The Best Basics

Let’s not call them basics though…

The case for casual basics keeps getting stronger... fashion editors at Who What Wear, StyleCaster, and others all keep landing on the same short list of pieces that work season after season. A crisp white button-down or tee is the canvas everyone agrees on, paired with straight-leg jeans in a classic medium or dark wash (I have several pairs of these jeans hanging in my closet) for that polished-but-easy look. Tortoise sunglasses (the slim, almond-shaped kind) are showing up everywhere right now, often credited as the secret weapon for making jeans-and-a-tee feel chic. And kitten heels have officially stepped in as the grown-up alternative to chunky block heels for 2026... editors are styling them with everything from straight-leg denim to capri pants to white jeans. With these quality basics, you can build the foundation and then let accessories and a point of view do the rest.

Sources: Who What Wear, StyleCaster, Trend Xplore.

A great pair of jeans, a white button-down, and a good pair of kitten heels are the foundation of any wardrobe... and it's worth buying the best quality you can afford because these pieces will be the workhorses of your closet. Admittedly, I'm not much of a capsule wardrobe girl, but even as a maximalist, it's hard to get dressed without having a strong foundation. Every now and then, you just want to throw on something simple and chic that looks put together without too much thought. If you want to jazz up the outfit I'm wearing here, tie a scarf around your neck, or around the handle of your bag for an instant style upgrade. It's truly that easy. When you stop trying so hard and focus on how you want to feel that day, getting dressed becomes more effortless and more fun!

Of course, some basics shift with the weather, but the seasonless staples are the jeans, the white blouses, the leather bags, the sunglasses, and depending on the climate, the kitten heels. I added a raffia bag into the mix here because honestly, it's one of my most worn bags in spring and summer... it goes with almost everything. Buy a classic shape and you'll keep it season after season.

The other pieces I'd call essential are a pair of suede booties, a good blazer, and a more neutral silk scarf. When you have these in your closet, your casual game gets a major upgrade very quickly.

I love you all so much and would love to know how you’re feeling about my posts lately…leave a comment and let me know!

And…as always, thanks so much for reading today!

~XOXO Suzanne