I’m writing this because I’ll be the first to admit that my internal clock runs a good five minutes late. I’m pretty sure the reason for my tardiness is that it’s a struggle for me to stop what I’m doing and move onto the task of getting ready to head out the door, and that’s why I have to do everything in my power to make up for the lost time. Not curling my eyelashes simply isn’t an option, so I have to be creative in other departments.
Despite my love for fashion, I actually hate spending a lot of time choosing something to wear, and it’s usually a last-minute decision (thanks to the whole internal clock thing), so I’ve made it a point to collect a variety of fashion items that I can throw on quickly and avoid being late. These low-maintenance pieces are versatile, don’t require a lot of accessories, don’t need to be steamed (save for a couple), and look polished and cool no matter what. You could certainly call them basics, but I find them special enough to stand on their own.
Whether or not you’re often rushing to get ready, read on to shop 21 pieces that have rescued me time and again.
Sorry, I put these sneakers in a lot of stories. They’re just perfect and chic and go with everything I own.
I find many LBDs to be boring, but not this one. It looks just as cute with sneakers as it does with heels.
I couldn’t even guess how many times I’ve worn my Levi’s denim trucker jacket. I’m always freezing so even in the summer, it’s the last thing I grab before heading out the door.
I just love smocked tops. This one is particularly versatile but much prettier than your average black top.
I love my mini bags, but sometimes all I have time for is a roomy bag that I can just throw everything in and go. This one has been my go-to for summer.
I know this isn’t the world’s cheapest white T-shirt, but I’ve yet to find a brand with cooler fits than Re/Done.
These are a splurge, but they’re ridiculously comfortable, and I’ve worn them more than any other pair of shoes I own.
When I’m running late, shimmying into stiff, uncomfortable jeans is something I certainly avoid. These have a perfect amount of stretch, and they never lose their shape.
I own this in a lighter blue color, and I’ve found it to be the perfect going-out top, especially when I want to wear something special and don’t have time for carefully selected accessories. It makes an impact with just jeans and a simple pair of heels.
I love a white tank, but I admittedly am a little bored with them. This pearl-embellished one is the perfect remedy.
This is another easy accessory I’ve been throwing on when my outfit needs just a little something extra.
This does need a steam between wears (which I try to do in advance), but the payoff is great. It makes anything you’re wearing significantly prettier.
I’ve been wearing this a ton as of late (sometimes as a top and sometimes open as a jacket). It’s vegan leather at its finest.
We all need striped tees for obvious reasons, but this is far less boring than most on the market. I’ve bought it in several colors over the years.
When I don’t have time to figure out which sunglasses will work best with my outfit, I grab these. They literally go with everything.
I’ve been wearing these heels constantly this spring and summer. They’re completely timeless and neutral but also very on trend this season. They’re my no-brainer shoes.
These have been my favorite black pants since they were first released a few years ago. The fit is great, and they’re ridiculously flattering. Additional sizes available here.
I love wearing this expensive-looking tank with loose-fitting pants, jeans, and shorts. The dark camel color I own it in is now sold out, but it comes in 17 excellent color options.
I always forget to buy simple, everyday flats, so I added these to my collection. I’ve been slipping them on when sandals are too casual and heels are too much.
These beautiful earrings are truly the only jewelry piece you need to put on. They’re that special.
A black slip skirt may not be the most exciting thing to buy, but I’ve worn mine more times than I can count, and you will too.
Is it just us, or is nostalgia for ’90s fashion at an all-time high? Blame it on Instagram accounts like @90sanxiety and @90scelebvibes that fill our feeds with images of Jennifer Aniston in slip dresses, Leonardo DiCaprio in ribbed white tanks, and Brad Pitt in vintage jeans, but we’re constantly daydreaming about ’90s fashion. Given the recent resurgence of wardrobe staples from the decade (we see you, tracksuits, platform sandals, and lettuce-edge baby tees), clearly, we’re not the only ones.
Of course, we can’t have a conversation about ’90s fashion without mentioning Kate Moss. And after scrolling through Getty’s archives, we couldn’t help but notice that the model had a penchant for wearing one wardrobe staple back in the ’90s that’ll forever be a closet essential: a white T-shirt. Known for her effortlessly laid-back style, Moss perfected the art of wearing the timeless wardrobe basic 29 years ago—and we have proof. Keep scrolling to find out exactly how to style a white T-shirt like one of our favorite ’90s style icons.
Leave it to ’90s Kate Moss to demonstrate the timelessness of a simple white tee and jeans. Make like Moss and give the look a bit of an edge with an animal-print bag and square-toe boots.
If you’re skeptical about the rising “grandma” tweed trend stylish celebs like Jennifer Lopez and Amal Clooney have been wearing as of late, allow ’90s style icon Kate Moss to convince you to give it a try.
Take style notes from Moss and layer a classic camel coat over a white tee and a black denim skirt with a frayed hem for a laid-back look. Complete the outfit with square-toe boots and knee-high socks.
