There’s nothing I hate more than buying basics. A maximalist to my core, I gravitate to “fun” pieces covered in tulle, studs, fringe, the works. Essentially, if it’s a traffic stopper, I want it in my closet. The problem? New Port Richey, Fla., isn’t exactly teeming with opportunity to properly show off the goods. Sans for the occasional press trip, I find myself with fewer and fewer places to wear, say, a Carrie Bradshaw newspaper dress or a pair of 6-inch Charlotte Olympia lip heels. Sure, they still make for great Insta photos on days I feel like playing dress-up. But for all the fabulousness hanging in my closet, I find my wardrobe coming up short when it comes to clothing I can actually wear when I’m headed somewhere less exciting — like my next Zoom call or the lanai, where the temperature tends to hover around 95 degrees. Enter: the best elevated basics.
What’s an elevated basic, you ask? Exactly what it sounds like: an elevated version of all those regular old everyday pieces you need for functionality — think tank tops, belts, cardigans, ect. — but with a bit of a twist. Maybe it comes in the form of a cool embellishment (helllooooo, oversized buttons). Or maybe it’s a classic style with an unexpected length or texture. Whatever it is, this unique element has the power to make an otherwise boring buy into something far more exciting, despite its functional nature.
I’ve compiled a list of 23 of the best elevated basics that I’d love to add to my collection (if I haven’t already), from tank tops that actually make my heart skip a beat to cargos-turned-joggers that are equal parts swank and comfort. Below, my top picks.
The Best Elevated Basics
1. Abercrombie & Fitch Cropped Trench
If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, you’re likely already aware of my pure and utter hatred of the crop top. (For the love of God, just give us the bottom of our shirts back already!) When it comes to the classic trench, however, I am 100 percent in favor of giving this timeless basic a shorter makeover. It looks a million times more modern than the classic full-length version, yet keeps the versatility the original is known for. In theory, it’s also far more petite-friendly, though I’ve found most styles to be widely disproportionate in the shoulders for those with smaller frames. After trying three different brands, this Abercrombie one, while still oversized, is the only one I’ve found to fit in size XXS . You’ll want to grab it soon, though — it’s an influencer fave, so the sellout risk is high.
2. Nocturne Vest with Straps
Waistcoasts for women have practically exploded overnight, and I, for one, am loving the trend. The oversized buttons on this one make it fresh and interesting while the tailored fit and structured material keep it in the realm of a wardrobe staple. If you’re looking for a cheaper version, I have this Revolve one ($66), which has wider straps and snazzier buttons, but gives off the same overall effect. (Go with your normal sizing.)
3. Staud Leather Half Moon Bag
As a lover of novelty bags, I typically shy away from “normal” purses, but Staud’s take on the of-the-moment crescent bag caught my eye thanks to its uniquely exaggerated shape. It’s still simple enough to have an ageless appeal, and it hits that sweet spot of being large enough to fit all the things you need to carry on a day-to-day basis but isn’t so big that it will overwhelm smaller frames. (Pst: If you like the design but not the price, you can check out this far cheaper faux leather Keyli bag for a similar look.)
4. Dynamite Gabrielle Cardigan
You can’t talk about elevated basics without paying homage to the unsung hero of patterns: stripes. Maybe it’s because they’re so strongly associated with the French (we apparently have the French navy to thank for the popular pattern), but stripes have a certain je ne sais quoi that allows any old clothing item — like, say, a button-down cardigan — to become extra-special when presented in this print. This one’s patch pockets also give it a nice touch.
5. Amazon Anrabess Cutout Tank
Of all of the clothing items one can buy, tank tops have to be the most blasé. Or at least, they used to be. No longer are these little beauties sold strictly in solid colors to serve as bland undershirts. Tiny tweaks on the original in the form of cutouts (see above) have made them some of my favorite pieces to shop as of late. For as little as $10, you can get a brand new going-out top that requires little styling. And in this economy, who doesn’t love a bargain buy?
6. Heaven Mayhem Heaven Belt
Something else I absolutely despise buying for myself? Belts. Not only are they exceedingly boring but a high-quality option will cost you a pretty penny — we’re talking $100+. For the life of me, I could never get excited about spending $100 hard-earned dollars on a strip of leather. While I avoided buying belts for years, I began to have second thoughts when I noticed that all my favorite influencers were using them to make their most boring outfits — a white tank and jeans, for example — look super chic. (See: Lucy Whims.) If you must invest, as I finally have, options with flair, like this Heaven Mayhem pick, are a cut above the standard gold or silver buckle varietals, making the price point easier to stomach.
7. Dune London Happening Mary Jane Flats
Regular ballet flats? Sure, if you’re a fashion peasant. In 2024, even the most timeless of footwear has been elevated, thanks to the rise of Mary Jane-style straps and mesh exteriors. I’ve already snatched up the viral Amazon pair ($50+), much to my boyfriend’s chagrin (he thinks my bunions should be relegated to shoes with doors, not windows — psh), and now, I’ve got my eyes set on this Dune London pair. These have the strap, the mesh, plus an added little bit of pizazz in the form of the subtle crystal embellishments that put a world of distance between them and your beat-up Torys.
8. Caslon Cotton Cardigan
Lean in, my pretties, I’m about to tell you a little known fashion secret: nautical navy = instant class. A Nordstrom Anniversary find, this sweater has just the type of seafaring aesthetic that you might expect of the Hamptons set. I also love that my regular XS is perfectly oversized without drowning my frame. While I think it could be a little softer for the price point (I snagged it for closer to $50), I still think it’s an ace wardrobe essential to have in your back pocket.
9. Banana Republic Factory Cargo Joggers
Two facts about me: I like to look nice and I am also incredibly lazy at times — particularly in the mornings. If I’m running late for work (so, always), and I have a pair of slobby pants at the ready, I’m probably going to grab those suckers and luxuriate in them all day long. Which is exactly why I avoid them like the plague. Instead, I gravitate toward more elevated options — like these Banana Republic Factory cargo joggers. Just like your sweats, they’ve got an elastic waist, but they’re cut in such a way that you won’t be completely horrified if you run into your neighbor in them at the grocery store. You also can’t beat the price. On sale for $35 from their original $70, they’re an extra 20 percent off in your cart. (Can you say steal?)
10. Forever 21 x Hello Kitty Bow Cardigan
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be writing about Hello Kitty in a roundup of elevated basics. Then again, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined just how *chic* the new Forever 21 x Hello Kitty 50th anniversary collection would be. While this little cardi, which features a contrast trim, heart-shaped buttons and a little bow design at the chest, is my fave (it’s similar in style to a cashmere Reformation one that’s more than four times its price on sale), you can pair it with several other pieces, including the pictured $20 hot shorts (they’re perfect for bed if you’re not on board with the whole panties-as-pants look), this sweater-knit cami ($25) and this sweater-knit mini skirt ($30).
11. J.Crew Mariner Halter Top
There’s absolutely nothing special about this halter top. It’s made of simple cotton and ties at the neck, just like every other halter top on the planet. And yet, thanks to its contrast trim (which, you might recall I predicted would become a trend in July 2023), it almost becomes a statement piece. It does run a bit on the shorter side, so it will best be paired with high-rise bottoms, but with the right pair and accessories …*chef’s kiss.*
12. Aqua Striped Cuff Dad Jeans
Jeans don’t have to just be something you throw on with your tops. This Aqua pair, which features vertical stripes and cuffed bottoms, steals the spotlight with little to no effort. They’ve reportedly got a lighter weight to them, so you can wear them mid-summer, and some stretch, so you can get them in your regular size or size down. Sadly for me, shoppers say they run long, but tall gals should snatch these up.
13. Porsamo Bleu Karolina Watch
I’m officially in my watch era, and this Porsamo Blue Karolina watch with diamond accents has a lot to do with it. I have very dainty wrists, so a big old clunky timepiece was never gonna cut it for me. Nor do I have interest in the standard link styles, which, quite frankly, put me to sleep. But this! This is a masterpiece. It’s super slim, with keeper loops that help secure the band, and beyond that, it’s absolutely gorgeous. While it’s mostly minimalistic, with a plain black leather band and an unfussy gold case, there are 12 .06 ctw diamonds marking each hour to give it just enough oomph to keep my attention.
14. Mango Sweater Vest
Vests are hardly groundbreaking. We’ve seen sweaters sans arms for years ahead of 2024 — just typically in a more structured form. Along with the takeover of the traditional vest, which is popping up in plenty of cooler, longer cuts with embellished detailing, we’re seeing them transition over into knitwear, too, and the result is a not-so-basic basic that I’m excited to try. (My order is en route.)
15. Abercrombie & Fitch LuxeLoft Cardigan
As we’ve learned by now, contrast trim and button embellishments both have the power to really zhuzh up a piece, and this sweet little cardi offers up both, giving it Chanel-like vibes without the price. (Seriously, it’s less than $60.) A&F shoppers say it does run boxy, so size down if you want a more snug look.
16. English Factory Mixed Media Dress
While I might scoff at a black crewneck sweater (dull) or a white cotton skirt (uninspiring) on their own, when paired together in a single dress I don’t have to think twice about throwing on, the lackluster factor quicky dissapates. Temperature wise, it’s a bit confused (the bottom is light and airy while the top has a bit of heft), but it will be just right for transitional dressing into fall, and later, spring.
17. Banana Republic Factory Knit Pique Blazer
If you’re over the age of 30, you probably have a basic blazer or two in your closet. What you probably *don’t* have is a knit one. Just by switching up the standard office-ready fabric, you get a far cooler, far more wearable look you’ll reach for on the weekends too. Additional details, like the band collar and waist darts, make it even more magnifique.
18. Commense Chunky Knit Vest
With just three thin little black lines, this chunky cream shell is transformed from a humdrum knit to a piece with panache. It’s got an oversized fit that makes it the ideal mate for a fitted black mini and shoppers say it’s nice and soft, too. Not bad for $29!
19. Everlane Leather Day Heels
Half ballet flat, half heel, these lovely leather numbers have some serious staying power. How do I know? I’ve had mine since 2018. The rounded toe makes them far more casual than your average stiletto and simultaneously gives them a distinctive edge. Many also praise their comfort, though I find them to be average in that department. The scruchie back does mean no blisters, but it can also slide off the foot more easily, making them harder to walk in. There is a more narrow version that might eliminate that, but the regular size pinches my big toe a bit, so the narrow version is a no from me.
20. Dynamite Anywhere Scuba Trouser Pants
Full disclosure: I don’t yet have much experience with this brand. That said, it’s Canadian, and after visiting Montréal last fall, I can say with full confidence that Canadians have style — particularly when it comes to their basics. These scuba trouser pants supposedly feel like sweats, but their tailoring dresses them up without much effort. They may be a bit long on shorter legs, though. (I’ll report back once I’ve given them a try.)
21. Abercrombie Rib-Crew Button-Up
Buttons make everything better. If there was still a doubt in your mind, however, I give you this rib-crew button-up from A&F. On the surface, it’s a plan Jane ribbed tank — the kind you’d buy in bulk at Walmart and shove in the bottom of your dresser drawer. But with that row of buttons down the front, it’s what I might call sophisticated? It’s also extremely easy to style with other elevated basics, like a pair of cuffed jeans, a textured blazer or a high-waist pair of trousers.
22. C. by Bloomingdale’s Pullover Cashmere Hoodie
Another traditionally sloppy item turned chic, the cashmere hoodie first sparked my interest during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (and apparently everyone else’s too — it sold out at lightning speeds). The unexpected juxtaposition of the ultra-fine fabric with the super casual silhouette created a sudden desire for a basic I’m usually rather ambivalent about. This C. by Bloomingdale’s one has a slightly different neckline (think notch instead of mock), but it’s still giving “must-have” — and it’s on sale through Aug. 25.
23. Aqua Striped V-Neck Cardigan
If you ask me, this cardi screams “elegance.” The deep V makes the neckline intriguing enough to wear on its own, but you can also throw it over a tee on a chillier day. It’s got that fabulous French flair, thanks to its cream-and-navy striped design, and the front patch pockets give it even more appeal.
What elevated basics are you loving this season? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
