I'm routinely on the hunt for great basics for myself, my friends, and you, dear readers. Those perfect basics—versatile and modern items—are always appealing because they often become true workhorses in a wardrobe given the plethora of styling opportunities. J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Zara are three retailers that consistently stock top-notch basics.
I spent one afternoon scrolling through the hundreds of items at this trio of retailers to curate an edit of the elevated basics that I think are absolute perfection. You'll uncover everything from chic shirting (like the striped iteration featured above) to linen shorts and trousers to great tees you're bound to wear all the time. Keep scrolling for all of that and more.
J.Crew
Easy and chic.
A fantastic oversize shirt.
Our editors can't get enough of this relaxed linen tee.
As the name states, perfect.
Try this dress with flat or heeled sandals.
This is an elevated basic that could be styled with shorts, jeans, trousers, and skirts.
So pretty!
This skort is adorable.
Love these linen pants.
A versatile LBD.
Banana Republic
Note that belt detail.
Cute!
Yes to the boxy cut.
Vacation vibes.
This blazer will bring instant polish to any look.
New jeans, anyone?
An elevated tee.
Comfy and chic.
This vest is very elegant.
Dreamy with trousers.
Zara
You'll get so much wear out of this shirt.
Gorgeous.
Can't go wrong with denim shorts.
This top looks so expensive.
Darling with jeans.
This dress is definitely a next-level basic and could be worn for a variety of occasions.
A shirt with a matching bralette!
A vest is always chic.
Cool. Period.
Such a polished jacket.
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