From Fresh Tees to Classic Denim—30 Basics I'd Happily Unwrap This Holiday Season
Gifting basics may seem, well, basic—but not these basics. In the age of "capsule wardrobes" and "quiet luxury," high-quality basics actually make for the perfect gifts.
Classic, wearable, and long-lasting pieces are the gifts that keep on giving. As an editor, I'm constantly searching for the best of everything, from perfectly cut white T-shirts to forever jeans (at the best prices, of course). Ahead, you'll find my meticulously curated short list of fashion's top essentials, all of which are guaranteed to become staples in your or your loved ones' wardrobes. That is, as long as you do your job correctly and gift them to the right people.
Whether you're upgrading your own staples (always allowed) or elevating someone else's closet this gifting season, the guide below is your one-stop shop for the best of basics.
Copelyn is a freelance fashion and accessory editor who formerly worked for Who What Wear as an associate shopping editor. Before her time at Who What Wear, Copelyn was at Bustle Digital Group, working on the accessory market for cover shoots and fashion features across Nylon, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Romper, and Elite Daily. Copelyn also previously worked at InStyle and Cosmopolitan in the fashion departments. Copelyn has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her spare time, she freelances in graphic and web design in the fashion space and loves to upcycle clothing, home décor, and sneakers.
-
Better Than Ballet Flats (and Loafers): The Shoe Trend It Girls in NYC and Paris Will Be Wearing This Fall
They're classic but fresh at the same time.
-
Editor Instincts Activated: We're Grabbing These 18 Fall Pieces Before Everyone Else Does
Run, don't walk.
-
What to Buy for Fall If You Don't Want to Regret It Next Year (or the Year After)
Investments only.
-
The Top 10 Things to Buy This September If You Want Cooler Outfits and More Compliments
Fall is in full swing.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One Pair
Prepare for endless compliments.
-
Abercrombie Sucked Me Back Into Its Orbit With These 25 Incredibly Chic Fall 2025 Finds
So, so good.
-
I'm a Fashion Editor on a Budget—27 Incredibly Chic Fall Finds That Will Get You More Bang for Your Buck
Stellar under-$150 finds right this way.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)
Here's to effortless outfits.