If I wrote you a list today of all the fashion basics you should own, it would probably look pretty similar to the same list I could have written you five or even 10 years ago. The thing is, while what we consider "the essentials” doesn’t really change, the clout and relevance of individual items do increase and minimize, often quite significantly, over time. That’s how we end up with certain basics that feel, at times, as important as trend pieces, with others act more as backup cast members.
So what are the cool basics I’m living in at the moment? You’re about to find out. There’s a little suiting, a bag moment, boots (naturally), and of course a lot of styling inspiration below, too. Whether it’s for work, weekends, or nights out, just keep scrolling to read about the five pieces I’ve been living in lately, and shop my picks along the way.
1. Oversize Blazers
Oversize blazers are the sartorial gift that keeps on giving in that they look good with everything—even sweatpants—and the options just keep getting better with each new season.
Shop oversize blazers:
2. Button-Downs
Whether they're worn under a jacket with the collar out, layered in an interesting way, or on their own, button-downs are suddenly back on every fashion girl's radar—myself included.
Shop button-downs:
3. Knee Boots
I love a shoe trend that looks polished for work and still cool for a nighttime engagement, and that's just what the knee-boot revival promises. Whether you style them with trousers, jeans, skirts, or dresses, you can't go wrong.
Shop knee boots:
4. Trench Coats
Whether it's a leather trench or a checked style, I've been living in this recently revived staple and will only continue to lean on it more when spring comes and I don't have to layer under them to stay warm.
Shop trench coats:
5. Big Bags
As a longtime devotee to the mini bag, I never thought I'd be wearing big hobos and oversize clutches again, let alone out to dinner, but the new wave of oversize handbags just feels so fresh it's hard to resist.
Shop big bags:
Next: nine basic outfits our editors wear over and over again.