According to British Vogue style editor Funmi Fetto, the best basics are the pieces that work hardest in your wardrobe. "They have to work harder than anything else," she says. The Guardian asked Fetto, stylists, and fashion writers to reveal their most-loved essentials, from underwear to trainers, most of which won't break the bank.
Knickers and Socks: The Foundation of a Good Wardrobe
Most experts namechecked Marks & Spencer for underwear, but Stripe & Stare's Tencel pants are also a favourite. The UK brand claims they're wedgie-free, and acting fashion editor Chloe Mac Donnell is a recent convert: "They're a better fit around the bum," she says, "and sit better under trousers." Lucinda Chambers, stylist and founder of Collagerie, recommends Baserange's simple knickers, made from bamboo lyocell in Portugal; they're pricey but high quality. For extra coverage and support, the high-waisted Beyond Nine pants have a waiting list for several sizes.
For socks, M&S again came out on top. Stylist Bay Garnett goes to the men's department for her perfect mid-calf cotton socks. She also recommends Gammarelli, which has dressed popes since 1798. Arket's multicoloured sock wall offers "really nice" quality, says Chambers, with a "Prada length" that sits on the shin. Fetto appreciates Falke's high-quality designs. On the Guardian fashion desk, Lauren Cochrane loves Nike for sports socks and Muji for winter woolly ones. Mac Donnell likes Uniqlo's JW Anderson socks because "they don't cut off circulation at the ankle". The Danish company Dilling also offers soft, comfortable socks.
Cotton T-shirts and White Shirts: Versatile Staples
Cos is Fetto's go-to for T-shirts because they "hang really well and aren't too tight". Guardian writer Morwenna Ferrier favours Cos's V-neck, while Mac Donnell says a crew neck "is a good height for when you want it to peek out from under a jumper". Garnett opts for the more expensive Sunspel "because the cotton's really nice", and Chambers recommends James Perse's luxury T-shirts for a more fitted look. The author recently replaced all her old T-shirts with a bulk buy from LA-based Everybody.World, which are biodegradable and made from cotton waste by a fair-wage workforce.
For white shirts, Garnett loves the men's rail in charity shops, but Ferrier has found something she, the Duchess of Sussex, and Akshata Murty agree on: the shirts of London-based With Nothing Underneath. Founded by a former Vogue stylist, the brand makes good-quality shirts in different cuts. The author also scored a shirt from Frankie Shop on Vinted, praising the poplin and secondhand price.
Jumpers and Jeans: Building a Timeless Core
Garnett likes classics like N.Peal's sweaters: "The cashmere is really good," she says. Mac Donnell rates Rise & Fall's cashmere and Cos's "not too fitted" jumpers. Fetto rates APC's designs, which are "fitted but not super tight". Chambers will spend more on a good polo neck, recommending Soft Goat despite the £400+ price: "I'm wearing them every day, so you want them to last and not bobble."
Cochrane is "forever in thrall to a perfect pair of vintage Levi's 501s", but buys JW Anderson straight-leg Uniqlo ones as an approximation. Ferrier agrees they have "a great shape and a low waist", but warns they can lose their shape. Chambers opts for Citizens of Humanity for "fabulous denim", and Fetto is loyal to Raey's jeans, which are being relaunched this year. Mac Donnell bought a pair from Reformation three years ago that "have kept their shape and haven't faded".
Trainers, Bags, and Other Essentials
Ferrier says "Converse forever", and Chambers wears high-tops in black and bright red. Cochrane likes the Converse One Star. Fetto has seven pairs of Grace Wales Bonner's shoes for Adidas on rotation. The author recommends Superga for arch support and Nike Air Rift for style, but suggests finding them on Vinted due to ethical concerns.
Garnett is a fan of LL Bean tote bags and straw bags in summer. Chambers is "a total tote toter", favouring Radley's large striped tote in tobacco and black. The author suggests a baggu or packable Ticket to the Moon rucksack for overflow. Ferrier recommends "some smart black balloon trousers WITH A CREASE" from Maje, which are "not cheap, but well made". Garnett rarely goes without a belt, finding them secondhand on Etsy, and is a sucker for a good blazer, advising to check size, print, and lapels. Mac Donnell sees PJs as a basic, recommending H&M's cotton muslin pyjamas as "really comfortable" and "very fancy".
