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10 “Boring” Fashion Basics Every Woman Needs to Own

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When a new season rolls around, we’ll be the first to admit a new camisole isn’t really at the top of our shopping list. It just seems, well, boring. Especially when we haven't worn a real outfit in almost nine months. But our daily looks—in quarantine or not—wouldn’t actually be possible without basics holding down the fort. Ready to retire your dingy, not-quite-white tees for a new, crisp replacement? Below, find those and nine more staples.

How to Build a Minimalist Wardrobe to Streamline Your Closet (and Your Life)


white tee
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

1. The White Tee

We put our white tees through a lot—namely one too many sweaty summer days and accidentally adding them to a load of darks. At this point they look a little, um, yellow? Yeah, it’s time to pick up a few crisp new T-shirts and donate the old ones (or use them as rags).

Get the look: Everlane ($18); Hanes x Karla ($30); RE/DONE ($78)

skinny jeans
Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

2. Dark Skinny Jeans

Wearing knee-high boots with anything else is just a hassle. While you might be tempted to buy some cargo pants with your hard-earned money, add a new pair of universally flattering dark skinnies to the mix first. Trust. Oh, and even jeggings are back in (thanks, Covid), so there aren't any excuses.

Get the look: Good American ($159; $80); Joe’s Jeans ($198; $145); RE/DONE ($250)

blazer
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

3. Crisp Blazer

True, blazers have gotten a lot cooler (and much bolder) in the last few years. But investing in a basic black style with impeccable tailoring will make any outfit look like it was selected by a professional stylist, whether IRL or via Zoom. Hot tip: spend a bit more for better quality that’s guaranteed to last.

Get the look: Halogen ($139; $56); WeWoreWhat ($248) Anine Bing ($349)

cami
Hanna Lassen/Getty Images

4. Basic Cami

When was the last time you upped your cami stash? Exactly. We’ve had the same five on rotation since…we honestly don’t even remember when. Invest in a new one and every outfit will feel so much more put-together because of it (even if it’s hidden under a sweatshirt).

Get the look: Topshop ($20); Everlane ($75); Anine Bing ($149)

black tights
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5. Black Tights

Our childhood memories of tights are scratchy and uncomfortable. As adults, we cherish their warmth on those first frigid days (ok and they’ve also gotten much softer since the ‘80s). In order to make it through this winter's extended outdoor dining situation, we're OK investing in a few new pairs to wear under jeans or on their own if it means (safely) spending time with friends without freezing.

Get the look: Spanx ($28); Commando ($38); Wolford ($61)

denim jacket1
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

6. Denim Jacket

This is quite possibly the most versatile topper in our lineup. We wear it in spring and summer with sundresses and layer it over sweaters and under coats in fall and winter. Although colored versions come and go, a classic blue denim will stand the test of time.

Get the look: Levi's ($98); Madewell ($118); 7 For All Mankind ($238)

turtleneck
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

7. Fitted Turtleneck

Wear it with skirts, pants, under dresses and with jeans—it actually goes with everything. A solid, neutral-hued version will quickly become your chilly-weather go-to, but a ribbed knit will also get just as much wear.

Get the look: Everlane ($35); Kotn ($39); Splendid ($60)

black boots
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty Images

8. Practical Black Booties

With the current slipper craze, it might seem silly to spend money on a classic pair of black boots. But there’s no denying their versatility for everything from grocery trips to those socially distant outdoor dinners we mentioned above. Steer clear of a too-towering heel, so you can wear these while waiting in lines without wanting to rip your feet off.

Get the look: Steve Madden ($130; $80); Sam Edelman ($170; $84); Vince ($395)

white button down
Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

9. Crisp White Button-down

Is there anything more classic? We'll just tell you: Nope. A white button-down is one of those pieces that can make or break an outfit. Investing in a polished one means you can wear it to work and Tom Cruise style, alone in your house sans pants (that's how you know it's comfy!).

Get the look: Madewell ($80); Norma Kamali ($195); Frank & Eileen ($228)

leggings
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

10. No-fuss Black Leggings

We're not talking about the lounge leggings we've lived in for most of 2020. We mean opaquer-than-opaque black leggings that have the ability to make our legs look supermodel-long and leave us still feeling like we're wearing PJs, even if we're back in the office.

Get the look: Yummie ($50); Spanx ($68); Commando ($98)



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Brianna Lapolla formerly held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at PureWow covering all things shopping across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Now, she's putting her 12 years of...