought both of the below styles in black and white and in multiple sizes (I wear a T-shirt and jeans every day of the week and am particular about having the perfect fit!). The shrunken tee has a worn-in feel while the cotton crewneck tee is more polished and stays crisp all day.
J.CREW/vintage cotton crewneck T-shirt
J.Crew has the best basics, from tank tops, tees, and jeans. This is the one white tee that I find doesn’t stretch out after a few washes in the laundry and has a long enough length so that I’m not showing too much skin when wearing my mid-rise boyfriend jeans from J.Crew as well.
EVERLANE/organic cotton box cut tee
I have searched high and low for a white T-shirt that is both flattering and practical. Enter this Everlane tee—thick enough to wear on its own, a little boxy for easy movement, and cropped just right so it hits the top of whatever high-waist item I pulled on that day. I love the pocket detail for added interest, but it’s also available without a pocket if that’s more your style.
Maria McManus High-Waist Wool Crop Pants
It was love at first try with these kick flare pants from Maria McManus. A contemporary classic with lots of styling mileage, they’re crafted out of a luxe stretch-wool and have a 25.5” inseam that allows for an ankle reveal that’s the stuff of petite dreams. Bare skin in a ballet flat ! Flaunt a fancy sock! If you want a trouser that means business, your search ends here.
Cos Tailored Wool Pants
The widest leg trouser I have quite possibly ever worn this convincingly, I was on the fence about how this Cos pair would initially fit. Too roomy legs don’t do much for me, but the fitted waist actually balances out the volume. There’s definitely some dragging at the bottom, but it works if you’re intentional about. My Adidas SL72 sneakers keep it relaxed; a heel would put it into dressy territory, which goes against the commuter-friendly vibe I was trying to channel. I’m wearing a regular size 2; I would have opted for the 2P had it been available—I think the length would be ever so slightly better as the inseam here is 28.34”
Vince High-Waist Crop Pants
Both Vogue.com editor Chloe Malle and senior market editor Madeline Fass recommended I try Vince for my story—and I get why. The brand nails the minimal but comfy vibe and these pull-on pants are the kind you reach for when your mind is doing that “I have nothing to wear” thing.
Fitted but relaxed around the knees and thighs, they hit right below the ankle bone but don’t puddle thanks to the 27” inseam. I paired them with mesh flats from The Row here to show the taper, but they’re very versatile—I’ve worn them both with sneakers and pointy heeled boots. The waist is true to size; I’m wearing an XS. (For some other silhouettes, like the High Waist Bias Pant, which I really liked but definitely needs tailoring, I’d recommend sizing down.)
Toteme Fluid Drawstring Trousers
As much as I love Toteme trousers and want them all to work for me, so few actually do! These linen pants however are fantastic. I’m wearing them here again with my mesh flats to illustrate length, but since the hem is just a tiny bit too long, I’d most likely style them with a little heeled sandal since they could benefit from the extra height. (The product descriptions don’t list any inseam, but based off the other pairs I’ve tried, I’d say these are around a 28”.) The waist is true to size; I’m in a DK32.
The Classic Jeans
No wardrobe is complete without a pair of classic, well-fitting jeans—even experts agree. With a straight-leg silhouette and medium-dark wash, this pair from Agolde has become a cult-favorite.
LEVI’S/Ribcage wide leg jeans
The Classic White Sneaker
Every shoe collection needs an all-white trainer—and these from Dries Van Noten are perfectly practical and seriously stylish.
DRIES VAN NOTEN/leather sneakers
The Button-Up
Similar to a great pair of jeans or a plain white tee, a crisp white button-down is another basic clothing item every closet should have. This plain white poplin version from Alex Mill is a perfect pick.
ALEX MILL/Val poplin shirt
The Workwear Trouser
For a take on modern workwear, choose a relaxed-fit trouser like this style from The Row. You’ll be wearing these for years to come.
THE ROW/Cady wide-leg pants
The Loafer
Of all the menswear-inspired closet classics we know and love, few have more appeal than the luxe loafer. Emme Parson’s Danielle loafer has achieved icon status, worn with anything from a jean midiskirt to a crisp dress.
EMME PARSONS/Danielle croc-effect loafers
