9 Outfit-Elevating Basics That Are Well Worth Investing in

As fashion editor at Who What Wear, I’d like to think I know a thing or two about searching out a great new piece or a timeless classic, but it’s only recently that I learnt the trick to piecing together a truly great outfit. Let’s face it: We’re all guilty of spending valuable time agonising over what to wear in the morning, and no matter how many statement dresses or exciting new pairs of shoes I find, everything has a time and a place, and I invariably end up turning to the same forever pieces to dress up my day-to-day look. A case in point, the “basic”.

Calling anything “basic” gives it a bad rap, but rest assured in this case I don’t use basic to mean boring; instead, I’m referring to simple, understated, well-thought-out pieces that can be worn time and again, and end up being the hardest-working things in your wardrobe. Often these are the best investments you can make (and well worth spending a little extra money on for their sheer cost per wear), as these core pieces can be building blocks in creating the perfect capsule wardrobe.

As a staunch advocate for high-low dressing and someone you’ll always find in a high street blazer and a reliable designer bag, I’ve made the decision to shop in a way that favours buying less but better, and getting my wardrobe into good shape means shaping up its foundation. So I began the quest to find the very best designer pieces you can count on for exceptional quality, timeless design and versatility, eschewing all flash-in-the-pan trends that will fall out of fashion as quickly as they come in.

Sarah wears The Frankie Shop blazer.

After hours of research, I’ve put together a list of the luxury pieces that I think are really worth the investment. Think forever buys that aren’t tied to a trending hashtag, just quality wardrobe essentials like a good quality jacket, the perfect pair of jeans or the attention-grabbing handbag that you’ll be happy to wear on rotation.

Not only do these pieces seamlessly weave into your current wardrobe, but they’ve got the outfit-elevating power of any other designer buy, so the next time you’re putting on a simple T-shirt and jeans, you can upgrade the look with a key blazer or smart pair of shoes. Wondering what makes the cut for best of the best? Well, on this list you’ll find old favourites like Frankie Shop tailoring, elevated classics from Toteme and luxe offerings like the perfect boots courtesy of The Row. Sound good?

Monikh with the Loewe Puzzle bag.

Keep scrolling for the best designer basics, including simple coats, jeans, blazers, dresses and accessories, to invest in now but wear for years to come. These are pieces that will never go out of style.

OUR DEFINITIVE EDIT OF THE BEST DESIGNER BASICS

1. THE BEST DESIGNER BLAZERS

SAINT LAURENT

Jacket in Wool Gabardine

It’s an all-time best seller for a reason. 

The Frankie Shop

Bea Crepe Blazer

The Frankie Shop’s boxy fit set the standard for the oversized tailoring we now know and love. 

The Frankie Shop

Bea Crepe Blazer

Warm beige will go with everything in your wardrobe.

Filippa K

Alison Cool Wool Blazer

Single-breasted blazers are such classics.

Toteme – INT

Tailored Suit Jacket Oat Melange

2. THE BEST DESIGNER SHIRTS

Toteme

Signature Cotton Shirt White

You can’t beat all white for versatility. 

The Row

Sadie Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt

Size up and wear oversized with a pair of straight-leg jeans. 

LORETTA CAPONI

Brunella Pintucked Broderie Anglaise Cotton Blouse

An elevated take on the classic white shirt.

OUR LEGACY

Liner Layered Frayed Ramie-Gauze Shirt

A sheer black shirt is not only super chic, but the perfect layering piece in the warmer months. 

FRAME

Oversized Striped Cotton Poplin Shirt

3. THE BEST DESIGNER JEANS

Mother

The Hustler Ankle Fray

Call off the search: I’ve found the perfect pair of jeans.

AGOLDE

90’s Straight-Leg Jeans

Flare and skinny trends may come and go, but the flattering straight-leg is eternal.

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop Cropped High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

If you haven’t already tried Citizens of Humanity’s Ayla jeans, I can promise you won’t be disappointed.

FRAME

+ Net Sustain Long Barrel High-Rise Tapered Jeans

House of Dagmar

Wide Leg Denim

Grey denim doesn’t get enough credit for just how chic it really is. 

Good American

Good American Skinny Fit Jeans

Nothing beats black skinnies. 

4. THE BEST DESIGNER HEELS

Jimmy Choo pumps are a classic style that will never go out of fashion.

NEOUS

Samaya Asymmetric Leather-Trimmed Satin Slingback Pumps

These will go with all of your summer maxi dresses.

Add a pop of colour to your summer wardrobe.

