7 Pretty Basics Celebrities Rely On for a Fashionable Wardrobe

Celebrities never shy away from looking "extra," even when they're not walking the red carpet. (Ahem, Rihanna's no-pants cardigan outfit at the airport, anyone?) But this group is also down with more classic vibes. In fact, we recently highlighted the basics celebs won't stop wearing this fall. Today, we're taking this narrative one step further and diving deep into the compliment-worthy basics A-listers consistently turn to for those fashionable looks.

We're talking about gorgeous staples like modern outerwear and vibrant knitwear that are seemingly basic (aka can be paired with a variety of items in a wardrobe) but have their own wow factor. So without further ado, keep scrolling to check out the pretty basics celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Amal Clooney, and Kendall Jenner rely on to elevate their looks. 

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Modern Blazer
(Image credit: Jawad Elatab/BACKGRID)

It's no secret that tossing a blazer over any outfit is the simplest way to bring polish to a look. Celebs like Rosie Huntington-Whiteley undoubtedly agree, and they often take that idea to the next level with bold tailoring featuring forward designs.

On Rosie Huntington-Whiteley: Jacquemus blazer, pants, and heels

Shop the staple:

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Sweaterdress
(Image credit: Backgrind)

Everybody needs a basic throw-on-and-go dress to create a flawless ensemble in a pinch—just ask Rihanna. This season, it's all about the non-standard sweaterdress with tie and slit details.

On Rihanna: Nanushka dress; Bottega Veneta clutch; Amina Mauddi heels

Shop the staple:

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Reworked Trench
(Image credit: Lastarpix/Backgrind)

A khaki trench is about as classic as it gets, but it's the reimagined silhouettes (with plaid accents, for example) that will bring that extra dose of elegance to your outerwear game.

On Hailey Bieber: J.W. Anderson Belted Trench Coat ($1645); Celine sunglasses; Nike x Fear of God sneakers

Shop the staple:

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Knee-High Boots
(Image credit: James Devaney/GC Images)

When it comes to footwear, knee-high boots take the cake this fall as the most gorgeous shoe for an elegant vibe. We're all about Kendall Jenner's glossy black pair, but faux-snakeskin and leopard boots also reign supreme right now.

On Kendall Jenner: Ports 1961 dress; Staud bag; Jacquemus Les Bottes Pantalon Boots ($1180)

Shop the staple:

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Printed Layering Turtlenecks
(Image credit: Pierre Suu/GC Image)

Sure, your standard black or white turtleneck will always work for your cold-weather layering needs, but it's the more vibrant, printed styles that are sweeping the celeb world as an easy way to accent an everyday ensemble.

Who: Jasmine Tookes

Shop the staple:

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Patterned Pencil Skirts
(Image credit: Felipe Ramales/SplashNews.com)

A pencil skirt is one of the sleekest essentials for the office with a blouse and blazer (or out on the weekends with a tee and moto jacket). While those neutral styles will never go out, eye-catching patterned cuts that will really take your look to the next level.

On Katie Holmes: Acne Studios Checked Skirt ($540); 3.1 Phillip Lim bag; Christian Louboutin heels

Shop the staple:

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Colorful Outerwear
(Image credit: Elder Ordonez/SplashNews.com)

We'd never tell you to ditch your timeless black peacoat, but this season, consider storing it in favor of a stunning colorful pick (still in a classic silhouette) to upgrade any of your cold-weather looks.

On Amal Clooney: Bottega Veneta dress; Proenza Schouler Bonded Cotton Trench Coat ($2750); Dior bag and heels

Shop the staple:

Next, check out the must-have shoe trends celebrities won't stop wearing this fall.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.