From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics

From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics

      Working in fashion involves trying on a multitude of items, assessing both new arrivals and familiar pieces to determine their true worth. It would be inappropriate for any of us to promote something we wouldn't wear ourselves; therefore, trying (and re-trying) clothing is a significant part of the role. Throughout my time as a fashion editor, I’ve had the most hands-on experience with basics. T-shirts, tank tops, jeans, blazers—whatever you consider to be a "wardrobe staple," I've likely tried on hundreds from various designer and budget-friendly brands. Trust me when I say I know where to find quality basics, and I’m not one to keep that information to myself.

      A glance at my Instagram or in my closet reveals that I have well-defined sources for each type of basic. For instance, I exclusively purchase tank tops from Zara. (I recently got a new one in two colors that I can't stop raving about.) My jeans mainly come from Citizens of Humanity, while I always choose Levi's for jean shorts—preferably vintage. I do explore other brands for non-basics such as blouses, dresses, and most outerwear and footwear. But when it’s about essential wardrobe pieces, I know what’s effective. And when something works, why change it? Below, you'll find everything from the sole brand I trust for new trousers to my go-to source for blazers. Consider this your guide to the best basics for 2025.

      **Best Tanks:** Zara

      **Best Jeans:** Citizens of Humanity

      **Best Blazers:** COS

      **Best Cashmere Sweaters:** J.Crew

      **Best Trousers:** Kallmeyer

      **Best T-Shirts:** Uniqlo

      **Best Jean Shorts:** Levi's

      **Best Trench Coats:** Sézane

      **Best Button-Down Shirts:** COS

      **Tanks: Zara**

      There are times to invest significantly in basics and times to save, and from my experience, when it comes to tank tops, you don’t have to spend much to find a great option. For the last five years or so, I’ve bought nearly all of my tanks from Zara, and I’m very pleased with the choice. They offer everything from thicker-strap, sophisticated styles to strappy camisoles, all at unbeatable prices. For instance, I just purchased the second tank in the shopping selection below in black and was surprised by how thick and high-quality it is. I even bought it in white the next day.

      **Shop Zara tank tops:**

      ZARA Ribbed Strappy Tank Top

      ZARA Supima® Cotton T-Shirt

      **Jeans: Citizens of Humanity**

      I probably own around fifty pairs of jeans, if not more. However, the ones I reach for the most and keep readily accessible (not stashed under my bed or on the highest shelf in my closet) are all from Citizens of Humanity. From stovepipe styles like the Zurie and Baretta to baggier options like the Ayla, all my denim needs are fulfilled by this brand. My only concern? The size I choose depends entirely on the denim style, so if you're considering COH jeans, do some research. Familiarize yourself with your measurements, and if you're uncertain, visit a store to try on different sizes. Once you find the perfect fit, you'll wear your COH denim for years.

      **Shop Citizens of Humanity jeans:**

      Citizens of Humanity Baretta Relaxed Straight Jeans

      Citizens of Humanity Zurie High Waist Straight Leg Jeans

      Citizens of Humanity Ayla Baggy

      Citizens of Humanity Blaine High Rise Straight Jeans

      **Blazers: COS**

      I've tried numerous expensive blazers, yet the ones I wear most often are from COS, including leather and suede styles, cropped versions, and more. They feel upscale, made from high-quality materials and unique cuts, and typically cost me less than $300 (excluding genuine leather pieces). They fulfill their purpose well, which is why I keep returning for more.

      **Shop COS blazers:**

      COS Oversized Exaggerated-Shoulder Denim-Look Blazer

      COS Relaxed Single-Breasted Utility Blazer

      **Cashmere Sweaters: J.Crew**

      I acknowledge that I have cashmere sweaters that I think are of better quality than those from J.Crew, but they come at a much higher price and require more care. I can't toss a $900 cashmere sweater into the washing machine at the laundromat near my apartment. My J.Crew sweaters can go in the machine (sorry), and I just hang-dry them. I own five and love them all, wearing one almost every week. The shrunken styles are my particular favorites, but all are wonderful.

      **Shop J.Crew cashmere sweaters:**

      j.crew Cashmere Shrunken Crewneck Sweater

      j.crew Cashmere Relaxed

From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics

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From Denim to White T-Shirts—Here Are the Exact Brands I Use for My Basics

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