8 Trendy Basics That Will Become the Foundation of My 2023 Wardrobe

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There are basics, and then there are trendy basics. I'm here to talk about the latter, but you already knew that from this story's title. While I do think that every wardrobe needs its standard-issue white tees and blue jeans, I want to rant about the basics that are a little more forward, a touch cooler, and 100% worth buying. Since I wear my basics constantly, I'm always on the lookout for trendier ones to update my closet with, and I've landed on eight such versions that I already know will feature regularly in my 2023 wardrobe.

Below, you'll find the fresh styles I can't help but obsess over right now purely because their cool factor is on par with how versatile they are—and that's not always the case when it comes to these foundational items. So continue on to get a glimpse of the trendy wardrobe basics I'll be incorporating into my ensembles all year long and, of course, shop my picks for each.

Worn-In Leather Jackets

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(Image credit: @fannyekstrand)

Leather outerwear is always present in my closet to some degree, and right now, I'm most interested in jackets with a distressed, worn-in look. I love how the vintage appeal lends an immediate cool factor to whatever they're styled with.

Shop my picks:

Denim Maxi Skirts

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

We've already pointed out how long denim skirts are *the* trend for spring 2023, but I think the styles can easily become staples to wear on repeat throughout the rest of the year too. Come summer, I plan on wearing mine with ribbed tanks and sandals.

Shop my picks:

Sculptural Studs

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

One item I simply can't stop wearing with anything and everything is a pair of sculptural studs. Call it the Bottega effect, but these artful drop earrings are completely eclipsing my regular hoops.

Shop my picks:

Beautiful Ballet Flats

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

I'll be honest: I haven't thought about wearing ballet flats since 2010, but with all the new takes on them, I'm once again a flats girl. Pairs that feature pretty satin finishes or metal embellishments are what I'm gravitating toward more than anything.

Shop my picks:

Classic Belts

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

While they're definitely more on the basic end than the trendy end of the spectrum, I'd argue that classic leather belts are having a moment. I like that they can take an otherwise boring outfit up a notch and instantly pull together the simplest of combinations, like a tee and jeans or button-down and trousers per the above look.

Shop my picks:

High-Neck Tops

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(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Simple but elite—that's how I'd describe high-neck tops like the viral Reformation Lindy Top. The mock-neck silhouette just looks so elevated and chic, and the style is quickly replacing my standard crew-necks.

Shop my picks:

Pointelle Tanks

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Tanks are always in full force in my closet, and this year, I'm especially into pointelle styles that feel French to me. I just placed an order for this pretty style from fan-favorite Cou Cou, and I can already tell I'll be wearing it a lot this spring and summer.

Shop my picks:

Tights

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Tights—yes, tights—are in the middle of a rebrand. Cool girls everywhere are adopting the "grandma" staple you were probably overlooking, and the runways are rife with styling inspiration to back it up. At no more than $30 a pop, I'll be trying out a range of styles, from fishnets to colored pairs.

Shop my picks:

Next: Wait, Gap Is Low-Key Serving Lately—9 Finds I Tried On That Impressed Me IRL

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.