(Image credit: Zara)
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
J.Crew
Tropez Short in Linen
J.Crew
Étienne Oversized Shirt
A fantastic oversize shirt.
J.Crew
Relaxed Linen T-Shirt in Stripe
Our editors can’t get enough of this relaxed linen tee.
J.Crew
Perfect-Fit High-Neck Tank
As the name states, perfect.
J.Crew
High-Neck Midi Dress in Linen
Try this dress with flat or heeled sandals.
J.Crew
Maxine Button-Back Top in Linen
This is an elevated basic that could be styled with shorts, jeans, trousers, and skirts.
J.Crew
Clio Dress in Textured Gauze
J.Crew
Mini Skort in Bi-Stretch Cotton Blend
J.Crew
A-Line Maxi Dress in Floral Cotton Poplin
Banana Republic
Banana Republic
4″ Linen Short
Banana Republic
Linen Cropped Shirt
Banana Republic
The Boxy Linen Shirt
Banana Republic
Oversized Linen Gauze Tunic
Banana Republic
Lina Relaxed Linen Blazer
This blazer will bring instant polish to any look.
Banana Republic
Ultra High-Rise Wide-Leg Crop Jean
Banana Republic
Cotton Roll-Cuff T-Shirt
Banana Republic
Linen Pull-On Pant
Banana Republic
Textured Sweater Vest
This vest is very elegant.
Banana Republic
Luna Cashmere Sweater Top
Zara
ZARA
Striped Linen Blend Knotted Shirt
You’ll get so much wear out of this shirt.
ZARA
Open Back Knit Midi Dress
Can’t go wrong with denim shorts.
ZARA
Raglan Sleeve Polyamide Top
This top looks so expensive.
ZARA
Basic Knit V-Neck Cardigan
ZARA
Mixed Balloon Midi Dress
This dress is definitely a next-level basic and could be worn for a variety of occasions.
ZARA
Striped Poplin Shirt With Bralette
A shirt with a matching bralette!
ZARA
Basic Knit Fitted Vest
ZARA
Trf Mid Waist Baggy Balloon Jeans
ZARA
Round Neck Piqué Blazer
