If you were to get a glimpse at my closet you would see that my loyalty to fashion basics runs deep. I can't help it—as a mother of two little ones, dependable, stylish pieces make it super easy to get dressed in the morning. That's not to say that I don't like to have a little fun along the way—I am all about injecting fun basics into my usual outfit rotation.
In fact, I get a sartorial thrill when I come across a piece that fits the bill. It's often unexpected. Sometimes it happens while I shop my usual online haunts or even while perusing my favorite style muses on my Instagram feed. Nothing compares to landing on a classic with a twist. This season's highlights for me so far are all about subtle details like ruffles, micro pleats, cheeky earrings, cutouts, square-toed shoes, and much more. Keep scrolling to shop 29 fun basics I have my eye on at the moment. Trust me—it's taking a lot of strength from me to not add all of these to my virtual cart.
Shop:
Mango
Cotton Trench Coat With Quilted Lining
Rather than your usual tan trench coat, give a cool green option a try. Bonus points if it's on the longer side.
Who What Wear Collection
Matilda Wavy Ribbed Cardigan
Here for the waves and the '90s Gwyneth Paltrow vibes. Wear with the matching skirt for the ultimate look.
Agolde
Crisscross Upsized Jeans
Here's a pair of��straight-cut jeans with a fun twist.
H&M
Oversized Shirt Dress
Try a striped shirtdress rather than a solid color. For a more fashion-forward boost, wear over pants or jeans.
H&M
Ribbed Tank Top
Rather than a basic tank top, I'm opting for a more modern racerback cut instead.
Citizens of Humanity
Rianne Top
Oh, hello, peekaboo shoulder. I can see this worn with jeans or a cool midi skirt.
Who What Wear Collection
Haley Corset Bodysuit
Upgrade your usual black crewneck bodysuit for this standout option.
Mango
Pocket Tweed Jacket
A French-inspired black tweed jacket can easily take the place of a basic black blazer from time to time.
Mango
Leather Loafers With Chain
Instead of your usual loafers try an edgy square-toe version with chunky chain detailing.
River Island
Houndstooth Check Fitted Dad Blazer
I am super into oversize blazers lately, as they give more dimension than the usual silhouette.
Everlane
The Pleated Turtleneck
This turtleneck is a major upgrade to the usual style with its pleats and ruffled neck.
Rixo
Kelly Floral-Print Silk-Chiffon Midi Skirt
A bold midi skirt helps to inject some print and color. Help ground the statement piece with a neutral cardigan and simple slide sandals.
H&M
Collared Sweater
A classic striped sweater is great, but shake things up with a cool collared option.
Young Fabulous & Broke
High Tea Dress
The subtle side cutouts make this dress standout among the other puff-sleeve styles.
Tory Sport
Oversized Shell-Trimmed Color-Block Fleece Jacket
Lately, I've been living in solid color fleeces, but I am very into this one's colorblock details.
Who What Wear
Pearlina Sandals
Strappy sandals are everywhere this season making them a basic in my book, but a different color like this light blue makes helps them stand out from the crowd.
Dragon Diffusion
Nantucket Woven-Leather Basket Bag
I'll take this interesting woven tote bag over my usual black leather go-to.
Mango
Striped Cotton T-Shirt
Is it weird that I get a subtle thrill out of striped shirts that aren't black and white? Love this tan take on the classic.
Loewe
Cubi Anagram Leather-Trimmed Tote
I can't help but covet Monikh's stamped Loewe bag. It's most definitely a splurge, but I can totally see getting a lot of wear out of the style.
Everlane
The Perform 24/7 Stirrup Leggings
Stirrup leggings add some flair to your usual leggings uniform.
Mango
Leather Jelly Shoes
Fisherman sandals are ahead of the fashion curve this season.
H&M
Rib-Knit Dress
I'm here for chocolate brown dresses this season. It's a nice break from the usual black number.
Anissa Kermiche
Le Derrière Gold-Plated Single Earring
Anissa Kermiche has the cheekiest designs (no pun intended), and this little guy is a quirky substitute for your everyday studded earrings.
Who What Wear Collection
Brooke Tie-Front Pullover Sweater
This sweater gives the pullover trend an even more interesting neckline.
Rixo
Montana Checked Cotton-Jersey Nightdress
How fun is this checkered nightdress? Some may even be bold enough to wear it as an actual look.
Le Specs
Outta Love Sunglasses
A bold pair of sunglasses in an interesting shape and color other than black cat-eyes is one easy way to add a little spice.
Mango
Printed Bow Dress
Opt for a fun graphic print wrap dress and wear with edgy shoes for the maximum effect.
All Access
Tempo Cropped Tank
As I mentioned earlier, I am super in chocolate browns as of late, so why not incorporate that into my activewear collection as well?
Jennifer Camp Forbes is a senior shopping editor at Who What Wear, where she has worked in a variety of capacities including creative director and various editor roles. She’s a well-known shopping expert that’s sought out for advice and insight on the latest trends, outfit ideas, and fashion picks thanks to her thoughtful shopping roundups. Jennifer's lifelong interest in fashion led her to intern at Harper’s Bazaar as an undergraduate. Later, while working towards her masters degree in psychological counseling at Columbia University, she founded two digital fashion publications: Le Fashion and Olsens Anonymous. The popularity of both sites grew and after graduation she decided put her plans to become a therapist aside to pursue a career in fashion.