It’s no mystery to my friends and family that I love clothes and fashion. I have since I was a teenager and would be known to save my babysitting money for coveted items like Swatch watches, Ray Ban Wayfarers and J. Crew rollneck sweaters (yes, I was teen in the 80s). I was all about the trendy, “must have” items for many years, until sometime early last year when I became frustrated with the amount of items in my closet that I was not wearing. I did a major cleanout and realized that my most favorite items were actually simple, well made basics that I could wear many different ways. I realized that basic weren’t boring, they were the foundation of my wardrobe. Of course, I have clothing items above and beyond these basics items but these are the core of my wardrobe and I can’t live without them!

8 Clothing Basics That You Will Always Find In My Closet

Neutral Veja Sneakers — **A Neutral Pair of Non-Athletic Sneakers**

I don’t think I can count how many times I have worn my sneakers. They work with everything from jeans, sweats to dresses and skirts and they are comfortable! A neutral pair of sneakers also travels really well because you can wear them with so many things. While the retro trend is going strong, I actually recommend also having a pair that are a bit more classic that way you’re not having to buy a new pair everytime a trend changes. Try these ***classic Veja Campo sneakers***.

Basic Long Sleeve Tee — **Short and Long Sleeve Tees in White, Black & Gray**

Yes, I also own tees in other colors but these neutrals are non-negotiable. I prefer the look and feel of tees in cotton or a cotton blend and a little stretch doesn’t hurt. Quality definitely matters to me because I wear them so frequently and I want them to hold their shape through washing and wearing. These Monrow Textured Tri-Blend tees are fantastic and available in ***crewneck***, ***v-neck*** and ***short sleeve***.

Anthropologie Black Pants — **Black Pants**

Denim has pretty much taken over and can be worn almost anywhere (almost). For the most part, I live a pretty casual lifestyle so denim is a staple in my wardrobe. However, there have been a number of occasions where I have needed to wear something dressier and I don’t like that feeling of not being prepared to dress appropriately. I always keep a pair of versatile, comfortable black pants with a classic cut in my closet for this reason. I own these ***Naomi pants from Anthropologie*** and I like they are available in four fits (standard, petite, tall and plus) and multiple sizes. More importantly, they are really comfortable and they have stretch!

**A Versatile Sweater**

I live in New England and it gets cold so a light to midweight sweater that can be worn with almost anything in my closet and to pretty much any occasion, is another essential I’ll always have on hand. I usually have a couple, one in a color and one in a neutral shade. They are the perfect weight to wear during most of the year, not too light and not too heavy and made from a comfortable, breathable material like cotton. I always like a sweater with a little detail but this ***cotton mockneck sweater by Quince*** is a great basic and really well priced.

**A Denim Skirt**

While they are really trendy right now, I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a denim skirt. I wear mine with boots and a sweater in the colder months and then tees, tanks and sandals in the summer. They also travel really well as all denim does. I pick one in a classic medium wash, knee length and slight a-line silhouette, nothing too trendy. A little stretch helps too. I really love this knee length ***denim skirt by Wash Lab***. It’s a nice medium shade of blue, has a cotton/poly/spandex blend for comfort and stretch and is a classic style that will last for years.

**Booties in Black and Brown**

Booties are popular for a reason, they work with everything: pants, jeans, skirts and dresses. I like the heel to be about 2” to 3”, not too high that they are uncomfortable or too low that they aren’t dressy enough to wear on a night out. Having both black and brown adds versatility my wardrobe and I find if stick with a classic style and take good care of them, they will last for years. I really like either ***Nisolo*** or ***Frye*** for boots. I think they both have great quality and plenty of style options.

**A Nude Bra**

Yes, you’re right, a bra is technically not clothing but I think this one is worth a mention. Also, there is really nothing exciting about a nude bra but the right one will disappear under your clothing (especially those whites and lights), give you great support and ultimately help you look more pulled together. I was in my early 20s when I learned that if you want your bra to disappear under white/light tops then it needs to be nude and not white. Since then the nude bra has been a staple in my closet. Fit and style preference is a very personal thing so recommending what bra I wear is likely useless but I have to say I’m incredibly impressed with the style, size and color options of Kim Kardashian’s line, ***SKIMS***. Say what you want about her and her family but if she makes a great bra, I’m going to buy it. You can shop the full line of ***SKIMS bras here***.

Mid Rise Denim for Women — **A Classic Pair of Jeans**

How could I not mention jeans? They are essential! Denim styles go in and out but a pair with a clean, finished hem, classic styling, and versatile wash is indispensable. I’ve worked in clothing retail for a few years and purchased jeans in all colors and styles and I get the most of out of my pair that has a more classic styling. This means a straight or slightly tapered or flared leg that is not too loose or tight, medium wash, mid-rise, finished hem with a little stretch. I really like either ***AYR’s The Pop Jean in the Laid Back wash*** or ***Madewell’s The Perfect Vintage Jean***. AYR jeans are a bit of investment but they are super comfortable and provide a nice range of fits. Madewell is more affordable and provide a lot of options but they can vary depending on the wash.