I Live in Basics—33 Elevated Styles From Gap, H&M, and Old Navy That Have My Undivided Attention
Camis, cashmere, and cardigans ahead.

Basics are my most worn pieces. While I love colors and prints, I often find myself in neutrals. It's the same with silhouettes. I know what I like, and I stick to it. The ease of throwing on two basics and knowing I will always look put-together allows me to save time and energy. In honor of my apparent love for basics, I've curated a list of 33 elevated basics, each intended to be mixed and matched for an endless array of effortlessly stylish outfits.
Gap, H&M, and Old Navy are my go-to spots for elevated basics. Budget-friendly and trendsetting, these editor-favorite retailers consistently deliver chic new arrivals as well as closet staples. Think modern camis, barrel jeans, crisp poplin button-downs, cashmere sweaters, and more. I stuck to a neutral color palette of ivory, mocha, gray, and black to ensure each item's versatility.
If you're like me and mostly live in basics or are just in need of some closet staples, keep scrolling for 33 elevated everyday essentials.
Shop the Elevated Basics
-
Everything at Gap is 40% Off Right Now—These Are the Best Under-$55 Pieces to Shop Before the Sale Ends
Until October 23.
-
I’m Sorry, But These 39 Stunning H&M New Arrivals Will Sell Out By Month's End
Fall and winter arrivals never looked so good.
-
My Mom Is in Her 50s and Asked Me for Fashion Advice—8 Chic Nordstrom Outfits I Put Together for Her Under $425
Outdated prints and "ugly" shoes included.
-
I'm Buying My Cold-Weather Basics From Gap, J.Crew, and Banana Republic—Here's What's in My Cart
Stocking up on layers.
-
My Mom Only Shops Affordable Fashion—I Sent Her These Rich-Looking Picks From Nordstrom and Old Navy
All but three of these chic pieces are under $100.
-
No, Really—This Denim Color Is Easier to Style Than Blue *and* Black Jeans
And everyone with taste is wearing it with loafers for fall.
-
I’m a Senior Shopping Editor—I Can’t Get These 23 Chic Sweaters Off of My Mind
From crewnecks to cashmere.
-
36 Chic Lightweight Sweaters From Zara, J.Crew, and Reformation That'll Sell Out by October 31
Get them while you can.