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Loubigirl 85 Metallic Leather Sandals

 Metallic heels have become a staple in every fashion-lover’s wardrobe.

Gucci

Women’s GG Slingback Pump

5. THE BEST DESIGNER SKIRTS AND TROUSERS 

AGOLDE

+ Net Sustain Hilla Frayed Organic Denim Maxi Skirt

Whether you’re wearing a casual t-shirt or a structured blazer, a denim skirt immediately makes your look cooler.

Veronica Beard

Sofia Stretch-Linen Pant

For spring, ensure you have a pair of linen trousers in your arsenal.

The Row

Essentials Gala Wool and Mohair-Blend Wide-Leg Pants

These might just be the ultimate (super comfy) day to night trousers. 

Citizens of Humanity

Marcelle Cotton Cargo Trousers

The ultimate cargo pants to wear when jeans or tailored trousers just won’t cut it. 

TOTEME

Pleated Crepe Maxi Wrap Skirt

I don’t know if it’s the cut or beautiful draped details, but I haven’t stopped thinking about this skirt since I first saw it.

Toteme

+ Net Sustain Cork Stretch-Jersey Leggings

Leggings are a staple in most of our wardrobes, so it’s worth spending a little more to get a brilliant quality pair that lasts. These are completely opaque, without any sporty details so you can dress them up too. 

6. THE BEST DESIGNER DRESSES 

Ninety Percent

Priam Dress in Enoki Mushroom

Pull-on-and-go dresses don’t come any chicer than Ninety Percent’s maxi dress, which also comes in a chic brown. 

GALVAN

Gaia Metallic Ribbed-Knit Midi Dress

If ever there were a dress that could go seamlessly from work to weekend, it’s this one. 

DÔEN

Ischia Dress — Salt

Wear this pretty dress with a cool trainer in the spring and barely-there sandals in the summer. 

Proenza Schouler

Ribbed-Knit Midi Dress

You can build 100 outfits with a simple knitted dress.

KHAITE

Womens Khaite Black Silk Sicily Midi Dress | Harrods Uk

Every wardrobe should include a black slip dress.

7. THE BEST DESIGNER FLAT SHOES

The Row

Beach Sandal in Leather

The Row’s sandals are set to be a hit for another year. 

Gucci

Jordaan Leather Loafer

Loafers are one of the only styles of shoe you can comfortably wear all year round, so with that much pavement time, you’re going to want a pair that goes the distance.

Le Monde Beryl

Womens Le Monde Beryl Black Mary Jane Ballet Flats | Harrods Uk

Ballet flats are back, but the truth is they never left.

Miu Miu’s cult loafers (seriously, everyone cool owns these right now) miraculously still have a few sizes in stock. 

GIANVITO ROSSI

Carla Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

8. THE BEST DESIGNER HANDBAGS

Loewe

Small Puzzle Bag in Classic Calfskin Dark Burgundy

It’s so difficult to choose between the raffia basket, the Flamenco pouch, the Gate crossbody and even the Luna, but our money is on the Puzzle bag for Loewe’s best-selling bag of all time.

Gucci

Jackie 1961 Super Mini Bag

With fans such as Harry Styles and Cate Blanchett, the Jackie is reclaiming its status as an iconic bag for the ages.

Dragon Diffusion

Nantucket Large Woven Leather Tote

Need a bag big enough to carry all of your essentials (and then some)? You just found it in this stylish shopper that will take you all the way through summer too. 

Métier

Market Weekend Suede Tote

If you’re not lusting after a brown suede tote this year, what else are you doing? 

The Row

Soft Margaux 12 Bag in Leather

You can spot The Row from a mile away. The sleek, minimalist designs are a sure sign that the wearer has serious taste. This tote is the ultimate in pure quiet luxury. 

Toteme

T-Lock Top Handle Black

Elevate any outfit in seconds by adding this chic bag. 

9. THE BEST DESIGNER OUTERWEAR

Burberry

Short Kensington Heritage Trench Coat in Black – Women | Burberry® Official

If you’re looking to invest in a trench coat, Burberry is the iconic brand to buy from.

THE FRANKIE SHOP

Astra Shell Bomber Jacket

The sleek black version was an instant hit, but there’s a lot to love about this cool khaki shade.

Max Mara

Womens Max Mara Pink Single-Breasted Trench Coat | Harrods Uk

With spring finally here, you shouldn’t be without an elevated trench coat.

LIBEROWE

Raja Denim Jacket

The ultimate wear-forever denim jacket to make any and all outfits look stylish.

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