As a personal stylist my motto is “Buy less, buy better” and, when I looked back on my clothing purchases for the year, I was thrilled to see this influenced me to buy quality, versatile pieces that fit my lifestyle. Although I wore each new piece over and over, I want to share my most worn and top basics in this post. Why? Because high-quality basics are what I find many women lack in their wardrobe and it is my hope that you not only enjoy reading about my top basics but find your next wardrobe basic for 2022!
1. Light wash distressed jeans
Every year I invest in at least one new pair of new jeans and this year it was The Tomcat by Mother. I love this brand personally and I recommend it to clients because of the great quality and comfort. Whether I met a girlfriend for happy hour or ran errands on the weekend these were hands-down the jeans I grabbed the most.
2. White V-neck Tee
A V-neck tee is flattering on everyone, and I was thrilled to find this style with an extended
oversized cap sleeve by Frame. A couple of my clients also purchased it during their shopping sprees with me. The shirt comes in several colors – I have my eye on the grey for my next purchase. The cotton material is so soft and comfy you won’t want to take it off!
3. Oversized Cashmere Cardigan
I had been eyeing this Rag and Bone cardigan for months and was about to purchase it from my local Nordstrom, but I ended up pulling it for a client’s shopping spree and she purchased my size. Haha! Not to worry, I ordered my own a few weeks later during Black Friday and got an amazing deal. If you haven’t invested in cashmere yet and are ready to add your first piece this would be a great choice. 100% cashmere, versatile style, and little details to make it special. Comes in two other neutrals if grey isn’t your favorite.
4. Ribbed Henley Tank
Early this spring I did a mini tank top try on from some of my favorite brands for basics and ended up keeping this one from Vince. The textured fabric and button details give it enough visual interest to be worn on its own or as a layering piece. I loved to style it with printed skirts and bold colored trousers.
5. Wool Cashmere Car Coat
Living in Texas makes purchasing a coat challenging because it is a higher priced item and if too heavy might only get a few wears during the year. But this year it was no challenge at all because I found a lightweight coat that is warm but not too heavy if the weather is mild. It is the Clairene Jacket by Theory, and my favorite feature is the color – a rich chocolate brown that can be paired all kinds of ways. This is a wardrobe basic I know I will wear for many years.
6. Heathered Grey Loungewear Set
Another year of the pandemic meant lots of weekends spent hanging out at home, so I purchased two loungewear sets from Xirena, one with a zip up sweatshirt and one with a crew neck. Of the two I have worn the Oliver Sweatshirt and Davis Sweatpants the most because I prefer the zip-up, it’s easier to layer over t-shirts and to take off if I get too warm.
7. Chambray Button Down
This year I decided to invest in a chambray fabric button down because I feel it is just as versatile as a pair of jeans, you just wear it on your top half. I chose The Kayla by Citizens of Humanity and I love the oversized, faded look. I wore it mostly as a layering piece post workouts to elevate my outfit and give me some coverage in back as I ran errands after. This piece is a best seller for CoH and sells out quickly, so if you find your size, get it.
There you have it, my top 7 wardrobe basics worn during of 2021! If one of the items caught your eye and you want to incorporate it into your 2022 wardrobe, then I hope you love it as much as I do. But the main take away is this: Be intentional with your purchases. Before you make a purchase ask yourself these three things, 1) is it great quality, 2) does it fit my current lifestyle, and 3) is it versatile? If the answer is yes, yes, and yes then you will be on your way to buying less and buying better for 2022!
