We talk endlessly about ‘basics’ - but like, what are they?

Short answer: a basic is anything you want. It’s the foundation of your wardrobe, the essential piece that grounds your closet, offers endless styling options, and embodies your fashion aesthetic. I think basics don’t have to be unsung heroes, rather, we can and should sing their praises. And my basic - a core piece in my wardrobe - are these brown checkered wide leg cropped trousers from Sezane.

Why though? Shouldn’t a basic be a neutral? A tee-shirt or a great pair of jeans? Sure, they can be, but they can also be something more fun. These pants are a pillar in my wardrobe, a pant that I can pair with nearly any layer - graphic tees, pop-color sweaters, button-downs and silk blouses. The color, a soft brown on an ecru background, compliments all the colors in my closet, the patter, simple enough to add a little interest, but not so noticeable that I can’t get away with wearing them multiple times.

If you do want some rules around basics, here’s some guidelines:

1 QUALITY

a basic is going to be a piece of clothing you’re going to reach for often, so buy silhouettes in quality fabrics (read: no synthetics, and not from a fast fashion spot), that are constructed well.

2 FIT

nothing fits me off the rack, so any clothing I buy is going to need to be tailored. if you can buy off the rack, great, congrats, you can skip this rule. if you’re like me and will need to rework the garment to fit, find a really good tailor and be prepared to spend to ensure a great fit. for me, i had my tailor adjust the waist, slim the leg, and crop the hem. the result: a pair of pants that look like they were tailor-made just for me.

3 STYLE

If you’re going to call this a basic, and invest it it like it’s something you’re going to be wearing a lot, make sure the style is fairly timeless. skip the trends you see of tiktok and think about the longevity of a garment - how are you wearing this piece in three years? five years?

4 ATHLEISURE WEAR AIN’T A BASIC

or maybe it is… i do love my lululemon staples. honestly, you do you on this one.