My Fashion Friends Told Me to Try These 5 Elevated Basics—and Yes, Now They're Actual Staples

I curate multiple shopping lists every week with my job as an editor here at Who What Wear (hey there!). I take pride in uncovering those special gems that have the power to elevate your wardrobe. While I adore giving recommendations, I also look for recommendations as I build my wardrobe. On that note, five pieces in my current rotation were suggested by various fashion friends in my life. And yes, I'm here to share them with you for inspiration.

The items in question fall into that elevated-basics category because they're versatile (I wear them frequently and with many different types of outfits) and are effortlessly chic. As a preview, one is a blazer praised for the perfect cut and comfort. There's also a denim label that's a consistent fashion-person favorite, but I hadn't tried it until recently. Keep scrolling for all of the info and shopping inspo.

Anine Bing Blazer

I've been a huge fan of Anine Bing for years for her modern yet timeless quality silhouettes. The sweatshirts and shirting have been my jam, but I recently tested out the blazers after I saw a friend wearing one (that was perfectly oversize), and now I'm hooked. I've been wearing two silhouettes. The Quinn comes in a variety of colors and fabrications, but the steel-blue hue is my choice to wear with everything from trousers to jeans. The Sara style (an excellent oversize pick) in the cream and black stipe is the other standout. The fit is perfection, and it brings an elegant and sophisticated twist to whatever I'm wearing. While the blazers are certainly investment pieces, they'll be wardrobe staples for years—at least, they will be in my closet.

Agolde and Citizens of Humanity Jeans and Shorts

I recently declared my adoration for Agolde jeans. Every fashion editor on our team wears some style from the brand, so I finally decided to try them for myself. The '90s and Fusion styles are in constant rotation in my closet. I also just tried Agolde denim shorts and a style from Citizens of Humanity (my favorite drawstring denim trend). Both are cool and comfortable. I think I've worn the drawstring shorts like four times per week over the last several weeks.

J.Crew Oversize Shirt

With Olympia Gayot at the helm of design, J.Crew has been a consistent go-to among the style set—myself included. One of my colleagues mentioned her love for the oversize Étienne shirt, so I bought one on sale last year in a blue striped iteration. My purchase was validated when I went into a designer boutique and the sales associate asked which designer my shirt was from. I said, "Oh, thanks, it's J.Crew." Since then, I've ordered many iterations (including some that I've monogrammed). My current favorite is a trendy yellow style.

Banana Republic Cashmere

I know it's warm outside right now, but I'm still talking about sweaters to inspire your upcoming fall wardrobe or to consider for chillier nights or if you want a knit to drape around your shoulders. Oh, and it's Banana Republic sweaters I'm talking about specifically. My colleague Eliza mentioned that the Banana Republic cashmere is beyond soft and easily seems like it would be way more expensive. Naturally, I tried the sweaters, and yes, agreed. While the cashmere is over $100 (so not super, super inexpensive), the quality does give it a designer feel and the sweaters last. I wore a black knit all winter long, and it held up so nicely. Similarly to the yellow shirt I love above, it's a yellow sweater I've been wearing on cooler nights. The short-sleeved knits are also noteworthy.

Vince Polo

I'm a massive fan of Vince for gorgeous elevated basics that withstand the test of time. The construction and quality is top-notch. Most recently, it's the polo shirts that I've been drawn to this season. The preppy vibe is where it's at. The knit polo featured above is a staple for easy yet polished looks. There are also a variety of other polo silhouettes, featuring ribbed designs and cool details with buttons.