The Elevated Basics I Recommend to Every Client

Elevated basics are the backbone of a functional wardrobe. They are the pieces that may not feel exciting on the hanger, but they make everything else work.

When clients tell me they have “nothing to wear,” the problem is often not a lack of clothes. It is a lack of strong basics.

The elevated tee

A great tee should hold its shape, skim the body, and feel polished enough to wear under a blazer or on its own with denim.

Look for white, black, ivory, navy, or soft gray.

The perfect tank

A fitted tank is one of the most useful layering pieces. Wear it with wide-leg pants, under cardigans, with denim, or beneath a blazer.

The button-down

A white or striped button-down can be worn so many ways: tucked into trousers, layered open over a tank, tied with denim, or styled under a sweater.

The blazer

A blazer makes basics feel intentional. If you are building your wardrobe from scratch, start with a black, navy, ivory, or camel option.

The denim

Every wardrobe needs denim that makes you feel good. For most women, I recommend one dark wash, one light or medium wash, and one white or ecru option.

The trouser

A clean trouser gives you an alternative to jeans and instantly expands your outfit options.

The everyday shoe

This could be a loafer, ballet flat, Mary Jane, refined sneaker, or sandal depending on your lifestyle.

The layering piece

A lightweight cardigan, denim jacket, utility jacket, or cropped jacket helps finish outfits without adding bulk.

My style prescription

Basics are not boring when they fit well and work together. They are the pieces that make your wardrobe feel calm, cohesive, and easy to style.

Shop my elevated basics edit below. Links coming soon.