10 Basics I Wear to Death For Effortlessly Put-Together Looks

It may come as a surprise, but I'm a pretty lazy dresser. Most days, I rely heavily on basics to get myself out the door, but always with a twist to make my look feel slightly more inspired: think, a trendy pair of boots, a cool bag, a statement top, coat, or sweater, layered jewellery, and so forth. Somehow, the simplicity of a streamlined or minimal look [1] makes me feel lighter and stress-free, which I much prefer to more complicated ideas that can become daunting.

For me, the best wardrobe essentials are those I completely wear to death, do laundry specifically for, or am photographed in almost to the point of feeling embarrassed (almost). Who can relate?! Whether it's a simple white t-shirt, comfortable pair of jeans [2], or tailored blazer, I count on these pieces not only for the sake of getting myself out the door in a speedy fashion, but because they're endlessly versatile, help me look put-together even if my outfit took me two seconds to throw on, and can be worn in pretty much any combination with one another and always look great. In other words, if it plays well with others, comes in a neutral hue, and errs on the side of timelessness in terms of silhouette, I'm into it, wear it on repeat, need it in multiple colours, etc., etc.

If you can relate to this sentiment or are simply building your assortment of wardrobe essentials, ahead, 10 basics I swear by for easy dressing. Shop my edit of pieces to ensure you have each one in your closet. Plus, witness some of my favourite outfits from Instagram [3] to inspire a few outfit ideas along the way.

The Wardrobe Essential: Straight-Leg Jeans

I've never been a big fan of skinny jeans, but can wax poetic about the genius of the straight-leg jean. Whether in a light vintage wash or inky-blue shade, I find them to be slightly more tailored and trouser-like than other cuts of denim, especially with a high-rise waist and a clean finish (i.e. no distressing). The best part? They go with literally everything! Sweaters, tops, shirts, bodysuits, sweatshirts, blazers, ev-er-y-thing! I told you I was obsessed.

Agolde High-Rise Kick Pinch-Waist Jeans

Agolde High-Rise Kick Pinch-Waist Jeans [5] ($178)

Warp+Weft Den Plus Slim Bootcut Jeans

Warp+Weft Den Plus Slim Bootcut Jeans [6] ($97)

Khaite Kyle Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans

Khaite Kyle Relaxed Straight Leg Jeans [7] ($340)

The Wardrobe Essential: A Thin Turtleneck

I live for a turtleneck. Does that make me sound dowdy? Perhaps. But to me, they're the best layering piece in my closet when it's cold out. Toss one on under a crewneck silhouette for a fun little pop, ground a patterned blazer with one for a sophisticated look, or wear one on its own tucked into jeans, trousers, or a high-waisted skirt. In neutral shades like white, black, grey, and tan, your options are endless.

Zara Basic Turtleneck Sweater

Zara Basic Turtleneck Sweater [8] ($36)

Everlane The Pima Micro Rib Turtleneck

Everlane The Pima Micro Rib Turtleneck [9] ($35)

Wilfred Free Only Long-Sleeve Ribbed Turtleneck Shirt

Wilfred Free Only Long-Sleeve Ribbed Turtleneck Shirt
[10] ($58)

The Wardrobe Essential: A Slip Dress

A good slip dress is like a blank canvas for amazing outfits. When it's warm, they're impeccable on their own with great accessories. In cool weather, they're a polished layering piece when you want to look a little more dressed up or simply not wear pants. Layered under blazers, jackets, and knits, they're effortlessly elegant in both solid shades and pretty prints.

Silk Laundry 90S Silk Slip Dress

Silk Laundry 90S Silk Slip Dress [11] ($265)

Reformation Bates Dress

Reformation Bates Dress [12] ($128)

Oak+Fort Dress 5001

Oak+Fort Dress 5001 [13] ($48, originally $68)

The Wardrobe Essential: A Blazer

Blazers can get a bad rap and be considered boring by many. The key here is to find a style with an interesting element be it be it a texture, pattern, or colour or come with exaggerated details like a puffed shoulder, cinched waist, or oversized lapel. Tailoring is also key here. The more customised to your shape it is, the more impact it will have. Styling also plays a big part. For an effortless look, try yours over a simple crewneck tee or sweater.

ASTR the Label Arlo Oversized Wool Blazer

ASTR the Label Arlo Oversized Wool Blazer [14] ($168)

Pixie Market Black Hourglass Blazer

Pixie Market Black Hourglass Blazer [15] ($179)

Mara Hoffman Tatum Jacket

Mara Hoffman Tatum Jacket [16] ($228, originally $325)

The Wardrobe Essential: A White Crewneck T-Shirt

Speaking of tees, a basic white t-shirt is as essential as underwear. Which also means you should have several go-to options to rotate through. Whether you're trying to offset a dressier piece for an unfussy vibe or simply want a low-key top to tuck into jeans, the white crewneck t-shirt never fails.