Welcome to “I Tried It” Week. From our editor in chief purging over 19 shoes from her closet (that’s this story!) to our assistant editor dressing exclusively in vintage, follow along this week as the Who What Wear editors take on personal wardrobe challenges and document the process along the way.
I get a ton of pleasure from getting rid of things. If you ask my very L.A. friends, they might say that my Sagittarius self likes to feel free and unburdened by having fewer attachments. Sometimes this means I fantasize about walking away from all my responsibilities, and sometimes this means I am ruthless in a closet clean-out. The latter seemed like fitting territory for a Who What Wear story, so I decided my contribution to “I Tried It” Week was going to be about giving the boot to any outdated shoe styles lingering in my closet. And by boot, I mean trying to resell them—number one, it is a more sustainable way to clean your closet, and number two, that one-way ticket to Bora Bora isn’t going to pay for itself. Ahead, check out the 19 pairs that I’m parting ways with, the lessons I learned along the way, and the new pairs I added in their place.
Within the flat-sandal category, there’s an obvious theme of sample-sale buys that didn’t stand the test of time. Cue the monkey emoji covering its face. To make matters worse, they’re still in perfectly wearable condition. Lesson learned: Sample-sale prices can mess with my judgment. The vintage pairs have served their purpose and become a bit too battered to wear. The photo doesn’t quite show the detail!) To my credit, I did have the center bottom pair taken to the cobbler for a little TLC several years back.
I’m kind of over mule loafers. There, I said it. I’m sure this style will come back around, but my closet isn’t getting any larger in the meantime. I’m not sure if I should have held onto those Oscar de la Renta beaded mules, but as you can see from the staining on the bed of the shoe, they had a good run.
Both the Chloé and Emerson Fry shoes have been in rotation for years. They don’t quite feel like my style anymore, so it was time to let them get a second lease on life. The Loeffler Randall shoes got a ton of wear, but the ruffle style feels a tad too frilly for how my personal style has changed.
Both the Lanvin and the Miu Miu pairs were pre-owned eBay scores that I’ve had for over eight years. Scooping up used designer shoes was how I could look like I could afford expensive things on a very tight budget. I’ve held onto these for so long because 1) they’re high quality, and 2) I’m sentimental about the scrappy girl who was dying to fit in in the fashion world and had such awe for designer pieces. Lesson learned: While some items have nostalgic value, if the shoe style is outdated and you haven’t worn it for years, it’s time to let it go.
So, I might regret this one, but it rains so rarely in L.A. that I can’t fathom keeping these large rain boots in my closet. I’ll get by with patent boots and thank the weather gods that L.A. is a car-to-doorstep-type city. As for those Zara boots, please tell me someone else remembers how popular these specific boots were. I bought them on eBay for more than retail because they were just that good. The Marni boots are a sale buy that I got in an “I need to look cool and also tall at fashion week” panic. Lesson learned: Buying things in a panic usually means the purpose they serve is short-lived.
I have one word to describe these: comfortable. Oh, also stylish and on trend. You might think a super-strappy heel would dig into your skin, but these are the exception. I could walk in them all day. If red isn’t your thing, they also come in a few other colors.
By Far is dominating the shoe-and-bag game right now, so I’d be remiss to update my shoe closet without a pair. These kitten heels are simply designed but delightfully fun in a punchy blue patent.
I hope you’re on board with low heels as much as I am because this isn’t the last pair in this story. When I posted these pretty velvet stunners to my Instagram, they got way more likes than my average post. I attribute that to their elegant yet approachable style. Also, I must mention they are wonderfully comfortable to boot.
For the manageable price tag of $35, these pretty mules overdeliver. The snakeskin print is subtle and versatile, and it brings so much more visual interest to your outfit than a solid neutral shoe.
Comfortable shoes are my happy place, and these Reformation shoes fit the bill. It’s a rather classic style that feels perfect for summer in cherry red.
Now this is a good-looking shoe. On-trend cream color, sculptural wooden heel… What more could you ask for? Oh yeah, a super-pointy toe that stands out from the pack.
My final addition in the comfy-shoe category are these Miista mules. Can you tell I like mules? These are super versatile, and I love how the bent heel adds a trend-forward element. If you’re feeling more adventurous than I was, they offer the same shoe in buttery leather.
Next up, check out 11 things to ditch when cleaning out your closet.
Miguel Rojas had four hits, including three doubles, despite the Miami Marlins’ loss to the Washington Nationals on Thursday night. Listen to Miguel Rojas elaborate on his performance and Sandy Alcantara’s start.
After being eliminated by Paraguay in the Copa America quarterfinals twice before, Gabriel Jesus stepped up and scored the decisive penalty to send Brazil to the semifinals.
Miguel Rojas had four hits, including three doubles, despite the Miami Marlins’ loss to the Washington Nationals on Thursday night. Listen to Miguel Rojas elaborate on his performance and Sandy Alcantara’s start.
Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly talks about the series finale defeat to the Washington Nationals Thursday night, discussing Sandy Alcantara’s start and the team’s efforts.
