Basics vs Staples - what’s the difference?

Basics and staples are terms that I have often heard used interchangeably when discussing different wardrobe categories, and there can be some overlap between these two categories (which I’ll discuss more in a little bit), but there are also some clear distinctions between them.

Understanding these distinctions can be really helpful for anyone looking to create a well-rounded wardrobe, so let’s take a closer look at each category.

BASICS

These are the pieces that work well in anyone’s wardrobe, regardless of their personal style preferences.

They may not necessarily be “exciting” or “wow” pieces, but they work really hard by making everything else in your wardrobe work together seamlessly.

Ensuring that your wardrobe has enough basics helps solve the dilemma of “I have nothing to wear” because they help create the foundation of an outfit and anchor everything else that you pair them with.

Basics are simple cuts in neutral colors that don’t draw attention to themselves. Think of a crew neck white t-shirt, a navy v-neck tank top, a pair of medium wash denim jeans, or a grey turtleneck long sleeve tee.

The simplicity and neutral color palette of these pieces give them endless versatility in your wardrobe, allowing them to be dressed up or down and worn with multiple different outfits, regardless of what you pair these pieces with.

The outfit possibilities are endless, so if you want to get the most out of your wardrobe, don’t ignore the basics!

(To learn even more about basics, check out my Ultimate Guide to Wardrobe Basics)

STAPLES

Rather than basics that work in anyone’s wardrobe, staples are more unique and specific to you, and are pieces that you feel are essential to your personal style.

These are the pieces that you always keep in your wardrobe and would replace immediately if something happened to them because you wouldn’t want to be without them.

Staples suit your personal style but may not necessarily be everyone’s cup of tea. For example, maybe you have a leather jacket in your wardrobe that you wear all the time. It’s likely that not everyone has or wants a leather jacket, but that might be something you wouldn’t want to be without. It’s a staple that is specific to and essential for you, rather than a basic that works for everyone.

Staples might also be a general category rather than a specific piece. For example, gold jewelry is a staple for me in my wardrobe, but not necessarily a specific piece of gold jewelry. You might have a particular color that is a staple in your wardrobe, so you have several different pieces (maybe shoes, shirts, or pants) in that color.

Now, the lines between basics and staples can get a little bit blurred sometimes and there may be some overlaps between these two categories in your wardrobe.

You may have pieces in your wardrobe that you would consider to be staples because you feel that they help define your personal style and you wouldn’t want to be without them, yet at the same time, they really are pieces that would work well for anyone, so they could be considered basics.

Don’t get too hung up on feeling like you have to have pieces that fit neatly into each category without any overlap. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a basic being a staple in your wardrobe. A basic can be a staple, but a staple doesn’t have to be basic!

The main takeaway is to remember that basics work well for anyone and everyone, regardless of style preference, while staples are those pieces that you feel are essential for you and your own personal style.

Amber

Hi, I’m Amber

Creator and founder of A Well-Rounded Wardrobe. Whether you’re looking to start building a wardrobe from scratch or simply want to fine tune what you already have, you’re in the right place. Start exploring.