It's Only January, But Londoners Are Already Relying on These 6 Elevated Basics to Look Chic in 2026

Granted, wardrobe basics aren’t the most thrilling pieces to invest in, but they’re essential to building everyday outfits. Unless, of course, you plan on wearing your eveningwear to the office, the supermarket and on weekend walks? I thought not. Yet, as with almost every fashion find, not all basics deliver the same results.

While grey sweatshirts, trainers and cosy jogging bottoms all fall under the basics umbrella, it’s elevated basics I'm really after right now—the kind of pieces that work just as well at the office as they do at brunch, leaving you feeling effortlessly put-together rather than lazy.

Think crisp white T-shirts—always ironed, of course—navy tailored trousers, cosy brown wool coats and even red cardigans: proof that basics needn’t be boring. And who does elevated basics best? Well, Londoners, of course. Want to know more? Scroll on to see the elevated basics stylish Londoners have already added to their 2026 rotations.

London Girl Elevated Basics 2026:

1. Navy Tailored Trousers

Style Notes: If you've already got a pair (or three) of black trousers in your wardrobe, think of navy as a slightly softer alternative. Opt for a shape that best suits your style—whether it's a wide-leg, cropped, or even a culotte—and pair with soft greys, creams and browns for an effortlessly elevated look.

Shop the Look:

2. Crisp White T-shirt

Style Notes: There are very few fashion items I'd class as an actual need, but a white T-shirt is one of them. While Monikh makes a case for layering them over a longer top, I'd also recommend styling alone, under a V-neck jumper, or even a turtleneck on particularly chilly days.

Shop the Look:

3. Black Turtleneck

Style Notes: Swapping a classic crewneck for a turtleneck is one easy way to elevate any outfit. While red, grey, and cream shades are all popular, black is a universal failsafe for every occasion—the office, included.

Shop the Look:

4. Brown Wool Coat

Style Notes: Bundling up to battle the cold weather can often leave our outfits looking a little, well, scruffy. And while I'm a big fan of a puffer coat and oversized scarf, they don't quite work for more formal-feeling occasions. Instead, turn to a structured wool coat in a brown shade that pairs effortlessly with almost every other colour.

Shop the Look:

5. Red Cardigan

Style Notes: Basics needn't be solely refined to neutral shades, and Karina makes a compelling case for a cosy red cardigan. Whether worn with jeans, black trousers, or even a leather skirt, it's one easy way to brighten up any look.

Shop the Look:

6. Straight-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Jeans trends are often hard to keep up with, but if elevated basics is the key focus then few cuts can rival a classic straight-leg. Fuss-free, easy to style and formal enough to work in a number of office environments, this is the denim trend that's essentially timeless.

Shop the Look: