10 Must-Have Basics That Aren’t a Little White Tee
10 Must-Have Basics That Aren’t a Little White Tee
Although a little white tee will get you far, it’s not the only basic piece you need in your wardrobe.
As you may or may not know, I’m a HUGE fan of a classic little white tee (hence the name of my blog). There is just something about them. They are simple yet a statement piece, timeless yet trendy, and classic yet new and exciting. A white t-shirt can be worn all year long and can be styled in an unaccountable amount of ways. It’s one of the most timeless pieces you can have in your wardrobe and is definitely worth the investment IMO.
But a little white tee isn’t the only timeless basic worth investing in. Over the course of the pandemic, it really opened my eyes to what pieces I actually wear and why I wear them. I always seem to turn to my very basic, neutral pieces. Sure, we all love a good over-the-top bright or patterned trend here and there, but the question it always comes down to is “what will I wear this with?”. Nine times out of ten, the answer is one of your timeless basics!
The concept of a “capsule wardrobe” has become more and more popular over the past few years. I personally could never live off of JUST a capsule wardrobe, but I think it’s a great way to start building your wardrobe with this concept in mind. Think of these must-have basics as the foundation in which your wardrobe is built on, the building blocks if you will. Without these pieces, those over-the-top bright or patterned pieces won’t last long if they have nothing to sit on.
Since these staple pieces really are your most worn, I believe it’s worth investing more money into them to get higher quality pieces. There’s nothing worse than buying a cheap white t-shirt and it only lasting three wears. If you put more money into your basics, the longer they will live.
I’ve put together a list of 10 basic items that I would consider to be must-haves in your wardrobe that are NOT a little white tee (shocking, I know). Take a look:
1) White Button Down Shirt – Princess Diana wore it best! There is nothing quite like a good quality white button down shirt. You can wear it all year long and it can be styled so many different ways. You can never go wrong with investing in one of these.
2) Fitted Turtleneck – The BEST layering piece. Although I wouldn’t necessarily wear a turtleneck all year long, the amount I wear one during the colder months is probably more than you would like to know. I recommend getting two – one white and one black.
3) Straight Leg Jeans – If you already have a pair of straight leg jeans, you understand. Once you find THAT pair that just hugs you in all the right places and makes you feel confident, you’re all set. They go with just about everything and are flattering – win-win!
4) LBD (Little Black Dress) – Do I even need to explain myself? The LBD is such a classic and one that everyone needs in their collection. Dress it up with heels and fancy jewelry or dress it down with a button down shirt and sneakers. I have two LBDs in my wardrobe – a mini & a midi dress for different occasions.
5) Blazer – Blazers are my love language. If I could throw one thing on for a simple casual outfit (other than a little white tee), it would probably be a blazer. They are just so easy peasy and look good styled so many different ways. A piece that will never go out of style.
6) Ribbed Tank Top – Another great layering piece. A quality ribbed tank is an absolute must in your wardrobe and is just as cute layered as it is on its own. I’m more drawn to a white tank over other colours as I find it to be the most versatile.
7) Trench Coat – A good quality trench coat is one of the most timeless pieces you can have in your wardrobe. It seems that trench coats are always in style so it’s definitely worth the investment in a well-made one. I prefer a neutral colour like a black or camel that I can then pair with brighter colours.
8) Trousers – I’m such a sucker for a good pair of trousers… and you should be too! Trousers are just as versatile as a good pair of jeans and they are sooo freakin’ comfortable. I suggest a darker colour like black, grey, or navy to keep them more versatile. Bonus if they match your blazer so you can wear them as a suit!
9) Leather Jacket – I feel that this one may be controversial to some, but a leather jacket is always in style. A solid, well-made leather jacket will truly last you FOREVER. It’s a piece that can be passed onto your children and even your children’s children if properly taken care of. You need, friends!
10) Knit Sweater – Another all year round piece, especially here in Canada. A good quality knit sweater is an essential piece in everyone’s wardrobe if you ask me. I would suggest a neutral colour like a beige, cream, or black.
So let’s get back to the basics! Because let’s face it, your little white tee can’t be doing ALL the heavy lifting.
Until next hump day…
Peace & love!
TL