9 Basic Outfits Our Editors Wear Over and Over Again
Everyone’s got that one outfit that they repeat more than they’d like to admit. Whether it’s a comfort-zone thing or a matter of not having ample time (or coffee) to think before stepping out in the morning, we all need that fail-safe 'fit that we know won’t disappoint, or worse, flop.
The funny thing, however, is that every person’s go-to look is unique—even if the difference is ever-so-slight (such as opting for a blazer and jeans with a tee versus a turtleneck, or loafers instead of boots). And the great thing about that is that we can always learn from others. That’s why I’ve asked my fellow Who What Wear editors to weigh in today on the basic outfits they wear over and over again to inspire not just myself but you, our readers, too. As always, they didn’t disappoint, so to see, read about, and shop all nine of the looks, including my own, just keep scrolling.
Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour, senior market editor
I've come to learn that it's really hard to mess up an outfit with no colors in it. So whenever I'm in a pinch, I put on black pants (in this case faux leather), black boots, and a white top. Throw on a simple sweater or jacket as needed, and you really can't go wrong.
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Kristen Nichols, managing editor
"If I'm getting ready and don't have time to put together a new look, I always reach for a foolproof outfit formula that I know will work. Recently, that's been turtleneck and jeans worn with a blazer and ankle boots. Nothing makes me feel pulled together faster."
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Allyson Payer, senior editor
"I wear jeans 85% of the time (unless it's summer), usually with a tucked-in tee or sweater and some sort of cool coat or jacket and ankle boots. I try to mix things up, but I always just want to be wearing this."
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Kat Collings, editor in chief
"My go-to outfit during winter and transition to spring is a turtleneck plus a pair of pants, topping off the look with a third piece. In this scenario, that was a vegan-leather button-down on top. Otherwise, I'll throw a sweater on top or a jacket. Since the outfit is made up primarily of basics, a pair of statement shoes jazzes up the look."
Bobby Schuessler, senior market editor
"Okay, ignore the bag here, but clothing-wise, this pretty much sums up my go-to basic outfit. I wear this look—a sweatshirt, moto jacket, black jeans, and boots—at least three times per week because it's easy and always cool (in my eyes at least)."
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Judith Jones, market editor
"I basically live in straight-leg jeans and beige blazers. (I have an embarrassingly large collection of both.) I'll usually layer a basic white tee, turtleneck, or blouse underneath the blazer depending on the day. A pair of modern loafers are my go-to shoes of choice to finish the look. A basic formula but always a winner."
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Anna LaPlaca, associate editor
"I rely on my wardrobe basics a ton to put together outfits that are easy but still really cool, and the base to so many of them is a pair of rigid, high-rise jeans like this Reformation pair. Then I'll add in a crisp white tee, basic ankle boots, and a leather jacket to pull it all together and, depending on my mood, play around with different accessories and jewelry."
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Lauren Eggertsen, senior fashion editor
"This might not look like the most 'basic' outfit due to the printed top, but I promise you it's so easy to re-create. Leather pants have become a fresh basic in my wardrobe this season. I try to wear them when I feel a bit bored of my jeans or when I need to jazz up a white tee. I also wear my trench coats on a regular basis. Whether I'm layering them underneath a heavier coat (NY life) or on their own as a lightweight topper, I find their timeless nature suits so much of my wardrobe. "
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Erin Fitzpatrick, senior news editor
"I always, always start with jeans and a white tee. From there, I add an interesting blazer or sweater—maybe it's a plaid Ganni blazer, a quilted House of Sunny jacket, or, in this case, a tweed Maje sweater. Since I'm tall, I'm usually wearing flats or block heels, so I love the Mary Jane trend right now. Easy, peasy."
Next: We Asked Our Favorite Curvy Influencers For Their Lingerie Picks.
This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated.
Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.
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