Very Good Basics
Form & function
After last week’s discussion on loungewear and the art of staying in, I found myself thinking more about the role of basics in our wardrobes. More often than not, and this probably applies to many of you, the outfits I feel best in are also the simplest. Nothing overly styled, nothing precious - just well-made pieces doing their job. So, moving away, ever so slightly from lounge around clothes, here are some great stepping out the door finds, a few of my favourite pieces, investment worthy staples and some ways to wear them!
Flore Flore continues to do plain tees better than just about anyone.
Other brands worth jotting down: Plain Jane New York, LESET, Theory, Vir Vita & Khaite (which I’ve heard nothing but praise for, a great investment piece)
If you’re on the hunt for good jeans, I’ve had good luck with Reformation denim. My favourites: Harriet High Relaxed Straight (Drag), Cynthia High Straight (Colorado, Lanier & Ondine), Val 90s Straight (Ahurani & Colorado)
Of course, you can’t go wrong with vintage Levi’s. If you’re buying them new, I recommend wearing them as much as possible to really break them in. They can often feel a bit rigid at first, so if you’re after that effortless, ’90s Jennifer Aniston slouch, consider this your permission to get to work. Another great pair are these; they run fairly true to size, but if you are in between sizes, I suggest sizing up for a looser fit.
It’s always hard to get white denim right. Usually, they’re either overbearingly white or have too much of a yellow undertone, but this shade, I believe, is truly perfect. They also have just the right amount of slouch! One other pair, again from Reformation, would be these in the shade Fior Di Latte.
Moving away from jeans…
If you are questioning the whole red as a basic. Allow me to inspire you…
It must be said - no wardrobe is complete without a good denim jacket.
Perfect for when the weather starts to pick up, it brings the kind of effortless, laid-back feel I love.
This has to be a top 4? sweater in my closet (coming from someone with one too many sweaters). It’s a men’s quarter zip, but the slouch and material feel much more flattering than any others I’ve tried. I spent a lot of my teen years in Brandy Melville versions, so loving something like this feels like a proper upgrade. For a zip-less sweater, this is the only one you need.
My absolute top top top 3 shirt picks that I know will become integral parts of my spring wardrobe: Boyfriend shirt in French blue and white, Oversized shirt in periwinkle blue, Classic poplin in sky blue.
Happy simple, basic dressing!
Olivia
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