The reality is when I’m in a rush, it’s not my boldest wardrobe pieces I reach for; it’s the basics. There’s comfort in knowing that I can throw on a pair of jeans and a tee or a skirt and a cardigan, and I’ll be able to navigate whatever is on the agenda for the day ahead. But there’s one rule I follow when I’m buying staples: They have to look luxe. When you’re wearing something simple, the difference in quality and style is much more obvious because even the smallest details have to be well-done.
Luckily, I find that luxe doesn’t always equate to expensive. In fact, some of my most elevated pieces I’ve managed to find for under $100. Knowing that I have a corral of brands that have honed in on their lanes makes it easy for me to cherry-pick great finds from the likes of Madewell, J.Crew, and Everlane. If I want to, I can add a designer handbag or a dressy pair of shoes, but the power of luxe-looking basics is that even with simple accessories they shine.
If I can add one additional tip to making everyday items look elevated, it’s to pay attention to fit. Tailoring jeans to perfectly hug your body goes a long way in making an outfit seem more expensive than it is. But, even without a trip to the tailor, finding silhouettes that accentuate your favorite assets and hit in all the right places is a game changer.
