Much like beauty, I would argue that fashion basics are in the eye of the beholder. Yes, us fashion editors like to bang on about the “building blocks” that make up a successful wardrobe, and while we can’t deny that some pieces really are non-negotiable – can anyone function without a perfect white T-shirt? – the pieces that end up being the real sartorial workhorses often differ from person to person. One man’s statement is another man’s staple.
The Cambridge English Dictionary describes “basic” as something “simple and not complicated, so able to provide the base or starting point from which something can develop”. And while in fashion terms this could, of course, apply to your white shirts and trench coats, it could also refer to bolder, more statement-making pieces that someone relies on day-in-day-out and builds their wardrobe around. After all, simplicity comes in many forms – it doesn’t just have to mean purity of design, and team Vogue are the ultimate proof of this.
Take commerce director, Naomi Smart, who lives in baggy jeans. While this denim silhouette might be trumped by straight legs in most “must-have basics” lists, she personally finds that they add a certain nonchalant appeal to her more elevated separates, be it a leather jacket or Chanel pumps. On the other hand, you have senior beauty and wellness editor Hannah Coates’s penchant for a floral midi-dress, citing its ability to make her feel instantly more confident, while still being low-maintenance in the styling stakes.
So if you were wondering which wardrobe heroes the Vogue editors couldn’t live without, keep on scrolling. It’s time to go back to basics.
Naomi Smart, commerce director: The baggy jeans
If there is one style of jeans that has been a constant in my wardrobe, it’s the baggy jean. I used to live opposite a skate park when I was a teenager, so low-slung, super-wide leg skater jeans are pretty much embedded in my psyche. They’re not always easy to find, but if the recent runways are anything to go by, they’re a universally popular cut, and there are lots of great options out there. So far, this Raey pair are my favourite, and are particularly great with their relaxed fit, wash and weight. They’re cut to size, so there’s no need to scale up. I love wearing them with a trusty bomber (another staple in my wardrobe).
Laura Hawkins, acting associate European fashion features director: The Adidas trackies
I was into tracksuit bottoms long before pandemic dressing proposed it as an appropriate workwear item. A retro style is eternally stylish, like a shiny Adidas bicolour trouser in a bold vintage hue. To make the tracksuit bottom office appropriate I’d suggest elevating it with a smart tailored blazer and a sparkly flat. It’s basically a combination I go to five days a week.
Eniola Dare, fashion editor: The co-ord
Co-ords are an essential part of my wardrobe, as it takes the stress out of having to decide what to wear. It’s an easy-to-wear ensemble and creates an ultra cool look, whether it’s a contoured silhouette of an abstract sculpture, like this Issey Miyake look, or a cashmere tracksuit set.
Hannah Coates, senior beauty and wellness editor: The floral dress
I am all about autopilot dressing. Most days I throw on a midi-dress, like this Doen number, and some boots or sandals (depending on the season) and feel confident and good to go. I’m too indecisive to faff about with different trouser and top combos, so a flattering dress takes the stress out of getting dressed. My stipulations are a good colour or pattern, a decent length and, most importantly, a defined waist – and this dress ticks all the boxes.
Rosie Vogel-Eades, global director of talent & casting: The power suit
I’m more and more drawn to a suit these days, as essentially I am a terribly lazy dresser. The ease of throwing on something that instantly makes you look pulled together really (pardon the pun) suits my lifestyle. My caveat is a wide leg trouser and this Max Mara pinstripe is right on the money. I love to wear a suit with a simple white Arket tee and a jazzy earring, just so no one mistakes me for a banker.
Joy Montgomery, commerce editor: The vintage trophy jacket
Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that approximately 50 per cent of my wardrobe is made up of jackets, and within this category, I would say that the vintage trophy jacket is the thing I get the most wear out. Why? It essentially makes any outfit look instantly ten times better, whether it’s a white T-shirt and jeans or a summer dress. I found this tweed iteration at Rokit Vintage in Covent Garden and it has accompanied me to many-a London Fashion Week. And as is the case with all good staples, it is super easy to style and has become a real fashion failsafe. Who said basics had to be boring?
Laura Ingham, deputy director, global fashion network: The black tailored jacket
The tailored jacket is my ultimate wardrobe essential. Classic and versatile, the most important thing to think about when investing in tailoring is the cut. This Alexander McQueen tuxedo blazer has a slightly oversized fit, is tailored with a sharp shoulder and wide lapel. Its clean cut lines add just the right amount of polish to any look, from jeans and a sweater, to wearing over a slip dress.
Alex Kessler, junior fashion editor: The oversized blazer
When it comes to personal style, my taste in clothes sits somewhere between slapdash streetwear and very preppy. Thanks to the latter, I have a serious penchant for a statement blazer – particularly those that are boxy and adorned with chequered patterns (Prince of Wales is a current favourite). While most brands carry myriad choices to tempt payday sprees (Acne Studios, Nanushka and Prada have some great options), I find joy in discovering vintage separates at charity shops that I can have tailored to perfection. And when I say perfection, I actually mean oversized and somewhat ill-fitted. To each their own!
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Twiggy Jalloh, beauty and wellness contributor: The Doc Martens
I really do wear these boots everyday. Whether I’m going into the office, grabbing oat milk from the shops, meeting my friends for Friday drinks or going to visit my grandma – you will see me in these boots. They go with almost everything I own, have a platform to give me a little height (I love a heel), and they are so comfortable once broken into and will last a lifetime. I could write a love letter to them but I’ll leave it at this.
