Fashion Law Journal
While you might get your head turned by must-have pieces that come and go quicker than trains on the London Underground, it’s fair to say most girls rely on their basics.
Not only do they provide them with a foundation of practical and versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched, but they also have a trans-seasonal sense of timelessness that will never go out of style. This means they can easily build a capsule wardrobe around them that will simplify their options, save money, and minimise their carbon footprint.
But what are the best basics to have, and more importantly, how can you style them to create a signature look that will turn heads wherever you go?
Check out this guide to find out more.
Must have Basics
During any given week or month, you need to wear different clothes for different occasions. This could include everything from attending university or work and going out to the shops to date night and hanging out with the girls.
Thankfully, your basics are a powerful ally in finding something suitable to wear for wherever you go.
Here are six basics every girl should have and an outline of how to style them most effectively. To see examples, shop the Nudie Jeans Collection at Maplestore.
- Blue Jeans
A good, trusted pair of blue denim jeans is the foundation upon which many an outfit can be based.
Appropriate enough to wear for most occasions and venues, it’s good to have one in your closet that is mid- to dark blue in colour. These will pair with virtually any shoe, jacket, or top you already have. They also work very well in autumn, as they do in winter and spring.
Perhaps the best thing about blue jeans is that there is a plethora of cut and silhouette options to suit your body shape. So, whether you want skinny, straight-leg, wide-leg or mum jeans, you’ll find something suitable.
- Blazer
You can’t go wrong with a blazer. Not only does it flatter your shape, but it also is great to wear for anything from smart casual to formal wear.
If you want to make a statement, choose a boxy, oversized piece which you can drape over stirrup black pants or fitted jeans.
For the warmer months, pick a breathable version with bold-hued linen that is light enough to be worn over a summer dress. During the winter, a thick woollen houndstooth is a terrific choice that can be layered under a heavy coat.
- Midi Dress
As hemline lengths go, midi dresses provide you with excellent versatility.
Try to find one made of linen, cotton, or viscose with a relaxed fit that flatters your waist while congruently draping at the hemline. It’s a good idea to pick a palette and pattern, such as a neutral leopard print, that you can wear year-round.
There are no rules regarding sleeve options. So, choose short, long, puff, or romantic voluminous cut sleeves as you see fit.
When it’s warm, pair it with a denim cropped jacket, rattan beach bag and strappy flat sandals. In winter, a knitted vest, leather belt, knee-high boots, and woollen coat will perfectly complete your outfit.
Here are some other ways to wear a midi skirt.
- Midi Skirt
For many women, the midi skirt has become their go-to preference, length-wise, over the mini or maxi.
Sitting slightly above or around mid-calf level, it boasts a flattering length, which can easily be worn on relaxed or formal occasions, hence its appeal.
For sheer comfort, you can’t go wrong with a pleated and refined a-line knit midi that you can wear all day.
Alternatively, during office hours, you can swap out your work pants for a flared woollen midi. Stick on a singlet to feel really good when visiting the beach, and pair it with a blazer and satin silky slip skirt when heading out for events after dusk.
- Work Pant
Talking about the work pant, they are a basic you’ll always need to call upon, given that you’ll likely work up to five days a week.
They are particularly good to wear in offices where denim isn’t allowed, as they can also seamlessly transition from your desk to after-work drinks. For this purpose, retro kick flares or wide-leg palazzos are a good option.
However, just because they are work pants doesn’t mean you have to wear them only at work. You can also weigh-in on the high-low dressing trend, which ties together structured pieces with softer basics for socialising.
Wide-leg work pants with fresh sneakers and a plain tucked-in t-shirt are a good example of this.
- Classic T-shirt
Lastly, every girl needs a classic t-shirt or five to have in their ‘basics’ arsenal.
They come in various shapes, including form-fitting, longline, cropped or boxy shaped. But, if you are going to stick to one style, make it a plain black or white, relaxed-fitting crew neck.
They can be perfectly styled with everything from denim jeans and tailored pants to shorts and pretty much any type of skirt.
