10 “Boring” Fashion Basics Every Woman Needs to Own

By Brianna Lapolla, PureWow

When a new season rolls around, we’ll be the first to admit a new camisole isn’t really at the top of our shopping list. It just seems, well, boring. Especially this fall when bows, Victorian elements and cargo pants are on deck. But our daily outfits wouldn’t actually be possible without basics holding down the fort. Ready to retire your dingy, not-quite-white tees for a new, crisp replacement? Below, find those and nine more staples.

The Perfect White Tee

We put our white tees through a lot—namely one too many sweaty summer days and accidentally adding them to a load of darks. At this point they look a little, um, yellow? Yeah, it’s time to pick up a few crisp new T-shirts and donate the old ones (or use them as rags).

Dark Skinny Jeans

Wearing knee-high boots with anything else is just a hassle. While you might be tempted to buy some cargo pants with your hard-earned money, add a new pair of universally flattering dark skinnies to the mix first. Trust. 

Crisp Blazer

True, blazers have gotten a lot cooler (and much bolder) in the last few years. But investing in a basic black style with impeccable tailoring will make any outfit look like it was selected by a professional stylist. Hot tip: spend a bit more for better quality that’s guaranteed to last. 

Basic Cami

When was the last time you upped your cami stash? Exactly. We’ve had the same five on rotation since…we honestly don’t even remember when. This year, it’s out with the old, in with the new. Every outfit will feel so much more put-together because of it (even if it’s hidden under a sweater in two months’ time).

Black Tights

Our childhood memories of tights are scratchy and uncomfortable. As adults, we cherish their warmth on those first frigid days (ok and they’ve also gotten much softer since the ‘80s). Because we rarely make it through a winter without adding a few rips or runs to every pair, it’s a necessary yearly investment we’re ok with making. 

Denim Jacket

This is quite possibly the most versatile topper in our lineup. We wear it in spring and summer with sundresses and layer it over sweaters and under coats in fall and winter. Although colored versions come and go, a classic blue denim will stand the test of time.

Fitted Turtleneck

Wear it with skirts, pants, under dresses and with jeans—it actually goes with everything. A solid, neutral-hued version will quickly become your chilly-weather go-to, but a ribbed knit will also get just as much wear.

Practical Black Booties

With the current snakeskin craze, it might seem silly to spend money on a classic pair of black boots. But there’s no denying their versatility. Steer clear of a too-towering heel, so you can wear these all day long without wanting to rip your feet off. 

Crisp White Button-Down

Is there anything more classic? We'll just tell you: Nope. A white button-down is one of those pieces that can make or break an outfit. Investing in a polished one means you can wear it to work and Tom Cruise style, alone in your house sans pants (that's how you know it's comfy!). 

No-Fuss Black Leggings

We're not talking about the lounge leggings we reserve for lazy Sundays spent indoors. We mean the perfect pair of opaquer-than-opaque black leggings that have the ability to make our legs look supermodel-long and leave us only feeling like we're wearing PJs to the office.