These 7 Chic Basics Are the Backbone of My Fall and Winter Wardrobe
Here at Who What Wear, we are big fans of versatile basics that you can love for years to come. We're all about creating a capsule wardrobe that makes getting dressed easy while keeping you stylish. The key to this is finding which basics you love and wear the most. When I started thinking about this for myself, I realized there are seven basics that reign supreme during the fall and winter months: knee-high boots, straight-leg jeans, a long-sleeve fitted shirt, pumps, ballet flats, a cashmere sweater, and a leather belt. These seven basics are tried and true. I wear them all the time across work outfits, dinner dates, and weekend looks and often mix and match them with pieces I have in my closet already and all of the new pieces I continue to add.
Keep scrolling to shop the seven basics that are the backbone of my fall and winter wardrobe.
Cashmere Sweater
Let's be real—who doesn't love a good cashmere sweater? Every fall, I treat myself to a new one. They work for every cold-weather activity you can think of. Plus, they're so soft and luxe.
Pumps
If there is one thing I love, it's a good pair of pumps. Whether you're going to a holiday party, a dinner, an event, or the office, good pumps are coming to the rescue.
Straight-Leg Jeans
Of all the cuts of jeans, straight-leg jeans seem to be the fan favorite among fashion people and celebrities alike. They're maybe the one pair of jeans that Gen Z and millennials both adore. If you don't have a pair yet, run and buy two.
Knee-High Boots
Every fall and winter, I get so excited to bust out my knee-high boots. They add the perfect touch of sexy to a fall or winter outfit, which usually consists of oversize silhouettes and lots of layers. My knee-boot collection grows every year.
Leather Belt
I'd be completely lost without my leather belt. It's like the period at the end of a sentence and totally adds polish to a look. I can't wear a jeans-and-sweater outfit without them.
Long-Sleeve Fitted T-Shirt
Don't underestimate the power of a fitted long-sleeve top. It can be dressed up or down, you can wear it to work or on the weekend, and it's great for a travel day. You name it—this long-sleeve works, especially a boat-neck one.
Ballet Flats
These are the shoes of the moment. Everyone can't get enough of ballet flats right now, myself included. I'm personally obsessing over mesh ballet flats. (Don't worry—I listed a pair below.)
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Grace has always been a lover of all things fashion and beauty. Upon receiving her first degree in visual communications from FIDM in Los Angeles, she moved to New York City and continued her education at LIM College, majoring in fashion media with a minor in society and culture. Grace has worked for PhotoBook magazine, Insider, and Harper's Bazaar. As a writer, Grace has had pieces published covering topics including racial justice, fashion, politics, and current events. During her free time, she loves wine tasting, creating content for her social media, spending time with friends, traveling to new places, and Pilates, and has a love for reality television, especially The Real Housewives. Grace is the person in your friend group everyone goes to for recommendations for the best place to grab drinks in NYC on a Friday night or the best hotels and restaurants to try when traveling to a new city. While fashion is her main love, she loves all things wellness and lifestyle as well. Her ideal sunday is brunching with friends then walking around furniture shopping and listening to a podcast. As the assistant shopping editor at Who What Wear, Grace loves finding the best buys out there for the WWW readers.
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