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I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—I Recorded What I Wore for a Month, and Found I Wore These 5 Basics Most

By Swedan Margen

I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—I Recorded What I Wore for a Month, and Found I Wore These 5 Basics Most

As a fashion editor, you tend to be well aware of all the pieces that live in your closet, but it's not until you stop and take a moment to document what you wear over a period of time that you get a true sense of what you end up reaching for the most. I did exactly that over the past month, and it became clear more than ever that basics reign supreme in my wardrobe. It's no wonder either, as I am a huge proponent of wearing pieces that are not only timeless, but comfortable to boot. As a mom to two little ones, it is key.

My goal when putting together chic outfits is to be able to keep the ensemble easy without sacrificing style. That's where five of the stylish basics I wore the most over a month come in. There's the classic white T-shirt, which is great worn on its own or layered under a V-neck sweater. Then, I found that I didn't go the whole stretch without wearing straight-leg jeans at various points throughout the week. What can I say? I'm a creature of habit. Keep scrolling to see the other basics I can't live without, plus outfit ideas on how to wear each.

1. Straight-Leg Jeans

fashion influencer Marina Torres poses on a sidewalk wearing a headband, chunky two-tone earrings, Freya black shoulder bag, gray belted cardigan sweater, straight-leg jeans, and black boots

Straight-leg jeans are my gold standard when it comes to denim, especially those with an ankle length. The classic style goes with just about anything.

Levi's, 501 '90s Women's Jeans

Levi's

501 '90s Women's Jeans

Z1975 Cropped Mid-Rise Jeans

ZARA

Z1975 Cropped Mid-Rise Jeans

Straight High Jeans - Denim Blue
High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

Nordstrom

High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

The Longline Straight Jean

Madewell

The Longline Straight Jean

2. White T-Shirts

Scandinavian creative Clara Dyrhauge poses in NYC wearing an olive green trench coat, white t-shirt, a black belt, dark-wash jeans, and black boots.

White T-shirts are a forever favorite. I wear them year-round with everything from jeans to leggings to trousers.

Interlock Short Sleeve T-Shirt

ZARA

Interlock Short Sleeve T-Shirt

This striped T-shirt is made of 100% organic cotton.

Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

Nordstrom

Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

Fashion girls are obsessed with this striped long-sleeve tee.

New Relaxed Linen T-Shirt

J.Crew

New Relaxed Linen T-Shirt

Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

Nordstrom

Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crewneck T-Shirt

I usually go for black-and-white stripes, but this olive-green option is super chic.

Perfect Crewneck T-Shirt

Madewell

Perfect Crewneck T-Shirt

Another great basic option.

3. Kitten-Heel Boots

British style influencer Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks walks on a London sidewalk wearing a chic fall and winter outfit with black rectangular sunglasses, a brown turtleneck sweater, The Row bag, black jeans, and the kitten-heel boots trend for 2025

Over the past two years, I have been addicted to black kitten-heel boots, so it was no surprise I wore the comfy yet sleek shoe style a lot this past month.

Danai Kitten Heel Bootie

Marc Fisher LTD

Danai Kitten Heel Bootie

Split Leather Kitten Heel Ankle Boots

ZARA

Split Leather Kitten Heel Ankle Boots

H&M, Heeled Sock Boots
The Dimes Chelsea Boot

Madewell

The Dimes Chelsea Boot

Kiona Kitten Heel Bootie

Marc Fisher LTD

Kiona Kitten Heel Bootie

4. V-Neck Sweaters

NYC based style influencer Coco Schiffer poses on a New York City crosswalk wearing black sunglasses, a black maxi coat, black V-neck sweater layered over a white tee, The Row bag, straight-leg jeans, white socks, and black loafers

I love all of my hoodies, but lately, I've had an affinity for hooded gray sweatshirts. I wear them both while lounging at home or while out running errands.

Plain Knit V-Neck Jumper

ZARA

Plain Knit V-Neck Jumper

If luxe pieces are of interest, this gray hoodie is worth splurging on.

H&M, V-Neck Sweater

Hoodies like this one prove that they can feel elevated and polished.

Wool Blend V-Neck Sweater

COS

Wool Blend V-Neck Sweater

V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Nordstrom

V-Neck Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater

J.Crew

Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater

5. Oversize Coats

NYC based style influencer Mimi Nguyen poses on a Subway platform wearing an oversized mustard green coat, a white t-shirt, jeans, and a black bag

A great oversize coat cannot be beat. The trendy style is becoming increasingly timeless, plus it's an easy way to feel more polished.

Kais Coat - Mustard - Virgin Wool - Sézane
Mock Neck Car Coat

Topshop

Mock Neck Car Coat

Soft Oversized Coat
Belted Wool Blend Coat

MANGO

Belted Wool Blend Coat

Olsen Coat

Originally published by whowhatwear.com. Syndicated material does not necessarily reflect the views of Vanity Fair Fashion.

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I'm a Senior Shopping Editor—I Recorded What I Wore for a Month, and Found I Wore These 5 Basics Most - Vanity Fair Fashion