For years here at Who What Wear, we have been singing the praises of the capsule wardrobe. People everywhere have given up on testing new internet trends or embracing different “core” fashion movements (cottagecore, mermaidcore, the mob wife aesthetic, the list goes on) and are focused on high-quality basics you can easily mix in with items in your wardrobe. These pieces will last you longer than a season and are versatile enough to be styled from work to weekend, brunch to a travel day, first date to a housewarming party. You name it; these basics work for it. I decided this year I'm giving up the trendier pieces I've collected and only adding stellar basics to my closet. I rolled up my sleeves and got to scrolling on my favorite retailers on the hunt for the perfect basics, but of course, I wanted to keep budget in mind.
Keep scrolling to see the epic under-$100 basics I'm loving at the moment.
Picturing myself wearing this top with an Aperol spritz in hand.
If you don't have these in your collection, I would run, not walk.
Who doesn't love a good baby tee? Style with trousers, jeans, a midi skirt, a miniskirt… The options are endless.
These Open Edit heeled slides are perfect for the coming spring/summer season. They also come in a few colors you can choose from.
You can style this slip dress in so many ways. I'd recommend throwing a sweater over the shoulders and great ballet flats or sandals to top this off.
Top sellers for a reason.
I'm stocking up on my cotton poplin striped shirts. They really are classic and go with almost everything.
I have this tee. I can't recommend it enough.
A good satin slip skirt is a must-have in your spring/summer basics collection.
Meet your new favorite belt.
A tank you won't want to take off.
I'm eyeing these for summer.
Meet your new go-to tote bag.
You'll thank me later. These glasses go with everything.
The perfect lightweight jacket for spring.
I'm a huge fan of the viral Skims dress. You'll be surprised how much you'll end up wearing it.
I can't imagine going on a trip without these.
The French vibes this skirt has are unmatched.
The prettiest light-blue button-down.
The sweetest inital necklace.
Just add flats (or heels, up to you).
I'm so ready for little-white-top season.
I just add these to any basic-tee and denim outfit, and it takes everything up a notch.
Trench-coat season has arrived.
Layers well with the necklaces already in your collection.
I've been needing a new flirty white bodysuit. This Anthro one looks perfect.
Ballet flats are trending, and I don't see them going anywhere. I'd try these.
Just add sunglasses and sandals.
The perfect easy slides to pair with a sundress or linen pants.
If you're looking for new sneakers, I'd start with these.
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Blake Lively, Sofia Richie, and More Stylish Women Know These Jeans Are Better Than DesignerThey're $98 but look way pricier.
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Fashion People Swear By Khaite's Jeans—Now I Know WhySignature silhouettes and striking details.
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Jennifer Lopez Just Wore the $98 Jeans the Internet LovesShe must've read the reviews.
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Fashion People in Paris Will Wear These 4 Elevated Basics With Jeans in 2025Easy-to-style looks.
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Sienna Miller Just Made Me Want to Wear the Jeans I Stopped Wearing Years AgoIf she wears them, they're still cool.
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Celebs in Their 50s Are Styling Jeans in an Anti-Casual Way, and I'm Here for ItDressed-up denim.
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These Are the Buzzy Color Trends Everyone Will Wear With Jeans in 2025Prepare your wardrobe.
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Stylish Women in Paris, London, and NYC Prefer These Pant Trends Over Skinny JeansVery chic alternatives.
