Since I often gravitate toward a uniform approach to dressing, I've always loved basics—the foundation of any wardrobe, but especially of a minimalist one. I recently wrote about the updated summer basics of 2026, including boatneck tops, colorful t-shirts, black slip dresses, white cotton dresses, capris, cropped flares, and knee-length skirts. While working on that story, I started thinking about the brands I rely on most for high-quality basics—and the ones I hear fellow editors mention time and again.
The first that came to mind was Flore Flore, which is available on Net-a-Porter and is easily one of the basics labels our editors talk about most. Then there's the basic I've personally been reaching for nonstop lately: CDLP's ribbed stretch Lyocell-and-cotton-blend T-shirt. Also on Net-a-Porter, they makes some of the softest, most comfortable tops I own.
Beyond Net-a-Porter, last summer, I picked up my first Cou Cou pieces from Revolve—a pointelle midi dress and a matching tank-and-midi-skirt set—and they've become some of the most-worn items in my warm-weather rotation. I've even heard a few colleagues say that Cou Cou is the only underwear they wear. Revolve also stocks Enza Costa, known for staples like its Bias Slip Dress and Everyday Pant, as well as the L.A.-based label Rue Sophie and Australia's St. Agni.
For more retailer-specific recommendations, I'd say Baserange and Matteau at Ssense; Donni at Shopbop; and Almina Concept, Leset, Vir Vita, Loulou de Saison, and Skims at Nordstrom. Others that consistently come up among fashion editors include Kotn, Los Angeles Apparel, J.Crew, Gap, and Organic Basics. Ahead, shop the brands we go to for high-quality basics.
Shop Editor-Favorite High-Quality Basics
Flore Flore
CDLP
Almina Concept
Leset
Loulou de Saison
Vir Vita
Cou Cou
Enza Costa
Rue Sophie
Baserange
Matteau
Donni
Kotn
St. Agni
Los Angeles Apparel
J.Crew
Gap
Reyèm
Tank Air
Organic Basics
