I Don't Think I'll Wear These Basics Much in 2022

When a new year kicks off, my attention often shifts to my sartorial habits and how my style might evolve in the coming months. I typically start going through my closet to uncover those items I'm going to store away or donate and then map out which pieces I may want to swap in to keep my vibe feeling fresh.

Well, I recently sorted through part of my wardrobe and realized that there are a few basics, in particular, that I probably won't be wearing as much in 2022. There's certainly nothing wrong with said items, but I'm just not as into them and favor other silhouettes instead. Of course, though, I fully believe that you should wear whatever you love, despite what anyone else thinks.

That said, if you are looking for a bit of inspiration as you kick off the new year, the elevated-basics shopping list below could be of interest. Keep scrolling to check out the items I'm into as well as those I'm not loving as much. There's also a range of styling references and product recommendations.

Wearing: Quilted Jackets

Won't Wear as Much: Fitted Denim Jackets

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm still all about my looser denim jackets, but I'm not as into the fitted silhouettes at the moment. In fact, what I really love is the quilted-jacket trend for a versatile and forward choice.

Wearing: Classic Skinny Jeans and Straight-Leg Jeans

Won't Wear as Much: Distressed Skinny Jeans

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

Skinny jeans will always be timeless in my eyes. That said, the super-distressed styles don't make me as excited. I'm more into classic silhouettes or straight-leg blue jeans.

Wearing: Relaxed Shirts

Won't Wear as Much: Fitted Shirts

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(Image credit: @honeybelleworld)

I'm so feeling the oversize button-downs that have been popular recently. I have one standout pick, but I want to add a few more into my rotation to replace some of my fitted silhouettes.

Wearing: Slouchy Sweaters

Won't Wear as Much: Standard V-Neck Sweaters

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(Image credit: @symphonyofsilk)

I'm storing away my standard-fitting V-neck sweaters. The more relaxed versions or even looser crew-neck sweaters and those cable-knit pieces just work better for my current style.

Wearing: Oversize Blazers

Won't Wear as Much: Shrunken Blazers

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(Image credit: @kingharriet52)

The oversize blazer still reigns supreme in my eyes as a way to bring a modern spin to any look. So in 2022, I'll be opting for my slouchier blazers rather than shrunken styles.

Wearing: Wider-Leg Trousers

Won't Wear as Much: Skinny Trousers

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(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Cigarette or skinner trousers aren't my thing at the moment. But those wider-leg, looser pants are quite chic in my eyes.

Next, check out more elevated basics.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.