The ultimate guide to wardrobe basics

If you want to have a wardrobe that is functional, practical, and versatile then you need to make sure you’re not ignoring one of the most important wardrobe categories.

I’m talking about basics.

Basics are often easy to ignore or overlook because they aren’t “flashy” or “exciting” pieces, yet they play such an important role in every wardrobe. Among the different wardrobe categories, basics are unique in that they work for anyone and everyone, regardless of lifestyle or style preferences.

Because of the important role they play in a well-rounded wardrobe, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to wardrobe basics – what they are, why they’re important, and what to look for – to help simplify the wardrobe creation process and to answer any questions you may have about this essential wardrobe category.

So, here’s everything you need to know about basics!  

WHAT ARE THEY?

Basics are the pieces that work well in anyone’s wardrobe, regardless of their personal style preferences or lifestyle. Think of basics as the foundational stones that are essential for creating a well-rounded wardrobe (aka, a highly functional, practical, and versatile wardrobe).

Basics don’t draw attention to themselves and may not be what you would consider to be exciting pieces, but they work very hard by helping everything else work together seamlessly.

Basics are typically simple pieces in a neutral color palette that pair well with anything and everything else in your wardrobe – lots of mixing and matching (aka, lots of versatility)!

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

As already stated, basics are the foundational stones that are essential for creating a well-rounded wardrobe because they make everything else in your wardrobe work together seamlessly.

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.

For example, a simple t-shirt (in a neutral color of your choosing) can be worn with skirts, leggings, jeans, shorts, or sweatpants; it can be worn under blazers or over dresses; it can be worn with either your casual or dressy outfits. In short, a simple t-shirt has endless versatility in your wardrobe.

The same goes for almost any and every type of basic. 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.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR?

Now that you know what basics are and why they’re important, you need to know what to look for so that you can be sure you’re incorporating them into your wardrobe.

Examples of basics may include short and long sleeve t-shirts, layering tank tops, denim, sweaters, or button-down shirts. These types of items can be further broken down into style, color, and fabric.

Style

For purposes of this discussion, style is different cuts of the same or similar items. For example, crewneck versus v-neck t-shirts, wide leg versus skinny jeans, slim fit versus oversized fit, medium wash versus dark wash jeans, or lightweight versus heavyweight knitwear.

Keep in mind that different styles can play different roles in your wardrobe. Think of the different ways you might style a lightweight, black turtleneck sweater compared to a heavier weight black turtleneck sweater. They are similar pieces in the same color, but each plays a different role in your wardrobe.

Color

Neutral colors (think varying shades of cream, tan, navy, black, white, or gray) work best simply because they can be paired with each other and with almost every other color that you can think of. Solid colors are more versatile compared to patterns and prints with the one exception being stripes – a striped button-down shirt or sweater goes with almost everything!

Fabric

Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, cashmere, wool, or merino wool (or blends of these fabrics) are pretty safe choices for anyone looking for high quality pieces that will work for each season.

There are so many different types of fabric to choose from (100% natural, natural/synthetic blends, or 100% synthetic) as well as personal preferences (some people find cashmere or merino wool to be too itchy to wear), so you may have to experiment a little to see which fabrics you prefer.

To make it easy to remember what to look for, I’ve created a basics list that you can download and refer to any time you need it. This list is purposefully broad enough to allow for lots of flexibility so that you can find which types of basics work best for you.

There are numerous options listed for each category of basics, so don’t feel as though you need to have every single option represented in your wardrobe. But since different styles can play different roles in your wardrobe, you also shouldn’t necessarily limit yourself to only one option from each category. Experiment with which styles, colors, and fabrics you like best and work best for your specific style and lifestyle and go from there!

Regardless of which styles, colors, or fabrics you choose, just remember…when creating a well-rounded wardrobe, don’t ignore the basics!

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.