No, You Can Never Have Too Many Good Basics
This week on the Cut we’re exploring how to get your act together when it comes to personal style — from organizing your closet, to finding your signature scent, to figuring out your work uniform.
In the first week of the New Year, it’s easy to look around at piles of last year’s clutter and think: Where did all this crap come from? In the spirit of clearing out our drawers and cleaning up shop, shopping takes on a new purpose: fewer bells and whistles, more fresh basics. Because you really can never have enough.
We searched far and wide to bring you 30 beautiful items — starting at $18 — to simplify your morning routines and add a little Zen to your life. From the perfect crisp white shirt to simple leather loafers, from nude nail polish to chic little jars, click through our slideshow of the best things — in terms of value, quality, and product design — that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for 2015.
Substantial frames with a slight cat eye: perfect to wear during a hung-over weekend brunch.
A little mod, but totally normal for work: These would look great with a leather jacket and dark skinny jeans.
Your baseline jeans to wear all winter long. No one will notice that you're re-wearing them.
Negative Underwear's classic seamed bra is comfortable and simple but still sexy enough to wear on your next date.
This raincoat is straight from Stockholm, so you know it's perfectly designed.
This Trademark pouch is great for organizing your purse: No longer will you have free-floating receipts, coins, and unidentified crap.
Having fancy scissors on hand doesn't hurt when you need to snip off stray threads or tags — and just using them will make you feel chic.
Totally classic and useful wool parka: clean-cut lines, minimal details, structured fit, and a lot of warmth.
Silky and weightless, this Giorgio Armani foundation will give your skin a natural glow all winter long.
If your wallet gets too bogged down with useless papers, go for a simple card case that will force you to pare down to just the essentials.
This super-warm Babaton sweater would look great by itself or with a turtleneck underneath.
Meet your basic, ribbed wool sweater: You'll wear this for the next five years.
The pebbled texture, raw edges, and gold hardware on this sleeve will make your iPad look like a chic clutch.
Everyone needs a pair of sturdy loafers. With tough leather, rubber lining, and wooden heels, this Everlane version is extra durable.
Sending (or, really, just owning) personalized stationery is a hallmark of having one's act together.
The Zara leather jacket offers everything we know and love of the wardrobe staple: tough leather, silver hardware in all the right places, an asymmetr...
The Zara leather jacket offers everything we know and love of the wardrobe staple: tough leather, silver hardware in all the right places, an asymmetrical zipper.
Even if you aren't big on jewelry, Miansai's gold screw latch cuff is simple enough to wear all the time — by itself or with a wristful of other brace...
Even if you aren't big on jewelry, Miansai's gold screw latch cuff is simple enough to wear all the time — by itself or with a wristful of other bracelets.
Otaat's minimalist soft gold pouch: so shiny.
A platform sneaker that gives you a little extra lift. Wear with jeans and layers of cashmere for a relaxed but sharp weekend look.
With its crescent moon shape and smooth texture, this is the perfect cross-body to go from the office to your evening off-duty mode.
These tiny brass tea-light bowls are the perfect catchall to hold all of your quick wardrobe needs, like safety pins, tape, or a needle and thread.
At less than $40 a pop, Uniqlo's version of the crisp cotton dress shirt for men is a good bet. Unlike the women's version, this one has collar stays ...
At less than $40 a pop, Uniqlo's version of the crisp cotton dress shirt for men is a good bet. Unlike the women's version, this one has collar stays to ensure that your collar will never wilt.
The only instances of flare on this classic overcoat are its button holes, which are lined with red thread.
These pumps will come in handy for when you need to look sharp — when, say, you're angling for a promotion or dressing up for a cocktail party.
With winter's unpredictable elements, it's smart to keep a good waterproof mascara in your rotation. Chanel's version holds volume better than most.
When the winter doldrums hit hard, wearing colors other than black and gray can help boost your mood. This pink Sophie Hulme tote will help brighten y...
When the winter doldrums hit hard, wearing colors other than black and gray can help boost your mood. This pink Sophie Hulme tote will help brighten your outlook significantly.
The closest thing we've found to perfect, year-round boyfriend jeans.
Elegant but not-too-showy nail polish to wear anywhere.
This Trademark headband will keep day-three-dirty hair out of your face on a morning you don't want to shampoo.
To repair the damage winter weather unleashes on your face, pick up a bottle of Sunday Riley's corrective serum. It'll brighten and exfoliate your skin.
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