I Have Enough Basics—30 Statement Items My Wardrobe's Craving For Spring
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one editor, staffer, or influencer shares their top 30 must-haves or current wish-list items.
As a lifelong advocate of the minimalist aesthetic, my wardrobe is stocked full of basics of all price points and quality levels. I have bulk-bought Hanes T-shirts and $180 Tibi ones; $40 Levi's from the Goodwill bins and a nearly $500 Khaite pair; and Uniqlo trenches from the clearance section as well as one hand-me-down Burberry. All that's to say, my selection of basics is stacked and not really in need of anything new. It's complete. What I don't own, however, are statement items. And while the minimalist in me wants to shrug that realization off, something deep inside is compelling me to go big on my next purchase, with visions of velvet, bright red and pink hues, and daring shapes all slipping into my mind every time I sit down to shop. It's distracting, which is exactly why I've decided to tackle the problem head on.
For the last week, I've spent every last one of my many shopping breaks searching for bolder, louder, and even sometimes weirder pieces than I'd ever usually go for, all of which, if added into my closet, would do wonders to balance out my otherwise neutral wardrobe. A touch of red, a chunky earring, a silver leather pencil skirt, and a pair of hot pants all crossed my path in the process, with each one subsequently making its way onto the wishlist below. Scroll down to see what else made the cut. If you're anything like me, maybe your closet could, too, use a bit of flashiness.
These satin kitten heels have everyone in the New York City Who What Wear office talking.
I'm not usually into patterns but this pink midi skirt is calling out to me.
I wore the black version of this bulky knit sweater with puffy sleeves and wow, it's a work of art.
The perfect drop earrings don't exist... oh wait.
I was seriously ogling this distressed moto jacket at COS the other day.
Hot pants for spring! Hear all about it!
These are shockingly comfortable, massively viral, and the perfect statement piece to add to a boring outfit. Talk about a triple whammy.
I'm convinced that if I buy this sheer, mesh top, I'll never be sad again.
A giant ear cuff? You don't have to ask this newfound statement-fashion lover twice.
When I tell you that Tibi's new Tuck jeans are everything, you should take my word for it. The shape is so different and cool.
Bad hair days are gone forever.
Was I drooling? My bad.
This is 2024's top bag so far, and I don't see anyone de-throaning it anytime soon.
A statement this sheer, lace dress absolutely makes.
If you thought the yellow Mexico 66 sneakers were cool, you need to get yourself a pair of these silver ones.
The color really does it for me.
Whenever an outfit starts to feel only ok, add some long, leather gloves. It always does the trick.
Did I just find the perfect affordable cat-eye sunglasses? Yes, yes I did.
This leather skirt owns my entire heart. It really is as good as it looks—no, it's better.
I stumbled across this bubblegum-pink velvet jacket a few weeks back and it's been chipping away at my financial will ever since.
A sheer, lace top needs to be a part of my spring and summer vacation plans.
The pop of red your jewelry collection's been asking for—found.
Capri pants are back, baby!
Nothing makes a statement quite like patent-leather stiletto sock boots.
My coworker Anna Laplaca has these and every one on the team is extremely jealous.
Wear it on its own, tie it around your shoulders, or let it peak out of your bag—any way the cookie crumbles, this sweater will assist you in creating a really great outfit.
A pillow-like Prada miniskirt pretty much buys itself.
A black blazer would normally fall into the basics bucket instead of the statement one, but the exaggerated nature of the waist on this particular option makes made it switch sides.
My Instagram saved folder right now is stacked with cool, interesting ways to wear white tights.
These might just be the coolest shoes ever made, and no, I'm not exaggerating.
