Perfect Fall basics

I think many of us can agree that there is nothing more fun than getting dressed up to go to a big event – something that many of us have not experienced after this pandemic shut down wedding season for 2020. But I believe that the look that most us aspire to most is that perfect white t-shirt and jeans- that effortless, casual, chicness that is so much harder to achieve than it looks.

Last week, I put together a post on some great transition staples for your closet. But there’s no better transition outfit than a basic with some denim. If you look in my t-shirt drawer, you’re going to find about five different variations of a white t-shirt. Because it’s just so hard to find, and I’m still not sure there’s just one that I love.

Achieving that casual, put-together look is so much easier when you have a great set of basics in your wardrobe, like tees, long sleeves, and some simple sweaters. No prints, no patterns, just keeping it simple with some items that won’t ever go out of style. And I love all of the color in my closet, but it’s best to stick with neutrals when you’re shopping for basic staples.

My #1 spot for basics is hands-down, Everlane. They consistently bring simple silhouettes for their tees, and are able to freshen up their basics every season. They have a great price point, and source sustainably. And yes, there is quite a bit of controversy around the company in recent months. I don’t want to paint a picture of them as the perfectly ethical company, because they are far from it. But I do think they make a great basic, so it would be hard for me to make this post and leave them out. I hope that they utilize this moment to consider their role in social justice, and figure out how to practice what they preach at all levels of their business practices. Bottom line, I think it’s important to have the full picture when you are shopping, and make conscious choices as a consumer.

Some of my other favorite brands for basics are J.Crew, Madewell, Topshop (most of which I buy through Nordstrom), Project Social T, and ZSupply. There are lots of great brands, and you should always buy what works for your body. Today, I’m sharing the perfect basics from three of my most owned and loved brands- Madewell, Everlane and Topshop.

Any of these basics are going to be great for Fall- you can always pop a sweater or a jacket over when it’s cooler, or pair it with a skirt or denim shorts for warmer weather days. Either way, the one thing I can guarantee is that it’s a lot less of a daily battle to put together an outfit every day when you have a great set of basics in your wardrobe.

Madewell Picks

I am notoriously a sale shopper- I love to buy things on sale, and I really do hate paying full price for anything. But before the pandemic shook the retail industry, Madewell was a brand that rarely had sales. Last year, my friend and I went shopping at Hudson Yards, and we stumbled into Madewell. I was shopping for some things for Chris, but ended up picking up a few tees for myself, and I just lost my sale shopping mind, and paid full price.

I ended up loving those tees (including 04 above), and I wore them throughout the year. And I realized that sometimes, I buy things I don’t need because they are on sale, instead of investing in pieces that I am going to wear again and again, which ends up justifying the cost more than wearing a sale top once or twice.

I love Madewell because, well, their items are simply made really well. They are great quality, and really are worth what you pay. When I was browsing their site the other day, I was immediately drawn to the amazing Fall basics that they have. I added this adorable black tee that’s elevated with a puffy-sleeve, and I am so here for this return of the polo sweater trend that I’ve seen in a few places, including this darling oatmeal sweater– it’s bringing me major Marissa Cooper vibes.

Topshop Picks

I started shopping Topshop when I was abroad in London during college. I instantly become obsessed with the multi-story shopping complex, and all the amazing finds it had to offer. I even bought this one pair of flats that I wore for years and years after, basically crying when I had to throw them away.

Now that Nordstrom sells Topshop, it’s so easy to shop their clothes. They have great dresses, and you know I love their denim shorts and even some of their jeans. For someone who is at the end of regular sizing, they make some great clothes for curvier bodies, which is maybe surprising to some.

I own and love a lot of Topshop tees, and their basic white tee is one of my favorites for a boxier fit, perfect to pair with high-waisted jeans, or tuck into a skirt for work. While the quality isn’t always the most durable, they are great for picking up affordable pieces that are more on-trend.

I picked these four tops that I think are all great transitional pieces that can be worn even if you’re working from home. I have my eyes on this adorable white blouse, because I now exclusively buy clothing with puffy sleeves, apparently. Paired with my Levi’s- gorgeous and easy. I also can’t ignore this oatmeal sweater that you can pair with literally anything in your closet. Pop it over a dress, tuck it into a skirt, or wear it with denim cutoffs and flats- it’s a seasonal dream.

And I’m wearing this gray cutoff sweater with my favorite biker shorts as I write this, so perfect for lockdown wardrobe, second edition.

Everlane Picks

As I said at the beginning, I think Everlane is amazing for basics. Hardly any of their clothing has patterns or prints, so they make great staples in your wardrobe. And the quality of their clothing is excellent and just feels substantial. I bet this henley is just so warm and cozy…

I love their micro-rib material- it’s like it hugs your body, and it’s a t-shirt that doesn’t stretch out during the day- something that a lot of tight-fitting materials do. I love this rust color for Fall, and you can never go wrong with gray.

Last, but never least, you must do yourself a favor and grab one of their bodysuits. If you’re thinking, I’m not sure bodysuits are for me, just trust me on this. They are the easiest wardrobe staple, because you can throw them on with anything. And Everlane’s options are top-notch. I think I have four or five of them in my drawers. They are so chic and effortless, and really show off your curves in all of the best ways. Take a risk and try one! I love the thong-style because you don’t have to deal with that visible panty-line situation (if you know me, you know it was displeasing for me to even type the word panty, but I digress).

Don’t hesitate to snatch up some of these staples- they will make getting dressed less of a chore, whether you’re at home, or going to work. A great basic is one that can be dressed up, or worn with sweats. These are my three tried and true brands- what are yours? Let me know in the comments below.