Gap Modern Crewneck T-Shirt

Gap Modern Crewneck T-Shirt [17] ($20)

Hanes x Karla The Crew Tee

Hanes x Karla The Crew Tee [18] ($30)

Universal Standard Ashley Cap Sleeve Tee

Universal Standard Ashley Cap Sleeve Tee [19] ($50)

The Wardrobe Essential: Trousers

For many, trousers can either feel blah as heck or overly complicated. I find that when you throw on a pair with a simple t-shirt or knit and a great shoe, you look perfectly polished, but with ease. I have two go-to silhouettes: a high-rise trouser — a paperbag waist being my favourite for a superflattering (and slightly dramatic) fit — and a slim black pant that's a more elevated take on black leggings. When you want to switch things up from jeans, both of these pant styles make an impact when you keep the rest of your look simple.

& Other Stories Belted Paperbag Waist Trousers

& Other Stories Belted Paperbag Waist Trousers [20] ($89)

Eloquii Paperbag Waist Wide Leg Pant

Eloquii Paperbag Waist Wide Leg Pant [21] ($90)

Massimo Dutti Straight Fit Herringbone Trousers

Massimo Dutti Straight Fit Herringbone Trousers [22] ($120)

Elizabeth and James Ponte Leggings

Elizabeth and James Ponte Leggings [23] ($50)

Henning Bank Straight-Leg Pants

Henning Bank Straight-Leg Pants [24] ($295)

Rosetta Getty Black Cropped Stretch-Cady Skinny Pants

Rosetta Getty Black Cropped Stretch-Cady Skinny Pants [25] ($234, originally $780)

The Wardrobe Essential: A Chunky Sweater

A thick sweater is my go-to piece when I'm offsetting fancier fabrics like silk or when I'm in a cosy little mood and want to top off leggings, trousers, or jeans. They're more substantial than thinner knits, often with more structure to them and unique design details which results in a more put-together outfit. Stock up on your favourite silhouettes and colours whether it's a turtleneck, v-neck, or cardigan worn as a top!

Cos Moss-Stitched Alpaca-Yak Sweater

Cos Moss-Stitched Alpaca-Yak Sweater [26] ($135)

Sézane Eugenie Jumper

Sézane Eugenie Jumper [27] ($165)

AYR Le Square Sweater

AYR Le Square Sweater [28] ($345)

The Wardrobe Essential: A White Shirt

The white shirt is one of those staples than can easily feel stale, but my trick it wearing one as a layering piece over tees, tanks, and thin turtlenecks or seeking out a style with modern elements like an exaggerated fit or voluminous sleeve. Styling is crucial for making yours feel unfussy — denim is generally my go-to on bottom. Or, a slip skirt or dress when I'm feeling feminine.

Court & Rowe Plus Size Ruffle Placket Poplin Shirt

Court & Rowe Plus Size Ruffle Placket Poplin Shirt [29] ($53, originally $89)

Frame Pleated Clean Collar Shirt

Frame Pleated Clean Collar Shirt [30] ($275)

Totême Zonza White Shirt

Totême Zonza White Shirt [31] ($320)

The Wardrobe Essential: A Wool Coat

My go-to hack for looking put-together in the Winter? A Classic wool coat! Camel is the most timeless and tends to stand out a little more than black, navy, or grey. From tailored silhouettes to cocoon-like wraps, it's utterly fail-safe over jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters with a simple boot.

Mango Belted Wool Coat

Mango Belted Wool Coat [32] ($200)

Torrid Taupe Woolen Button Front Duster Coat

Torrid Taupe Woolen Button Front Duster Coat [33] ($159)

Mackage Hens Double-Face Wool Coat With Tailored Collar

Mackage Hens Double-Face Wool Coat With Tailored Collar [34] ($650)

The Wardrobe Essential: A Bodysuit

The bodysuit is kind of a secret weapon when it comes to layering. Though I'm very much a proponent of perfect tees, tanks, and knits, a bodysuit is truly the best item for tucking into high-rise silhouettes for a seamless look. If you're new to bodysuits, I suggest starting with black and when styling yours, be sure to offset the slim-fit with a looser jean or trouser for a laid-back feel.

Topshop Long Sleeve Square Neck Bodysuit

Topshop Long Sleeve Square Neck Bodysuit [35] ($25)

Madewell Wrap Thong Bodysuit

Madewell Wrap Thong Bodysuit [36] ($50)

Anthropologie Molly Boat Neck Bodysuit

Anthropologie Molly Boat Neck Bodysuit [37] ($88)

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