I'm Sick of My Basics Looking Frumpy—5 Retailers I'm Shopping to Look Polished
Years ago, when I first began working in fashion, I received some unsolicited, albeit excellent, advice from a more senior editor: Invest in your wardrobe. While my closet is nothing close to a designer display room, I have taken this tip to heart and have always prioritized shopping for quality over quantity. For me, this means allocating more of my budget to basics that I wear regularly rather than the latest trends that might not be a long-term fit.
My style skews toward the classic and occasionally preppy variety, so I prioritize collared shirts, denim, blazers, outerwear, and simple accessories. While there are a few pieces I'll never part with (leather jackets only get better with age), basics tend to wear out when worn and washed on repeat.
Thanks to another gentle nudge from a fellow editor, I've embarked on a mission to revamp my basics and invest in new quality wardrobe pieces from five specific retailers. Even though I live in NYC, I don't love shopping there IRL (it can get overwhelming!), so I've included some online-only favorites in the mix.
Keep scrolling to browse my favorite elevated basics from Aritzia, COS, The Frankie Shop, Toteme, and Source Unknown, and join me as I swap out my frumpy old basics for more polished replacements.
Aritzia
If I need an outfit for a special event that isn't super formal, like a big work presentation or meeting my boyfriend's parents, Aritzia is at the top of my list. The 40-year-old Canadian retailer boasts a portfolio of in-house brands, ranging from athleticwear to business-friendly attire, basics, and denim. While it's a bit pricier than its similarly trend-forward fast-fashion counterparts, the quality speaks for itself.
COS
COS is an acronym for "collection of style," and if you've stepped inside the British retailer any time over the last decade, you'll know it is an accurate description of what you'll find. Streamlined seasonal color palettes and sophisticated, typically geometric cuts give each piece a distinctly European flair. Whether you pick up a simple sweater or a slinky dress, you can bet someone will want to steal this style secret.
The Frankie Shop
If you would describe your ideal style as French woman in NYC, then you're probably already a fan of The Frankie Shop. Founded by a French transplant in Manhattan's Lower East Side in 2015, the brand's oversize suiting staples have an androgynous look that evokes a certain je ne sais quoi.
Toteme
Toteme has been a fashion darling since debuting out of Stockholm in 2014. The Swedish ready-to-wear brand quickly became a favorite among those who followed Scandi style, and several designs, including handbags and outerwear, became instantly recognizable while still feeling totally timeless.
Source Unknown
As the only multi-brand retailer on this list, Source Unknown stands out for its continuously updated inventory and wide variety of available items. The site carries a mix of the best quality basics, special on-trend finds, and year-round essentials, including some incredible jackets and leather accessories.
Keep scrolling for my top picks, and if this is your first time shopping at Source Unknown, use code SULAUNCH15 at checkout to get 15% off your purchase.
Drew Elovitz is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but has spent the last decade living and working in New York City. She earned a master's degree in media and popular culture from New York University, then began her career on the internet as the Twitter voice of Barbie. She worked previously at Who What Wear as the director of content strategy and also spent several years leading the social media teams at Teen Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. You'll find her byline on the site around topics such as celebrity fashion, must-have basics, beauty favorites (particularly nail polish), and wellness tips and tricks.
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