What I love most about NYC is that it is a melting pot of cultures, foods, aesthetics, noises, etc. It's a place where people come to reinvent and explore themselves. Perhaps the most notable way they do so is through fashion. Recently, the city has unveiled a peculiar yet intriguing trend that showcases its mishmash of styles perfectly: subversive basics.
I have had an affinity for off-kilter yet cool pieces because they elevate an outfit in an instant, but I've noticed others taking a liking to subversive basics in my Brooklyn neighborhood, which is a mini runway some days, and downtown Manhattan. I've seen plaid boxers turned into spiral skirts endorsed by style icon Chloë Sevigny, fashion people wearing shorts with belt loops as the hemline, and Paloma Elsesser and Charli XCX wearing T-shirts turned into tube tops.
Wearing clothing that reverses or subverts its original function feels, to me, like an excellent way to express that you're a fashion person. Fashion has never been about fitting in, and subversive clothing supports that notion. Labels like Sacai, Simkhai, and Hodakova are in the lead for the most innovative designs. Each brand's design codes are rooted in subversion in one way or another, and it's fascinating to see them IRL just on my block. On my screens, I've had the pleasure of getting even more outfit inspiration from influencers who are catching on to unique, sometimes weird, and eye-catching basics.
If you're into subversive basics like Sevigny and Charli, keep scrolling to show that you're a fashion person.
Subversive Basics Inspiration From Around the Globe
Shop Subversive Basics
This skirt has been calling my name.
This proves inside-out clothes aren't always embarrassing.
A button-down turned into a wrap shirt moment.
No need to throw on two pairs of jeans when you have these.
Simple but so cool.
This sweater will get you a ton of compliments.
This is perfect for the transitional weather.
Feeling upside-down? Wear these shorts.
This is weird in the best way.
The hoodie detail isn't your average denim jacket and gray hoodie fuse.
This is perfect on its own but can be a great layering piece as well.
A little earring on my bag? Absolutely.
This skirt will get gasps and compliments in the office.
T-shirt dresses never looked so elegant.
I did buy this recently with a gift card I was saving for the perfect splurge.
I'm all for two-toned pieces and two fused pieces.
The cutouts and print are an NYC cool girl's dream.
Vivienne Westwood will never fail in the subversive basics category.
This is the cousin of the plain white T-shirt.
This is such a steal.
Chloë Sevigny influenced me.
A simple yet interesting waist detail never hurts.
The exposed lining on these shorts reminiscent of a striped button-down is such a lovely touch.
I love hoodies, and this one is next on my wish list.
I've never thought of blending suiting and athletic shorts, but here we are.
-
I'm a Stylist Who Travels Constantly—This Is All I Want to Wear After a Long TripFirst-class comfort.
-
Not Snakeskin, Not Croc—These Two Underrated Animal Prints Are Quietly Staging a Fashion CoupFrom J.Crew to Khaite.
-
25 Elevated Basics Worthy of a Fashion Person's Closet From Gap, Banana Republic, and Old NavyWho's in need of closet refresh?
-
H&M Just Dropped a $40 Version of The Row's Winter Flats I Keep Seeing on Chic New YorkersA sellout is imminent.
-
The 30 Items Set to Define Winter 2025 FashionWhat to buy before the temperatures drop.
-
My Sister Asked Me What She Should Buy From Amazon—30 Fashionable Items I SuggestedBasically, everything on my Black Friday wish list.
-
I've Worked at Who What Wear for 10+ Years—Here's My Fall 2025 Shopping List for Cool and Classic StyleI won't lead you astray.
-
Yes, Affordable Cashmere Lounge Sets Do Exist—These Are the 17 Best OnesThese will sell out fast.
