What’s the profile? Look for classic silhouettes that fit well and opt for natural fabrics like cotton, silk and wool. Neutral colors offer the most bang for your buck, although a cherry red pump can be a smart offensive play. Invest in well-made basics and get most out of their contract.
Where to recruit? The best places to for team-building are: Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Ann Taylor, Gap, and J.Crew. For shoes and handbags, cheer for Endless.com; for jewelry, root for Nordstrom. You will find well-made essentials with an updated, modern twist and the price can’t be beat!
The Basics starting lineup:
Feminine blouse
Tunic
White button down shirt
T-shirt
V-neck sweater
Structured blazer
Dark rinse denim (1 for pumps, 1 for flats)
Black trousers
Flat front chinos
Pencil skirt
LBD (little black dress)
Trench coat
Short leather jacket
Ballet flats
Black pumps (try patent)
Tall boots
Wrap dress
Large satchel
Clutch
Pashmina
Gold hoops
Diamond studs (faux is fine)
Cocktail ring
There’s no arguing the fundamentals. Consider it a win if someone calls you BASIC--at least one of you is super.
stylingstage suggests:
Ruffled Georgette blouse Ann Taylor:
Matty M printed tunic Nordstrom:
Slim stretch white shirt J.Crew:
Basic tee w/ ruffle Ann Taylor:
V-neck Cashmere sweater J.Crew:
Structured Perfect Blazer Gap:
Paige Premium Skyline Drive denim Nordstrom:
215 Martin classic black trousers Banana Republic:
Scout flat front chinos Gap:
Tropical Wool Perfect pencil skirt Ann Taylor:
LBD White House Black Market:
Calvin Klein belted trench coat Nordstrom:
Kenna-T leather moto jacket Nordstrom:
Corso Como Franco ballet flats Endless.com:
Joan and David classic black pumps Endless.com
Harrington tall boots Nine West:
Printed Contrast wrap dress BCBG:
Hype Janice satchel Endless.com:
Rampage Glazed Leather clutch Endless.com:
Tissue-Weight Cashmere pashmina Nordstrom:
Lauren Large Hoops Nordstrom:
Nadri Square-cut diamond studs Nordstrom:
Sea Mist Cocktail ring Banana Republic:
