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When someone asks about our legacy, we want to be remembered for our curated selection of perfect-fitting basics. These are the wardrobe essentials you can pry out of our cold dead hands, or, put more politely, we simply can’t get dressed without. Some are affordable, some are less so, but each is worth it. Our editors’ favorite basics, up ahead.
A baseball tee that’s incredibly soft…
“In the spring, I love a good long-sleeve tee and shorts outfit. I also love that baseball tees are trending right now, so grabbing Aritzia’s version was a no-brainer. It’s soft enough that I can lounge in it and not too thick for even the warmest days. Some sizes are already sold out, so if you’re looking for other options, try this Leset version (a splurge, but classic), or this Madewell short-sleeve option.” —Martha Upton
Linen pants we’ve been wearing everywhere…
“I have never been a huge fan of linen pants, but I am a fan of Donni., so I decided to try a pair. I simply cannot stop wearing them. I’ve worn them on errands days to feel more polished and with heels for date night. They’re so comfortable and lightweight, the mid-rise waist is perfect, and I love the subtle sporty stripe down the sides. Are these an investment? Yes. But are they about to become your new favorite pants? Also yes.” —Martha Upton
Two tank tops under $25…
“If you’re looking for some Brandy Melville-esque tanks but 1) want options that aren’t one size and 2) want comparable pricing, might I suggest these two tanks from Los Angeles Apparel? The 2x1 Rib and the Cotton Baby Rib have become staples in my wardrobe over the last couple of weeks. Both are soft yet structured, and I love wearing them on their own or underneath a shirt or cardigan. The 2x1 is somewhere between a muscle tee and a basic tank, while the Cotton Baby Rib is a classic ribbed racerback tank.” —Margo Ghertner
A pair of cult-favorite athletic shorts…
“After hearing the lore of Patagonia Baggies, I finally got myself a pair last summer, and they quickly became my most-worn non-denim shorts. They’re crisp, swishy, sweat-wicking, and (in my opinion) low-key chic. I originally got the 2-inch pair in slate blue, but for this summer, I got a longer pair in lemon yellow — a perfectly skater/surfer-chic option.” —Caroline Goldstein
Jean shorts for even the hottest days…
“As the weather warms up, the thought of wearing denim shorts can become more and more unbearable. But I discovered these dad shorts from Abercrombie & Fitch last year, and they’ve become a staple for me during the spring and summer. They’re made of a midweight denim that isn’t constricting, and the cut is somehow perfectly not too tight, and not too loose.” —Margo Ghertner
A boxy tee that makes us feel put-together…
“This is the best basic tee I own (and I have three of them). It’s not too cropped or too fitted, making it great to wear underneath a sweater. The boxiness isn’t shapeless, either. When I pull this on with jeans, I feel like the main character of a rom-com whose tee just happens to fit them perfectly so they look effortlessly cool.” —Martha Upton
A pair of all-purpose pull-on pants…
“These pants from Cozy Earth are kind of my holy grail. I wear them all the time — when I’m traveling, running errands, or even to the office. The waistband is stretchy, so they feel cozy on, and they provide just enough movement and flexibility. Sometimes I’m so sick of wearing jeans and the constrictive feeling that comes with them. These are my go-to pants that look clean and are comfortable.” —Alexandra Napoli
A cropped cardigan we’re stocking up on…
“When I first saw this sweater in the wild, I thought it was a much more expensive version. It’s so soft, looks cute worn open or closed, and hits at the exact right place at my waistline. The price is frankly insane (in a good way), so I’m grabbing the in-stock colors while I still can. If you’re looking for more sweaters in the same soft fabric, click here.” —Martha Upton
An everyday tee that’s slightly fitted…
“This is the top I reach for several times a week. It’s super stretchy, holds up well in the wash, and has a slightly compressive fit that feels comforting, not suffocating (and also means I don’t have to wear a bra with it, which is always a win in my book). This is perfect for layering underneath sweaters, but I also think one of the chicest outfits of all time is a fitted tee, baggy jeans, and flats. I have it in several colors.” —Caroline Goldstein
A ribbed tank that keeps us covered…
“A good ribbed tank is also a wardrobe essential for me. What I like about this one is how thick it is, so I don’t technically have to wear a bra, especially with the black version. I also like how it’s sort of a tank-cami hybrid, so it has skinnier straps than most. The neckline isn’t too low, so I even feel comfortable wearing it to the office.” —Martha Upton
A viral Old Navy T-shirt…
“This T-Shirt went viral last year and with good reason. It’s pretty much always on sale — I’ve usually only paid about $8-$12 for it. Its ribbed material is thick and feels luxe, plus it washes well. If you want an opaque T-shirt that you won’t ever see a bra through, go for this one. It’s also the perfect tuckable length.” —Margo Ghertner
A baby tee that’s not too thick…
“I have this basic top from A&F in a few colors. It’s thin in a good way — breathable for warm spring days and unbearingly hot summer days. I pair it with linen pants or jean shorts, throw on some Adidas or Vans, and out the door I go. Add some chic sunglasses, gold hoops, and I instantly feel put-together. No frills about it, and the price point is good, too.” —Alexandra Napoli