News feed
There is a lot of talk about capsule wardrobes these days, with buzz words like minimalism and decluttering becoming mantras in the fight against overcrowded, disorganised closets. You only need to look at the popularity of organisational experts like Marie Kondo to see that when we simplify our lives, we feel more in control.
This simplification, as well as our increasing desire (and human right!) to feel comfortable, has seen the rise and rise of basics labels and basics diffusion lines. Not that they’re ‘basic’ in the overly-common, souring-trend sense of the word, instead they’re the simple, blank-canvas pieces ready to be whatever you want them to be. They’re free from logos, prints and appliques so they can evade the seasons and spend inherently more time on you than the $700 trend piece you’re currently considering…
Monochrome basics in the form of tees, sweats, tanks, trousers and shirts are arguably the most useful (and hardworking) items you’ll own, so invest in quality. When you’re wearing something as often as these the cost-per-wear becomes insignificantly small, so it’s worth opting for pieces that won’t fall apart after the second wash. Fabrics like linen, cotton and silk will age better than synthetics and feel beautiful (read: non-sweaty!) to wear.
For styling inspo, look to effortlessly cool Aussie Insta-influencer Andi Csinger @andicsinger who does basics-chic like no one else. Note the rolling of wrist and ankle cuffs, the loose tucking of hems and the simple accessories.
Here is our edit of must-have staples for a wardrobe that will work as hard as you do.
THE STRIPED LONG SLEEVE TEE that works as well with your denim cut-offs as it does tucked in to a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg pants.
Assembly Label ‘Bay’ long sleeve tee, $50 from the iconic SHOP NOW
THE WHITE TEE that converts from workplace (tucked in with a tailored jacket and pant) to home (thrown on with your exercise shorts) to dinner (with a high-waisted dramatic skirt and heels). Style tip: buy your tees (and sweaters) a couple of sizes too big, they’ll look better when tucked into fitted bottoms, or when casually slouched.
Rag & Bone ‘The Tee’, $115 from Net-A-Porter SHOP NOW
THE SLEEVELESS TANK DRESS you can wear with slim black trainers at a moment’s notice or completely accessorise and belt to transform into a chic statement outfit.
Jac & Jack ‘Odyssey’ dress, $299 SHOP NOW
THE SLOUCHY DRAWSTRING PANTS you can style up with a crisp white dinner shirt and heeled slingbacks for evening and then style down with your boyfriend’s sweater and a pair of slides the next morning.
Bassike canvas layered flared short, $220 SHOP NOW
THE MIDI SKIRT you can wear as easily with a logo tee and trainers for day as you can with heels and a sheer blouse for a night.
T by Alexander Wang satin midi skirt, $315 from Net-A-Porter SHOP NOW
THE WHITE COLLARED SHIRT that is just as at home worn with ripped jeans and Birkenstocks as it is with a pleated skirt, heels and some sculptural gold earrings.
Carven button up shirt, $390 from Shopbop SHOP NOW
THE GREY MARLE SWEAT you can cozy up on the couch in, but also layer under a tailored blazer or pea coat for a chic winter look.
First Base ‘Earn Your Stripes’ hoodie, $129 from The Iconic SHOP NOW
THE BLACK TANK you can wear with exercise leggings to the supermarket then effortlessly transform with a layering of fine gold jewellery, black jeans and killer heels for night.
Raey scoop neck ribbed tank, $135 from Matches Fashion SHOP NOW
