Basics

by | Aug 24, 2015 | Outfits | 13 comments

Basic Outfit

I’m sure you’ve seen those articles “10 Basics Every Woman Must Own” or “Wardrobe Essentials That You Have to Buy”.  Between you and me, those lists are a load of crap!  I mean let’s face it, we are all different and to simplify our needs down to a list of “basics” is silly.  What works for some doesn’t work for others because our bodies, personalities and lifestyles vary!  It’s not to say that every women should have a set of basics, I mean they are the building blocks of a versatile wardrobe, but what I consider to be my basics would not be the same pieces that another person considers as theirs.

The beauty of basics is that, much like a blank canvas, you can use them as the foundation for a variety of outfits. Now we’ve all heard or referred to someone’s look as “basic”, but for those of you who don’t know what that means, it’s just another word for simple or pedestrian, think plain tee, jeans and flip flops.   The key is to wear your basics without looking basic.  Here my tips to help you avoid wearing a basic outfit:

  1. Accessorize.  This should be no surprise, accessories from hats to purses or shoes are a great way to put your personality into an outfit.  Make sure that if you’re wearing basic clothing that you have an accessory that makes a statement.
  2. Non Basic Basics.  Find basics garments that aren’t exactly basic.  Pick white buttons ups with subtle detailing or jeans with a unique design.  These pieces do double duty because they can be dressed up to emphasize their details or dressed down to be an elevated basic like my wrap top.
  3. Styling.  Instead of simply wearing a button up and jeans, try a front tuck or cuffing your sleeves.  Think of creative ways to style your basics to give them more interest like I did with my DIY crop top.

Basics are a necessity for everyone’s wardrobe, the hard part is figuring which pieces in your closet serve that purpose.  When deciding which clothes are your basics keep in mind items that you wear often, fit your lifestyle, and have versatility like jeans or slacks.  From there it’s just about how to inject your personality into the outfit.

If you haven’t already, make sure you take the time to help me win by voting for me as Fashionista of the Month.

Comment below and tell me: What are your basics?

Basic Outfit Close Up

Basics Details Shot

Basics Look

Basics Outfit Lean

Basics Outfit Look

Basics Outfit SittingForever 21 Hat (similar here)|Ralph Lauren Glasses via Marshall’s (similar here)|Ann Taylor Shirt (similar here)|Gap Jeans (similar here)|Vince Camuto Heels via DSW (similar here)|Rebecca Minkoff Purse via Saks Off 5th (different color here)

See how else to style your basics without looking basic:

Skinny Jeans, Shirt Dress, Sweater, Chambray Top

Make sure you’re following me on:

Instagram|Bloglovin’|YouTube|Facebook|Pinterest

Thanks for reading

-JB

Related posts:

Elevation August Recap Flared Jeans What is a Personal Stylist and Why You Need One

13 Comments

  1. amy
    amy on August 24, 2015 at 7:25 am

    I love your honesty. I hate those lists too. And so often they are just filled with commonsense items that everyone knows and has anyway. My basics? hmmm, I like to wear something completely new and different every time I dress up, so I don’t know if I have any. But I only dress up to go out twice a week, so I’m probably different than most women.

  3. Karoline
    Karoline on August 24, 2015 at 11:19 am

    LOVE. THAT. BAG!

  4. Lindsey
    Lindsey on August 24, 2015 at 11:28 am

    I love basics because they create a a timeless look! My most worn basics are black jeans and a white t-shirt. Great look! I esp love your shoes!

    Lindsey
    Thrift&Shout

  5. Carrie
    Carrie on August 24, 2015 at 5:32 pm

    Simple and chic. Great look. Thanks for linking up with Whitney, Casey & Carrie. Hope you have a lovely week!

  7. alicia
    alicia on August 25, 2015 at 7:28 am

    I love that tip to accessorise to lift and personalise an outfit.

  8. Mrs Tubbs
    Mrs Tubbs on August 25, 2015 at 7:28 am

    Your point about one person’s basics not being another’s is excellent and one that many fashion writers / bloggers forget.

  10. Sheree
    Sheree on August 25, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Great way to style all the basic things and sometimes basic is the best.

    ~xo Sheree
    http://poshclassymom.com
    IG: @poshclassymom

  13. Betsy Burleson
    Betsy Burleson on August 26, 2015 at 7:39 pm

    Great post. I do think every wardrobe needs basic items that can be mixed and matched to make a variety of outfits.
    Thanks for linking up with us.
    Betsy
    http://www.twopeasinablog.com