When it comes to the foundational pieces in a wardrobe, basics reign supreme. After all, it's these simple items that more or less act as the anchors in any A+ outfit, with the ability to balance out those more trend-driven pieces. So naturally, we live in a range of these top-notch basics. While we routinely cover the staples we're loving—jeans, classic sweaters, easy outerwear picks, and so on—we thought we'd take the next few moments to showcase some of the fresh basics we're adding to our closets now.
Essentially, it's the pieces in question that will become the sartorial building blocks in our wardrobes in 2021. With all that in mind, keep scrolling to uncover a range of our favorite basics and next-level basics that could pique your interest. You never know, one of the items coming your way could just become one of your new go-to staples.
Shackets
"The shacket trend makes so much sense for winter 2020, so I couldn't help but jump on the train myself. Comfortable, warm, and chic? Yes, yes, and yes. For some reason, I was a little hesitant to buy a fashion version, though, so I headed straight to the men's department on Amazon and found this winner for $25. It comes in a ton of colors, and it is really warm. I started sweating taking this picture in my dining room. I got a size small, and I think it looks best a bit oversize."—Kat Collings, editor in chief
Shop more shackets:
Ribbed Dresses
"I'm all about comfy knit dresses right now—a welcome alternative to my sweats. They're easy to wear with a pair of chunky boots or slippers alike. I'm particularly loving stretchy ribbed knit styles. This one from Zara is super soft, comfy, and elevated."—Judith Jones, market editor
Shop more dresses:
Crew-Neck Sweatshirts
"I am currently obsessed with crew-neck sweatshirts. I find that they are the perfect addition to any pair of jeans, fun printed pants, or my large assortment of sweatpants (which I pretty much live in at the moment). This particular option from Amazon has every color in the book, and yes, my goal is to get them all."—Lauren Eggertsen, senior fashion editor
Shop more sweatshirts:
Joggers
"Baggy sweats are obviously comfortable, but I feel so sloppy in them sometimes. These joggers are a great alternative—just as comfortable but with a much slimmer fit. The waistband doesn't dig in at all and they're so soft."—Allyson Payer, senior editor
Shop more joggers:
Colorful Button-Down Shirts
"When I tell you this top looks and feels so luxurious, I mean it. The satin fabric is beautiful and feels really comfortable to wear. Also, I'm not sure the photo does it justice, but the mossy green color is so good."—Anna LaPlaca, associate editor
Shop more blouses:
Layering Tanks
"I fell in love with Sami Miró's pieces, and this deconstructed tank top has become a new favorite layering piece in my wardrobe."—Kristen Nichols, senior editor
Shop more tanks:
Next, check out basics that look chic with jeans.
-
What to Buy for Fall If You Don't Want to Regret It Next Year (or the Year After)Investments only.
-
The Top 10 Things to Buy This September If You Want Cooler Outfits and More ComplimentsFall is in full swing.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 FindsSo, so good.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your BuckStellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)Here's to effortless outfits.
-
Don't Blame Me If They Sell Out While You Read This—35 Chic Zara Finds That Need Your Immediate AttentionThese won't be around for long.
-
I'm an Experienced Fashion Editor—I Predict These 32 New Arrivals Will Sell Out by FallTake my word for it.
