Introduction
We think of Vogue as the pinnacle of fashion, but the truth is that even editors need their basics to make it through the day. Whether you’re at work or on the go, these wardrobe essentials will help keep everything in its place so you look polished and put together no matter where your day takes you.
Leandra Medine
Leandra Medine, founder of Man Repeller and one of the most stylish women in New York City, knows a thing or two about what works for her. When she’s not busy running her empire or dressing up for red carpets, Leandra keeps her wardrobe simple with classic pieces like this white button down shirt. “It has been my favorite basic since I bought it back in 2012,” she said. “I wear it with everything from denim to dresses and skirts.”
If you’re looking for an item that will last forever (and look good no matter what), then this is your go to option: It’s classic enough to never go out of style but still unique enough so that no one else has the same look as yours. Plus, it’s perfect for layering you’ll never run out of ways to style this top!
Samantha Boardman Roberts
“The best way to get a good fit is to have the right size,” says Boardman Roberts. “And if you’re not sure what size you are, go try on clothes in person at a store where they have a good return policy. You can also use an app like Fitbit or MyFitnessPal to track your body measurements over time and see how they change with exercise or weight loss.”
As for T-shirts, she recommends wearing them under blazers as an alternative to button-up shirts: “It’s easier than trying to match prints or patterns between two separate pieces.”
Alessandra Codinha
“I’ve always been a fan of simple, classic pieces,” Alessandra said. “A white t-shirt is my go to item that can be worn under an oversized blazer or with jeans and sneakers.”
Alessandra also enjoys wearing a white button down shirt under a black oversize blazer with jeans or trousers; it’s her way of adding some edge to her look without being too dressy or formal.
Phyllis Posnick
- White button down shirt
- Black tights
- Black pumps
- A black blazer
- White scarf (for layering)
- Black bag (it’s important to have one you love and use often)
- A basic black cardigan or sweater
Lisa Love
Lisa Love is the fashion and style editor at Vogue. In this role, she oversees the magazine’s coverage of high end and streetwear brands and writes about her favorite trends in fashion and beauty.
She has also served as an editor at Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Teen Vogue. In addition to her editing experience, Lisa has worked with designers such as Michael Kors on runway shows during New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
Steff Yotka
- A good pair of jeans. “I don’t buy into the idea that you need to have a huge collection of designer denim,” says Yotka. “I think you can get away with just one good pair and they’ll last forever.”
- A good pair of boots. “I have multiple pairs because I love them so much,” she says.” But if I had to pick just one, it would be my buttery soft suede ankle boots from Acne Studios.”
- A white t-shirt preferably an American Apparel zip-up that fits well, and feels great when it’s new but will also soften over time as it gets washed and worn (and worn). The editors at Vogue swear by these shirts because they’re classic enough for work but casual enough for weekends spent in trainers instead of heels; plus they never go out of style so there’s no need to worry about finding an updated version every year or two!
Chrissy Rutherford
Chrissy Rutherford is the fashion director at Vogue.com, and she’s known for her classic style. She’s been photographed wearing the same outfit over and over again, and it just happens to be a white shirt which isn’t surprising given her love for simplicity.
“I wear white shirts all day long,” she told Refinery29 in an interview last year (video). “It’s my favorite thing ever.”
To make sure that your wardrobe stays streamlined with these basic items, try this trick: If you buy one new thing each season that you love enough to wear every day (like a white shirt), then your wardrobe will stay fresh without becoming overwhelming or out of control!
Kathleen Baird Murray
- Black t-shirts are a wardrobe staple.
- White t-shirts are a wardrobe staple.
- High waisted pants are a wardrobe staple.
- Flats are a wardrobe staple! The perfect pair of good flats will last you forever and go with everything, but they need to be comfortable enough to walk around in them all day without blisters or falling over (if you’re clumsy like me). If you’re going to invest in one thing from this list, make it shoes it’s worth spending some money on something that looks good but also feels good on your feet!
It’s Important to not Over Complicate Your Wardrobe
It’s important to not over complicate your wardrobe and sometimes the best items are simple and classic. A white t-shirt is a wardrobe staple for many reasons: it can be worn under a blazer or sweatshirt, alone with jeans or sweatpants, layered with other shirts or even tucked into high waisted trousers.
It’s also incredibly versatile you can wear it in the summer when you want something light but still cool (and not see through), but also in winter when you need something warm under your sweater or jacket. You can dress up the look by adding jewelry like earrings or necklaces; add some heels if you want to go out at night; throw on some sneakers if you’re going for an active look!
Conclusion
The best way to create a wardrobe that works for you is by finding classic and timeless items. You can always update these pieces with accessories or other items in your closet to make them feel new again. We hope these tips have inspired you to go back to basics!
