A controversial opinion during award season, but red carpet looks are only so interesting to me. I'm always more interested in seeing how people with great style approach the most low-key pieces in their wardrobe—I mean, love a gown, but maybe I love airport style more? I want to see the comfy pants of chic people. Their jeans! I definitely want to know which is their choice of black tank or white T-shirt, plucked from that bottomless sea of options that await us on the internet.
When it comes to such basics (the cool ones, the ones that feel on-trend and make simple outfits look expensive), there's a slew of go-to brands and designers that hit the spot at different price points. From that effortless Reformation cardigan (gestures frantically above) to my favorite Toteme tank (aka $105 well spent) and the jeans everyone seems to own, here are some picks that deserve a spot in any wardrobe.
There she is.
If you're wondering where their jeans are from, the answer is probably Levi's.
Mango deserves all the love for making this excellent suiting in a range of sizes (from XXS to 4XL).
Oh, Khaite. We meet again.
It's about the neckline. Keep it casual (and under $60) like this, or…
…add a little length and structure like this.
Sweatpants you can wear to dinner. Trust me.
This shirt would be very good with those brown ribbed knit pants.
Some low-key Prada energy. Best layered over a perfect white tee…
…like this one. (It also comes in black.)
COS consistently nails it.
When the brand co-founder is Vogue Australia's editor in chief, Christine Centenera, and the HB stands for Hailey Bieber, you click.
Just some excellent cashmere in an excellent shade of brown at a pretty excellent price.
This tee. I promise.
Everyone's favorite bodysuits.
A "going out top," but make it winter.
Slick.
A little shoulder pad with your long-sleeve tee. I'm telling you.
Very chill.
Anine Bing and her blazers.
Also comes in black. My advice is to snap up both.
If a sweatshirt isn't fleecey on the inside, I don't want to know about it, thank you.
The draping.
Another neckline that's giving an easy top a little something.
Madewell jeans are extra buzzy this winter.
A dream.
Back with another relaxed Reformation cardigan.
Very intentional sweatpants.
Agolde denim in general, but especially these cargo jeans.
Rag & Bone basics are so well-made.
The chillest pants in town, at a very chill price.
Also extremely chill, at less-chill price.
An immaculate washed-out black tee.
Would look great with these jeans.
Not all dresses pair flawlessly with a blazer or a chunky sweater, but this one sure does.
Cool Aussie gals love themselves some P.E Nation activewear.
I'm sorry, but it just wouldn't be a "fashion-crowd basics" story without a knit from The Row.
Cuffs!
The very definition of polished denim.
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