The 6 wardrobe basics you need in your closet now

Date: May 15, 2025

Here at Trendsend, we think “basic” is a compliment, because basics are the most important part of your wardrobe. A perfectly fitted pair of jeans, a simple white T-shirt, and a goes-with-everything jacket are the foundation for a great outfit. Having a selection of basics that fit you well, feel good on, and go with lots of different items in your closet makes getting dressed easy and helps you hone in on what you actually want to wear. Because basics typically don’t go out of style, you can wear them for years and pair them with trendier pieces.

the best basic t-shirts: A woman wearing a white basic tee layered with a white jacket and blue shorts, demonstrating how the best basic t-shirts are essential for summer layering.

While your personal basics may be different from your best friend’s, there are specific pieces we think everyone should own—and the best part is that you can customize the best basic T-shirts, jeans, tanks, and jackets to suit your style. Your basic T-shirt may be a cropped V-neck, while your BFF likes a crewneck in heather gray.

Should you splurge or save on basics? That all depends! If it’s something you plan to wear often and toss in the laundry on a regular basis, we recommend spending a little more on a higher quality fabric and fit.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up what we call the foundational basics: the pieces you should have in your wardrobe for every single occasion.

The T-shirt

The best basic T-shirts are comfortable and versatile, the kind of piece you can wear on a Saturday morning to pick up donuts or under a blazer at work.

It’s never a bad idea to have a few different basic T-shirts on rotation: a crewneck, a V-neck, and a long-sleeved tee is a great place to start. We generally recommend sticking to a simple palette of black, white, gray, and navy as your “basics,” simply because they can be worn with everything, and we always love a striped T-shirt. (Stripes forever!) If your personal style is a little more rock ‘n roll than preppy, a few cute, vintage-style band tees may work as your basics.

the best basic t-shirts: A woman in a striped button-down shirt and denim shorts, styled with a belt, highlighting how the best basic t-shirts and shirts can be dressed up or down.

The tank top

Just like the best basic T-shirts, tank tops are one of those pieces you’ll reach for all the time. If you’d describe your style as sporty and casual, a muscle tank-style would fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. If you gravitate to more feminine, girly looks, a skinnier strap or even a blousy tank would be a great option for you.

The pants

For some of us “basic pants” means jeans—a straight leg, a bootcut, a barrel, or even a skinny jean. Jeans are an essential part of the average wardrobe and can be worn anywhere and everywhere, including the office. We’re obviously extremely passionate about denim and think everyone should own a few pairs, including a lighter-wash straight leg style for everyday and a darker style when you need to dress things up a bit.

the best basic t-shirts: A woman in a white tank top and light-wash wide-leg jeans, standing with a bike, showing the versatility of the best basic t-shirts for casual summer outfits.

But for others, jeans aren’t the be-all and end-all of pants, and a loose-fitting cargo or a classic black pant is more useful and comfortable. You can create so many different outfits with either style.

The shorts

Don’t be scared of shorts! There is a pair for you, we promise. For some, that’s denim cutoffs, which pair perfectly with the most casual outfits but also add a fun contrast to dressier looks like blouses and blazers. For others, it’s a more traditional, chino-style short, which feels polished and preppy. If comfort is a priority, try a linen or knit style with a stretchy elastic waistband; this style of short works well with a matching top or paired with a slightly oversized sweater. Athletic-inspired shorts work well for people with an outdoorsy, active lifestyle.

the best basic t-shirts: A woman in a red and white striped tank top and classic jeans, showing how the best basic t-shirts and tanks are perfect for everyday style.

The jacket

You’ve read it a million times: everyone needs a black blazer. But honestly, you kind of do! There’s nowhere you can’t go in a black or navy blazer, which is why we consider it one of the most important foundational basics.

The bomber jacket is another fave for more casual events and occasions; it looks so cool tossed over a dress or a pair of jeans, like you tried but you didn’t try.

The dress

A simple, fitted-but-not-skintight knit dress is irreplaceable in your closet. Layer it with a sweater, denim jacket, or a button-down shirt and sneakers or sandals to make it feel more casual. Dress it up with a jacket, jewelry, and a chic bag. Dress it way, way down with a baseball cap and sneakers. Wear it on flights, out on date night, or running around after your kids. It’s game for anything, and that’s the true definition of a great foundational basic.