I can’t help it-I’m a basic B

Niche, cool girl–approved elevated basics and the brands behind them - the ones in my closet and the ones currently in my cart

When it comes to basics, I’m very particular about cut, fabric, and feel, and yes, I can be a little shamelessly obsessive about it… but I wear the things I love to death - then repair, resole, dry clean, and keep going. Outfit repeater, always.

And just to be clear - this is not quiet luxury or the CBK-ification of your closet..god no. I love color, sparkles, a logo here and there, all of it. But I’ve found I can actually have more fun with those pieces when my bases are dialed.

Two Basic Bs in a pod

I rely on my hero pieces to do most of the talking, but my bases are no less considered. I’d argue that a white tee is never just a white tee, a sock is never just a socks - each one is its own vibe, carefully curated so that the end result feels uncomplicated and effortless. Basics are not one size fits all by any means but these are the ones I come back to-the spring/summer basics that ground everything else and make the whole look feel like me

Basic B’s of past & present

1. Plain Jane is a new American-made, woman-owned, size-inclusive brand doing one thing to perfection: the white tee. 100% Supima cotton, three sleeve lengths-cap, the shortie aptly called the “Goldilocks”, and a slightly longer one, “the short”. I love how dialed-in they are on details. Very excited to try.

   

2. CouCou Intimates blends dainty details with distinctly feminine silhouettes in 100% organic cotton. The Rina long sleeve (boat neck, bell sleeves) is #1 on my wishlist-perpetually sold out, which tracks now that I know Sabrina wore it. I check my email notifs for restocks multiple times daily. Their balconettes are perfection, tees feel perfectly lived-in from first wear, and honestly everything makes my cut.

   

3. Flore Flore does classic cotton staples in neutrals and saturated shades, all made in Portugal at a mother-daughter-run factory. The Steffi tee is a great alternative to CouCou’s Rina if you want a boat neck without the bell. Also love the Diana polo for layering and Car tee for a slimmer fit with a thicker collar.

4. Leset Margo tees are a bit more $$ for a boxy white tee, but I love them deeply and they’re probably my most worn. I’m eyeing the long sleeve next. The pointelle set is my travel uniform- think of it as more polished pajamas. I baby it (delicate cycle, air dry, quick tumble), but nothing about me is low maintenance, so why would my basics be?

   

5. Still Here is the one denim brand I’ll always splurge on, but their basics are just as good-very stripped-back, cool-girl capsule. The red tee is everything (jeans, Ray-Bans, a Speedy…done), as is the snap tank with its signature hardware. I saw someone in the full pink set and fear I’ve been influenced. I already have the jeans so I’m halfway there.

   

6. Maria La Rosa makes my favorite colorful cotton socks. Not for sneakers (that’s Bombas), but perfect with loafers. Thin, beautifully made, and somehow survive how hardwearing I am on my socks. Worth every penny. Need every color.

   

7. Agnès B is the OG French cool-girl basics brand-the classic snap-button cardigan sits between a cardigan and a light jacket. The quality speaks for itself (as does the price), but there are great secondhand ones I’ve linked here.

   

8. Renggli, Morgan Stewart’s brand, actually feels distinct in an oversaturated influencer backed brand space-chic, elevated basics with feminine (not girly) cuts. The silk-cashmere V-neck sweater is having a moment for a reason it’s a sexy sweater, which is not easy. Immediately added to cart. And with the weather in NYC, at this rate we’ll be wearing sweaters to the bar in July.

9. And finally, the J.Crew perfect cashmere sweater-because it is. I have it in multiple colors and sizes (no self-control), because sizing shifts it from fitted to relaxed and cozier. PSA they’re on sale rn. Yes it’s almost May, but this can also be a throw-over-your-shoulders-at-60-degrees situation. Ending here because I’ve been told I need to stop wearing cashmere to every event but like I said, call me repetitive, but I love my things to death.