When I shop, I shop for trends. It takes my socks starting to pill and my white T-shirts no longer being white for me to motivate me to re-up my wardrobe basics—and I do so begrudgingly at that. Then, and only then, will I actually do the responsible thing and make these fashion purchases that are less than thrilling but definitely seem like the right thing to do.
Usually, this is my relationship to basics. But as soon as we turned a corner into spring 2020, something interesting started to happen. All of a sudden, these non-exciting (okay, downright boring) pieces started to seem as cool and exciting as any newer trend on the market. Maybe it’s a larger shift in the fashion world towards shopping for longevity or maybe it’s simply that designers are putting some seriously fresh spins on these tried-and-true pieces, but there’s no denying that something’s afoot. You know it’s real when this admittedly trend-minded editor has a shopping list chock full of these new clothing basics instead of their more out-there counterparts.
In any case, basics are having a moment and I’m so here for it. To see each of the seven pieces on my spring shopping list—and maybe even add them to your cart, too—just keep scrolling.
Trench coats are all over the street style scene at fashion month and I foresee that this classic topper will be a trending wardrobe basic all throughout the year.
Meet my dream coat.
This languid shape pretty much defines “effortlessly cool”.
A solid investment piece.
The S/S 20 runways pushed the oxford shirt hard and provided a myriad of ways to style them. My favorite look consists of an oversized menswear-inspired approach and I’ve taken to wearing mine over mini dresses with tights and boots or even worn open as a light jacket.
My kind of oversized.
Iridescent buttons make this one so special.
I may have already ordered this.
Boring as they may be, loose-fitting suit trousers are one of my go-to’s right now, especially when I’m tired of wearing my jeans all the time. The key to recreating the look is, in my opinion, to go for a pair that pools around your ankles a bit.
This shade of brown is oddly really in right now.
Style these just like the model.
Gray and white is the sleeper color combo I’m into.
Boxy blazers aren’t new by any means, but they continue to be relevant as the building blocks of any modern, fashion-forward wardrobe. I’ve been on the hunt for the next one to add to my closet, and the below have all been strong contenders.
If you’re smart you’ll buy the matching pants, too.
The ideal match to black jeans.
This suit is cool together, but the pieces are just as good worn separately.
Brogues are like the older sister to loafers but are a lot less talked-about. That ends now that an influx of cool chunky-soled brogues have hit the market. The platform soles give these timeless shoes a very 2020 spin.
A Bella Hadid favorite.
The pair you’ve seen all over your feed.
A classic shoe with an updated look.
Yep, not even your sock drawer is immune to this new wave of trendy basics. Tube socks are eclipsing the no-show sock look so go ahead, wear your dorkiest, thickest socks and do let them show in between your shoes and pant legs.
You’ll never lose a fun pair like these to laundry day again.
Sporty!
Fact: you can never have too many trouser socks.
Leggings are cool and all, but fashion girls are opting for thick jogger instead right now and I have to say, I’m kind of into it. It’s very Jerry Seinfeld circa 1995 but in a cool normcore way, you know?
Fashion’s favorite sweatpants.
It doesn’t get any more basic (or on the mark) than gray sweats.
Outdoor Voices just came out with their own joggers, and we bet they’re really good.
