The foundation of a house is what every other element is built upon. Think of your wardrobe basics in the same way. Each wardrobe basic allows you to build your wardrobe out into a beautiful and functional array of workable outfits.
I hear so many people say how they feel as though they have plenty of clothes but can find so few outfits to wear. This usually means that the essential wardrobe basics are lacking. Basics are neutral items that can be mixed and matched with just about any piece of clothing in your wardrobe. Basics are most often seen in the colors of black, white, grey and khaki — though other colors can function as basics as well. These are classic pieces of clothing that have stood the test of time.
Take the basic white tee for example. This is a piece of clothing has been around forever and has never gone out of style, nor will it ever. A dark blue denim pair of jeans is another basic that each person needs in their wardrobe. While the cut and style of jean may vary as trends come and go, there is no doubt that jeans have always been in style.
This outfit (acquired from my Pinterest inspiration board) is completely made up of basics. She sports a white, V-neck tank top, a beige cardigan, blue washed-out skinny jeans, nude suede peep-toe heels and a relaxed nude leather bag. The accessories she has paired with this outfit, such as her necklace combination and bracelets, are minimal and feminine. Her entire outfit has been constructed from basics that, if removed from the outfit, could effortlessly be paired with any other clothing combination.
Similar to the first, this outfit is made from basics. She wears a relaxed, white button-up blouse, khaki high-waisted trousers, nude lace-up espadrilles and a rich cognac arm bag. Something to note is the patterned scarf she has tied to her bag. This is not considered a basic because of its pattern and therefore, cannot necessarily be paired with any other clothing item/outfit.
This outfit is different from the other two. There are however, basic elements that are incorporated into this outfit that pull everything together and make it work. As you probably can tell, the blouse she is wearing is very beautiful and vibrant but is not considered a basic. This is true for her choice of footwear as well. Her trousers are basics, as is her handbag. Without the basics, this outfit would not be as impactful. Basics allow for the statement pieces, such as her blouse (and arguably her shoes), to be the highlight of the outfit.
Wardrobe Basics Checklist (non- exhaustive)
| Black, white and nude tee shirts (neutral tee shirt) |
| Black, white and nude tank tops (neutral tank top) |
| White button down shirt |
| Black, white and nude turtle neck or sweaters |
| Denim jeans (at least 1 pair of black, 1 pair of white, 1 pair of blue) |
| Denim jacket |
| Nude/khaki trench coat/pea coat |
| Black trench coat/pea coat |
| Black and khaki trousers/dress pants |
| Black skirt (usually opt for at or just below the knee for a basic) |
| Black and nude pointed toe heels |
| Sneakers |
| Black flat boots |
| Black, white, khaki cardigans |
| Black blazer |
If you are interested in learning more about basics and how they can benefit your wardrobe, click the button below to read about my recent Basics haul from Shein’s online clothing store.
Budget Buys and Beauty 
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