It’s snowing, and it’s time for spring cleaning. Yes, I know it’s still winter, but my New York shoebox apartment is bursting at the seams with clothing, and I need to condense.
See, I am what some would call a hoarder. I love all my clothing and have such a hard time getting rid of pieces. This may be one of the reasons I have a beanstalk of a shoe rack stacked on top of my closet filled with pairs of shoes I have not touched in five seasons. It took going home for Thanksgiving and coming back to really look at my room with clear eyes and come to see that this is no way to live. And thus, spring cleaning commenced before the holidays.
Throughout my cleaning process, I realized that the most important things are the basics. While I have glittery sneakers and funky, furry coats, I really only wear my closet staples: my favorite jeans, classic black leggings, a white tank top, and other solid pieces that make up my day-to-day wardrobe. And as much as I love an occasional pop of color or texture, it’s time to make room for my closet’s basics because those are the clothes that I actually live in.
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The best part about these closet basics is that they can go with literally anything and be worn any which way. A simple leather jacket can drape over something as casual as a denim dress or be thrown over something as classy as a black LBD. And so I moved all of these staples to the front of my closet and moved my, say, less conventional pieces under my bed.
Now when I go to my closet to pull an outfit together, I see all of the basics I know I actually wear, and I can think of at least 15 ways to wear these useful closet basics. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite staples below.
(Image credit: @annelauremais)
Meladyan
Basic Racerback Camisole
Wear it on its own or layer it. This tank is perfect for every and any occasion.
The Drop
Ibita High Heel Side Zip Ankle Boot
Because heeled ankle boots are a necessity.
Verdusa
Pullover Sweatshirt
I love a pullover over a denim skirt, but that's just me.
Wrangler Authentics
Denim Jacket
You can never have too many jean jackets.
(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)
Amazon Essentials
Relaxed-Fit Jogger
Don't let the name fool you; joggers are for lounging, too.
Amazon Essentials
Lightweight Lounge Pant
The first thing I reach for on Sundays.
Levi's
Faux Leather Belted Jacket
Name one outfit a leather jacket won't go with.
The Drop
Mayla Supersoft Hoodie
I live in my hoodies, and this one is no exception.
Bofell
Black Long Sleeve
Jeans, sweats, leggings, shorts—a classic long-sleeve goes with it all.
(Image credit: @anaasaber)
Levi's
New Boyfriend Jeans
Because jeans will always be in style.
Fullsoft
3 Pack Leggings
Never be without a clean pair of leggings again.
Amazon Essentials
4 Pack Slim-Fit Camisole
Wear it underneath clothing or on its own, the cami is the definition of a closet basic.
Hanes
Perfect Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Okay, I may have fibbed. This is actually the epitome of a closet basic.
Steve Madden
Bettyy Combat Boot
Combat boots go great with a sweaterdress or over leather leggings.
Find.
Skinny Mid-Rise
Black jeans are the perfect transition piece from a day at the office to a night out on the town.
Monrow
Long Sleeve Shirt
No one does a classic long-sleeve like Monrow.
(Image credit: @basicstouch)
Amazon Essentials
Button Down Poplin Shirt
Easy, breezy button-downs.
Verdusa
Crop Pullover Sweatshirt
Wear it with leggings or jeans, a skirt or shorts. This crop pullover goes with it all.
Steve Madden
Elore Sneaker
The platform gives a little extra kick to these kicks.
Verdusa
Mock Neck Long Sleeve
These mock-necks are a closet staple and come in every color.