Like most people, I have a love-hate relationship with my closet. All those years of buying sequin-covered blazers and flower-printed palazzo pants have caught up to me. When looking at my wardrobe, I feel like I have nothing to wear. Naturally, that’s a bald-faced lie—my closet is practically a black hole, overflowing with an endless array of options. But when I open my dresser every morning and try to pick out something to wear, I’m finding myself struggling more than usual. More likely than not, it’s because I’m missing timeless basics to round out my outfits.
Much has been said about how to implement a capsule wardrobe (a series of versatile, key basics that are meant to combine with nearly every piece of clothing you own) and how it’s the demise of individuality: it’s too basic, too neutral, and too boring. Let’s be real, though, nothing is quite as easy as throwing a white T-shirt over jeans. Elevated blouses, immaculately tailored pants, and elegant jackets are the foundation of a chic wardrobe. While switching out my key clothing pieces for what I’m dubbing "fashion people fall,” I spent the entire afternoon on Shopbop hunting for the best basic pieces to add to my cart and my wish list to reference later.
Thankfully, the retailer is just as much of a fan of wardrobe essentials as I am. Here’s your guide to more than 30 of the best elevated (and affordable!) basics I’m eyeing at the moment.
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Lioness
Palermo Blazer
Who doesn’t love a timeless black blazer?
Agolde
90's Pinch Waist High Rise Straight Jeans
Denim never goes out of style.
Pistola Denim
Drea Sweater
Chocolate knits are a must-have for your capsule wardrobe to come.
Something Navy
Long Sleeve Lettuce Edge Top
An everyday long-sleeve for the colder months.
Lioness
La Quinta Pant
Call this the Matilda Djerf effect, but slacks go with everything.
Line & Dot
Blair Off Shoulder Sweater
Cold shoulders are here to stay.
Likely
Eila Dress
Perfect for a vacation-ready moment.
Rails
Shae Polo Sweater
This black top is a classic stand-alone piece and an option to layer with.
SER.O.YA
Artemis Top
This size-inclusive pick is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Good American
Disco v Neck Body
An everyday black V-neck.
Avec Les Filles
Mixed Plaid Double Breasted Blazer
This patterned blazer may be basic, but it’s not boring.
BlankNYC
Left on Read Denim Belted Jacket
Wear this belted jean jacket over a classic white tee for an effortless look.
English Factory
Corduroy Shacket
It’s shacket season, and you can’t miss this cream classic.
Afrm
Benassi Dress
All you need is a black midi dress.
SER.O.YA
Starling Dress
This teddy dress may be the coziest basic I've ever found.
Pistola Denim
Grover Jumpsuit
This denim utility suit is quick, easy, and fun.
Line & Dot
Bershka Vest
Emma Chamberlain is obsessed with knit vests, so naturally, I am too. are on the top of my shopping wish list.
Moon River
Bomber Jacket
The color combination on this jacket is divine.
Good American
The Weekender Jeans
Good American makes the best size-inclusive jeans, period.
Ganni
Striped Ribbed Dress
Ganni always makes the chicest basics.
Something Navy
Twist Front Button Up
A (literal) twist on a classic white button-down.
Kule
Boyfriend Tee
Stripes are one of the most versatile prints to have in your wardrobe.
Rails
Elin Quilted Jacket
Quilted jackets are by far my favorite fall trend, and this chic, army-green Rails one is perfect for transitional weather weeks.
Ayr
The French Fry Tee
This elevated basic is French girl–approved.
Z Supply
Adrienne Button Up Top
A timeless, no-frills pick.
Levi's
Dad Utility Jeans
Levis are always a good idea.
Dl1961
Zita Shirt
Relaxed shirting is everywhere right now.
Madewell
(Re)Sponsible Cashmere Turtleneck
Everyone deserves a classic cashmere sweater in their closet.
Citizens of Humanity
Emannuelle Low Rise Boot Jeans
The cut on these jeans is perfect for an extra retro flair.
Free People
Emmy Swing Puffer
I’m always a proponent of a big, fluffy puffer jacket.
Z Supply
Mason Coat
The subtle houndstooth pattern makes this coat perfect to spice things up.
Free People
Nothin to Say Pleated Trousers
These Free People pants can be worn with the chunkiest of sweaters or with a simple, black tank.
Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.