Given my fashion-editor profession, trying basics from new brands and new basics from my favorite brands is the norm for me. And while I frequently find new pieces I love enough to wear on repeat, the bulk of my basics collection is made up of items I wear over and over, and often end up buying in more colors after I initially fall in love with said item.
Truth be told, I’m so hooked on my favorite basics that sometimes random thoughts pop into my head about what I would do if and when the brand decides to stop making them. Aside from mildly panicking, the only solution I can come up with is to stockpile these basics now, and they’re good enough that I’m honestly tempted.
If you’re as curious as I’m guessing you are, keep scrolling to shop my desert-island basics along with me while we still can.
Reformation Dusk Tank Top
Ever since it was released, this elegant boatneck tank from Reformation has had a cult following. The tank, pictured above on Liv Perez, is released in new colors and prints each season (and continues to sell out), as a testament to its popularity. The quality and the price point are great.
Reformation
Dusk Knit Top in Mole
Reformation
Dusk Knit Top in Fior Di Latte
Reformation
Dusk Knit Top in Snapdragon
Agolde Valen Jeans
I’ve owned multiple different Agolde styles over the years, but the Valen jeans are my current favorite. They’re a surprisingly comfortable mid-rise straight-leg style that’s the perfect length. I’m planning on ordering the light wash for summer next.
AGOLDE
Valen Mid Rise Vintage Straight Jeans in Essence
Agolde
Valen Vintage Straight Jeans in Hitch
Agolde
Valen Mid Rise Vintage Straight Jeans in Harmonic
Leset Margo Tee
Leset’s Margo tee is a boxy (but not oversized) high quality tee that holds its shape and isn’t see-through in the least. It can be a big too heavy for the hottest of summer days but otherwise, it’s perfect. You’ll want to own it in multiple colors—trust me.
LESET
The Margo Top in Affogato
Shopbop
Leset Margo Tee in Neptune
J.Crew Garçon Linen Shirt
It’s not easy finding a great quality linen button-down for less than $100 but look no further. J.Crew’s is soft, machine washable, comes in tons of colors, and it looks looks expensive. It works great with jeans, skirts, as a swimsuit cover-up—you name it.
J.Crew
Garçon Classic Shirt in Baird Mcnutt Irish Linen in White
J.Crew
Garçon Classic Shirt in Baird Mcnutt Irish Linen in French Blue
J.Crew
Garçon Classic Shirt in Baird Mcnutt Irish Linen in Pink
Lululemon Align Leggings
You know those leggings that you’re disappointed about when they’re in the dirty clothes hamper? That’s what Lululemon Align Leggings are for me. They’re comfortable, flattering, hold up well after dozens of washes—I could go on. Do yourself a favor and try them for yourself.
Lululemon
Align No Line High-Rise Pant 28″ in Black
Lululemon
Align High-Rise Pant With Pockets 28″ in Lava Cake
Lululemon
Align High-Rise Ribbed Pant 28″ in Tue Navy
Polo Ralph Lauren Baseball Cap
My Polo Ralph Lauren baseball cap obsession knows no bounds. I wear one at some point almost daily. They’re classic and cool and they protect your face from the sun. It’s $50 well spent, in my opinion.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Chino Sport Cap in RL Black/RL2000 Red
Polo Ralph Lauren
Twill Classic Sport Cap in Parchment Cream
Polo Ralph Lauren
Chino Sport Cap in Carson Blue/Adirondack Navy
Posse Rio Top
Posse makes some of the coolest linen in the game. The quality is beautiful and worth the investment. The button-front, sleeveless Rio Top is one of my most-worn pieces.
Posse
Rio Linen Cropped Vest in Dusty Citron
Alo Accolade Sweatshirt
I own this sweatshirt in five colors, and I’m not stopping there. The fit is perfectly oversized (I size down since it’s unisex), the weight is just right, and it’s super soft. If you spot me walking my dog, going to pilates, are exiting a Starbucks, I’m probably wearing this. Don’t miss out on the seasonal color drops—they tend to sell out fast.
Alo
Accolade Sweatshirt in Espresso
Alo
Accolade Crew Neck Pullover in Candy Red
Alo
Accolade Crew Neck Pullover Sweatshirt in Black
Artless Forever Kit Mini Skirt
At 5’4″, I have a bit of trouble with mini skirt lengths. Ones that are on the long side aren’t flattering on me, but I don’t want to wear ones that are too short. But then I discovered the Artless Forever Kit Mini Skirt. I sized up to a Medium, and I’m glad I did because it sits lower on the hips and adds just a bit of extra length. Bonus: It’s machine washable and doesn’t wrinkle.
Artless Forever
Kit Mini in Raven
Artless Forever
Kit Mini in Dove Grey
Anine Bing Kate Jeans
I love everything Anine Bing makes (especially the blazers) so I don’t know what took me so long to try the brand’s denim. It doesn’t disappoint. The ones I’m wearing on repeat are the Kate Jeans. I sized up (as instructed) and they’re a bit snug at first, but perfect after a couple of hours of wear. They’re clean and timeless and I plan on buying more washes in the very near future.
ANINE BING
Kate Jeans in Clean Indigo
ANINE BING
Kate Jeans in Steel Grey
ANINE BING
Kate Jeans in Destructed Bleached Blue
Reformation Olina Linen Pants
I’m ending this roundup how it began: with Reformation, which makes my holy grail linen pants. They’re thick (for linen, and it’s a good thing) and not too slim but not too baggy. Plus, they come in a ton of colors and you can throw them in the washing machine and they’ll be good as new after a quick steam.
Reformation
Olina Tie Waist Pants in Black
Reformation
Olina Linen Pants in White
Reformation
Olina Linen Pants in Dunes Check