As fashion editor at Who What Wear, I'd like to think I know a thing or two about searching out a great new piece or a timeless classic, but it's only recently that I learnt the trick to piecing together a truly great outfit. Let's face it: We're all guilty of spending valuable time agonising over what to wear in the morning, and no matter how many statement dresses or exciting new pairs of shoes I find, everything has a time and a place, and I invariably end up turning to the same forever pieces to dress up my day-to-day look. A case in point, the "basic".
Calling anything "basic" gives it a bad rap, but rest assured in this case I don't use basic to mean boring; instead, I'm referring to simple, understated, well-thought-out pieces that can be worn time and again, and end up being the hardest-working things in your wardrobe. Often these are the best investments you can make (and well worth spending a little extra money on for their sheer cost per wear), as these core pieces can be building blocks in creating the perfect capsule wardrobe.
As a staunch advocate for high-low dressing and someone you'll always find in a high street jumper and a reliable designer bag, I've made the decision to shop in a way that favours buying less but better, and getting my wardrobe into good shape means shaping up its foundation. So I began the quest to find the very best designer pieces you can count on for exceptional quality, timeless design and versatility, eschewing all flash-in-the-pan trends that will fall out of fashion as quickly as they come in.
Sarah wears The Frankie Shop blazer.
After hours of research, I've put together a list of the luxury pieces that I think are really worth the investment. Think forever buys that aren't tied to a trending hashtag, just quality wardrobe essentials like a good quality jacket, the perfect pair of jeans or the attention-grabbing handbag that you'll be happy to wear on rotation.
Not only do these pieces seamlessly weave into your current wardrobe, but they've got the outfit-elevating power of any other designer buy, so the next time you're putting on a simple T-shirt and jeans, you can upgrade the look with a key blazer or smart pair of shoes. Wondering what makes the cut for best of the best? Well, on this list you'll find old favourites like Frankie Shop tailoring, elevated classics from Toteme and luxe offerings like the perfect boots courtesy of The Row. Sound good?
Monikh with the Loewe Puzzle bag.
Keep scrolling for the best designer basics, including simple coats, jeans, blazers, dresses and accessories, to invest in now but wear for years to come. These are pieces that will never go out of style.
OUR DEFINITIVE EDIT OF THE BEST DESIGNER BASICS
1. THE BEST DESIGNER BLAZERS
The Frankie Shop's boxy fit set the standard for the oversized tailoring we now know and love.
It's an all-time best seller for a reason.
Such a gorgeous fit.
Warm beige will go with everything in your wardrobe.
Single-breasted blazers are such classics.
2. THE BEST DESIGNER KNITS
An iconic knit.
Yes, the cardigan Katie Holmes made famous looks just as good years later—and in new colourways.
Knitwear like this will be a staple forever.
Dôen knits are always so feminine and pretty, they'll jazz up your favourite basic jeans in a second.
There's something so timelessly chic about a grey V-neck knit. & Daughter is a go-to brandf or so many fashion insiders, and well worth the investment.
3. THE BEST DESIGNER JEANS
Call off the search: I've found the perfect pair of jeans.
Flare and skinny trends may come and go, but the flattering straight-leg is eternal.
Such a good cut.
Grey denim doesn't get enough credit for just how chic it really is.
If you haven't already tried Citizens of Humanity's Ayla jeans, I can promise you won't be disappointed.
Nothing beats black skinnies.
4. THE BEST DESIGNER TOPS
Size up and wear oversized with a pair of straight-leg jeans.
Strike the perfect balance of cosy, cool and chic in this knitted tank top.
The easiest top to dress up (or down) this winter. Wear under knits with jeans or leather trousers and heels. Well, if it's good enough for Rosie Huntingdon Whiteley...
I still haven't bought a silky camisole top, yet every time I wonder what to wear with a jacket in the evening, I know exactly what the answer is.
You can't beat all white for versatility.
5. THE BEST DESIGNER SKIRTS AND TROUSERS
Whether you're wearing a casual jumper or a structured blazer, a denim skirt immediately makes your look cooler.
For winter, ensure you have a pair of leather (faux or real) trousers in your arsenal. According to so many reviews, these are the best pair you can buy.
I don't know if it's the cut or beautiful draped details, but I haven't stopped thinking about this skirt since I first saw it.
These might just be the ultimate (super comfy) day to night trousers.
The ultimate cargo pants to wear when jeans or tailored trousers just won't cut it.
Leggings are a staple in most of our wardrobes, so it's worth spending a little more to get a brilliant quality pair that lasts. These are completely opaque, without any sporty details so you can dress them up too.
6. THE BEST DESIGNER DRESSES
Pull-on-and-go dresses don't come any chicer than Ninety Percent's maxi dress, which also comes in a chic brown.
Wear this pretty dress with knee-high boots and a trench coat as we head into spring, and with barely-there sandals all summer.
If ever there were a dress that could go seamlessly from work to weekend, it's this one.
You can build 100 outfits with a simple knitted dress.
Every wardrobe should include a black slip dress.
7. THE BEST DESIGNER FLAT SHOES
Ballet flats are back, but the truth is they never left.
Loafers are one of the only styles of shoe you can comfortably wear all year round, so with that much pavement time, you're going to want a pair that goes the distance.
The Row's boots are set to be a hit for another year.
Miu Miu's cult loafers (seriously, everyone cool owns these right now) miraculously still have a few sizes in stock.
The ultimate pump.
8. THE BEST DESIGNER HANDBAGS
It's so difficult to choose between the raffia basket, the Flamenco pouch, the Gate crossbody and even the Luna, but our money is on the Puzzle bag for Loewe's best-selling bag of all time.
With fans such as Harry Styles and Cate Blanchett, the Jackie is reclaiming its status as an iconic bag for the ages.
Need a bag big enough to carry all of your essentials (and then some)? You just found it in this stylish shopper that will take you all the way through summer too.
If you're not lusting after a brown suede tote this year, what else are you doing?
You can spot The Row from a mile away. The sleek, minimalist designs are a sure sign that the wearer has serious taste. This tote is the ultimate in pure quiet luxury.
Elevate any outfit in seconds by adding this chic bag.
9. THE BEST DESIGNER OUTERWEAR
The khaki green was an instant hit, but there's a lot to love about the sleek black version.
If you're looking to invest in a camel coat, Max Mara is the iconic brand to buy from.
The ultimate wear-forever black tailored wool coat to make any and all outfits look stylish.
Spring is on the horizon, and you shouldn't be without an elevated trench coat.
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