Your style foundation
Every one has their own style, which is why they might also define their "basics" differently. I prefer to call it "foundation" as it's the building blocks of your style and will help you complete outfits as you add on extras when you're inspired.
A pair of ripped denim could be skinny, straight or boyfriend fit - all depending on what fits your body, lifestyle or taste. A leather jacket doesn't have to be the standard black leather biker with tons of hardware, it can be a soft suede in taupe or even plum if you'd rather. You should mould your own unique collection of layering pieces that you will reach for and find essential in your wardrobe. Once you have those pinned down, the real fun begins.
What do you reach for when you don’t know what to wear?
Habit can be the best way to start. When you don't have the time or creativity to play with colours and textures, do you have a default set of pieces you resort to? It could be a pair of trousers and a jumper, a dress that fits you perfectly, or just jeans and a t-shirt. What you reach for when you don't know what to wear says a lot about what you feel best in and what suits your daily life. Those pieces are what will shape the foundation pieces of your wardrobe and ensure you are filling your closet with pieces that will be well loved.
What do you feel is missing?
When you get dressed, what do you wish you had to complete an outfit? These layering pieces are often neutral in colour and - if you’re wearing them often - they should fit you perfectly!
A lot of style experts would say that these “basics” are what you should invest your money in. In my opinion, I think it depends on the piece itself. There is no use investing in t-shirts, because you were wear them down and not get the life out of them that justifies a steeper price tag. A leather jacket however, might be something that you hunt for the perfect fit and the most buttery material you can find - lambskin, suede, even vegan fabric qualities are incredible nowadays.
Denim is another key area of your wardrobe where you might want a few types of fits depending on your style. A black skinny jean, maybe a distressed boyfriend, something more trend driven like a culotte or a racing stripe detail down the side seam… The options are endless, but it’s good to have a few brands you know and love the fit of, so if you are ever looking to extend your collection, you have somewhere to start.
Try making a list of 10 items you would consider a foundation piece. When you get dressed in the morning, what supporting roles are there in the outfits you build? Even taking a look over style inspiration and those underlying pieces that are functional, and whether you own them or not. You might have owned them before but never repurchased when it left your wardrobe because of fit, or wear, or a change in taste! The purpose of foundation pieces is for them to stretch the lengths of your wardrobe and be incorporated with ease.
Finishing Touches
Though some like to style their looks with various styles of jewellery, picking and choosing from a vast collection, I prefer to have a jewellery uniform. This means that my jewellery is actually part of the foundation of my wardrobe and once I had found the set of pieces that I like to wear every day, I know those pieces go together and work with my style.
If you’d like to find pieces of jewellery you wear every day, I’d recommend sticking with categories that don’t interfere in your daily life. For instance, if you work at a computer, you might not want bracelets rattling against the keyboard. If you work a lot with your hands, stacks of rings will only mean you are constantly taking them off and putting them on again. Strike the right balance of the look you want with the comfort you need.
You have finalised your foundation and now you couldn’t be more ready to inject a trend or detail to boost your style!