Closet Basics

Fashion
February 27, 2025

Getting dressed every day gives us all the opportunity to create an outfit that shows our style and personality. The best way to start any outfit is with closet basics. The foundational items that you reach for time and again. Investing in these wardrobe basics helps you mix and match your wardrobe to create looks for different occasions and seasons. You can also save time and money in the long run. Today we are sharing a round up of the closet basics that we feel are solid base for the start of many beautiful outfits.

What Are Closet Basics

Closet basics are the foundation of a versatile wardrobe. They are the classic, foundational tops, pants, dresses or skirts that you build an outfit around. Investing in high-quality and timeless pieces can help you create classic outfits no matter the season or occasion.

What Basics To Have In Your Closet

Basic Tanks

A basic tank in white or black is essential. It is a perfect layering piece under any sweater, blazer or jacket. We included the Veronica Beard Birke Scoopneck Tank and the Banana Republic Ribbed Square Neck. Both are bra friendly and very comfortable. An investment version is the Ann Fontaine Lady Jersey Camisole. Bev wore these under scrubs and they lasted years. Click on any photo below for more information.

Basic Tees

A basic white tee is such an iconic look with any denim. We included three- they are all great so we had to share them. The ATM Schoolboy, the Tuckernuck White Parker and the J. Crew Vintage Classic are all best sellers. Click on any photo below for more information.

Basic Shirts

A white button down shirt is the backbone of many outfits. We love this one by Brochu Walker, however, there are many to choose from. A blue button down shirt, like this one from Nordstrom, is another wardrobe essential. We included a blue striped shirt below- either would work. We also added this denim shirt by Sunday’s Best as a basic- perfect for anytime of the year. Click on any photo below for more information.

Basic White Dress Shirt

If you have followed us for some time, you know we love white shirts. Elegant details can add so much subtle style to an outfit. One of Bev’s favorite new white shirts is the Finley Crosby Flounce Neck and Sleeve Shirt. Click on any photo below for more information.

Best White Shirts for now and into Spring

Basic Black Sleeveless Turtleneck

A black sleeveless turtleneck is another great closet basic that can be worn on it’s own or as a layering piece under a sweater, jacket or blazer. We liked the Vince, Quince and the Aritzia options. For cooler weather, add a long sleeved black turtleneck sweater. Since we are going into Spring, we added the sleeveless option. Click on any photo below for more information.

Basic Sweaters

The basic sweater profiles that are closet basics are a crewneck, a v-neck and a cardigan. The J. Crew Double Breasted Sweater Jacket ticks off many of these- a crewneck and a cardigan-ish style. Click on any photo below for more information.

Basic Trenchcoat

A trenchcoat is one of those pieces that can almost be worn year round. This is a basic that could be a real investment piece for your closet. Click on any photo below for more information.

Basic Blazer

A black blazer stands the test of time as a closet classic. We have a range of options from Quince to Veronica Beard. If you haven’t checked out the brand Quince, you should. They have beautiful clothing items at great prices. Let us know what you found there. Click on any photo below for more information.

Basic Jackets

The two basic jackets that stand the test of time are a denim jacket and a black leather moto or cropped jacket. There are many real and faux leather jackets to fit any budget. Quince has a large selection- click here to view. And there are many denim jackets as well. We have found some for inspiration for you. Click on any photo for more information and details.

Basic Dress Pants

The two best colors for basic dress pants are black and camel. With a great pair of black pants, you can style them for almost anything. Banana Republic’s Siena Italian Wool Pant is a classic. J. Crew has the Natalia Pant as their classic. Vince, Aritzia’s-the Effortless pant and Ann Taylor are also brands to check out. We included our favorites below in the photos- just click for more details and information.

Do black and brown clothing go together

Basic Denim

Denim is the most reached for item in many closets. To create a capsule wardrobe, include denim in the shades blue, black and white. The number of outfits you can style with these three is limitless. With denim profiles fluctuating between skinny, barrel leg, wide leg, etc., sticking to a classic high waist and straight leg will take you through many seasons. If you already have these in your closet, try some of the newer looks to modernize you denim game. Click on the photos below for more ideas.

Basic Black Dress

The LBD- Little Black Dress- the iconic dress that is a closet must. This dress is a versatile and stylish staple that will be worn on repeat. Investing in this important piece will be a smart move. We included two of our favorites- Val’s is the Chiara Boni Halter Ruffle dress and Bev’s is the ALC Renzo Plisse Halter dress. Click on any photo below for more information.

Basic Skirts

The basic skirts we chose are denim, pencil, slip and pleated. Any one of these works- the slip or pleated is probably the most versatile. All are either at the knee or midi length- this length is timeless and classic. Click on the photos for more details and information.

How To Build A Versatile Wardrobe With Closet Basics

Clean Out Your Closet

Start by cleaning our your closet. Follow the rules- go through everything and be very honest about each article of clothing. For the items that you haven’t worn in a year, there’s a reason for that- consider donating them. It’s really easier to see what you have or what you need, with less clothing to deal with.

Quality Costs Less- In the Long Run

Choose quality clothing with impeccable fit. Spending more money on a few pieces that you actually wear is a true value.

Neutral Colors Play Well Together

Use a few neutral colors- white, black, blue, grey or camel- that work well together. Staple pieces in these colors can be dressed up or down.

Define Your Style

Versatile accessories and statement pieces shine against the classic items in this closet basics post. Adding these to any outfit is how you define your style, add your personality and fun to any outfit.

Closet Basics Outfit Ideas

If you have any tips to share about closet basics, wardrobe capsules or building your wardrobe, we’d love to hear from you. Thank you for joining us here.

Bev and Val

Shop Our Favorite Seasonal Looks on Our LTK Shop