6 Easy (and Affordable) Ways to Make All Your Basics Look Very "2023"

Fashion month's street style is usually the center of jaw-dropping moments. Fashion editors, influencers, and buyers are spotted in extravagant accessories, full-designer looks, and anything that makes a statement. While many still took the maximal approach, I noticed a shift as I spotted others using small but mighty styling tricks to add a designated "oomph" to their basics—colorful socks, sheer tights, and substantial layering to name a few. I couldn't help but take notes, as I'm always looking for more accessible ways to take my outfits to the next level. 

Wearability was a common theme both on and off the runway, so it seems like the perfect time to give your basics a little extra love this season. You probably already have T-shirts, belts, and tights in your closet. And below, you'll find the tricks you need to make all of them feel more of-the-moment. Sometimes, trends can feel out of reach, but the six below are right here for you to try. Keep scrolling to read about the styling trends that hold the WWW-approved trifecta: trendy, wearable, and affordable

1. Wear Two Belts, Not Just One

updating-basics-trends-305765-1677462811306-main

(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

A belt already has the ability to elevate a look, so two belts definitely add that extra trend-forward touch you might be looking for. 

2. Put On a Colorful Pair of Socks

updating-basics-trends-305765-1677464202700-main

(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Even if you're someone who usually doesn't play around with color, this styling trick is easy enough for you to give it a shot. Pair bright-colored socks of your choice (red and blue seem to be fashion favorites) with slingbacks, ballet flats, and mules. They'll stand out best against a neutral ensemble. 

3. Layer Your T-Shirts Together

updating-basics-trends-305765-1677462986289-main

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

The current state of T-shirt layering may not be exactly how it was in the early 2000s, but it's much chicer. 

4. Add a Rosette Accessory

updating-basics-trends-305765-1677464379560-main

(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Rosettes have been the subject of many conversations here at Who What Wear, and the trend continues to gain traction among the fashion set. Spotted on the red carpet, street style, and runways, this "pretty" trend is a simple way to make your outfit more alluring.

5. Stack Gold and Silver Jewelry

updating-basics-trends-305765-1677463615753-main

(Image credit: @CHANELMCKINSIE)

Stacking jewelry is always a sure way to update your basics, but mixing metals just adds that extra flair. Whether you're team gold or team silver, it's time to call a truce and give this jewelry trend a try.

6. Layer Sheer Tights Under Your Skirts

updating-basics-trends-305765-1677464168664-main

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

I used to try to brave the cold without tights under my maxi skirts because I thought it would ruin my look, but I was clearly wrong. If anything, it ends up making the look even better. Fishnet tights were also spotted on Tory Burch's F/W 23 runway if you want an even trendier approach.

Next, These Will Be the Most Popular Spring Jewelry Trends, Hands Down

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.