6 Items That Aren't Really "Basics" But Should Be

Whether it be for fall, another season, or year-round, we all know the typical checklist for fashion basics. It includes (but isn’t limited to) tees, jeans, button-downs, sneakers, and more. However, there are certain pieces not on those lists that—within my own wardrobe, among our editorial team, and throughout the fashion industry at large—are, at this point, so common and essential they’re due for an upgrade. Sure, they seemed just like regular trends at first, but when something sticks around long enough or makes a big impression within a short amount of time, it deserves to be recategorized accordingly.

As you probably guessed, today, I’m here to show, tell, and sell you on six such pieces. From shackets to sweater sets, these are the cool, new "basics” every fashion person is wearing on repeat. Trust me—you won’t regret investing in these. To see everything that made the cut, learn how they’re being styled, and, of course, shop them along the way, simply keep scrolling.

1. Shackets

stylish-wardrobe-staples-295598-1633545974148-image

(Image credit: @dinahansen)

I own more of these than I'm willing to admit, so let's just say they better be considered basics soon.

2. Knit Vests

stylish-wardrobe-staples-295598-1633545973380-image

(Image credit: @basicstouch)

You may have noticed that these are back, but in case you were unsure, they don't seem to be going away anytime soon. Wear it alone or over a long-sleeve shirt, depending on the climate.

3. Preppy Miniskirts

stylish-wardrobe-staples-295598-1633545973915-image

(Image credit: @laurencrowe88)

This piece is all over my feed and slowly taking over my closet. Moreover, it's actually quite classic, so you won't regret investing in one.

4. Sweater Sets

stylish-wardrobe-staples-295598-1633545973662-image

(Image credit: @claire_most)

Whether you opt for a neutral or standout shade, you need one of these sets in your wardrobe.

5. Oversize Blazers

stylish-wardrobe-staples-295598-1633545974331-image

(Image credit: @lindatol_)

If it doesn't look at least two sizes too big, I'm not interested.

6. Going-Out Knits

stylish-wardrobe-staples-295598-1633545974487-image

(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

Don't call it a sweater—it's so much more than that!

Next: 8 Fall Outfits NYC Girls Are Actually Wearing Right Now

Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.