There are basics, and then there are trendy basics. I’m here to talk about the latter, but you already knew that from this story’s title. While I do think that every wardrobe needs its standard-issue white tees and blue jeans, I want to rant about the basics that are a little more forward, a touch cooler, and 100% worth buying. Since I wear my basics constantly, I’m always on the lookout for trendier ones to update my closet with, and I’ve landed on eight such versions that I already know will feature regularly in my 2023 wardrobe.
Below, you’ll find the fresh styles I can’t help but obsess over right now purely because their cool factor is on par with how versatile they are—and that’s not always the case when it comes to these foundational items. So continue on to get a glimpse of the trendy wardrobe basics I’ll be incorporating into my ensembles all year long and, of course, shop my picks for each.
Leather outerwear is always present in my closet to some degree, and right now, I’m most interested in jackets with a distressed, worn-in look. I love how the vintage appeal lends an immediate cool factor to whatever they’re styled with.
We’ve already pointed out how long denim skirts are *the* trend for spring 2023, but I think the styles can easily become staples to wear on repeat throughout the rest of the year too. Come summer, I plan on wearing mine with ribbed tanks and sandals.
One item I simply can’t stop wearing with anything and everything is a pair of sculptural studs. Call it the Bottega effect, but these artful drop earrings are completely eclipsing my regular hoops.
I’ll be honest: I haven’t thought about wearing ballet flats since 2010, but with all the new takes on them, I’m once again a flats girl. Pairs that feature pretty satin finishes or metal embellishments are what I’m gravitating toward more than anything.
While they’re definitely more on the basic end than the trendy end of the spectrum, I’d argue that classic leather belts are having a moment. I like that they can take an otherwise boring outfit up a notch and instantly pull together the simplest of combinations, like a tee and jeans or button-down and trousers per the above look.
Simple but elite—that’s how I’d describe high-neck tops like the viral Reformation Lindy Top. The mock-neck silhouette just looks so elevated and chic, and the style is quickly replacing my standard crew-necks.
Tanks are always in full force in my closet, and this year, I’m especially into pointelle styles that feel French to me. I just placed an order for this pretty style from fan-favorite Cou Cou, and I can already tell I’ll be wearing it a lot this spring and summer.
Tights—yes, tights—are in the middle of a rebrand. Cool girls everywhere are adopting the “grandma” staple you were probably overlooking, and the runways are rife with styling inspiration to back it up. At no more than $30 a pop, I’ll be trying out a range of styles, from fishnets to colored pairs.
