Hi ladies!

I’m so excited for today’s post because, last week, I asked you how you wanted me to cover it and you were very clear out of the two options. You said you wanted me to cover both … a list of basics I’d recommend having in your closet and a list of brands that I think are worth investing in. I had to get a little creative with that request in order to get it out to you in a timely manner so I decided to meld the two together by sharing the five basics every girl should invest in, and I’ll share the brand that I recommend investing in for that particular basic.

So, why invest in quality basics when it’s so easy to buy basics that are between $10-20? Well, I’m certainly not above those purchases but, as the years have gone by, I’ve seen how much further my money goes in terms of quality and length of wear when I decide to put a little more money behind the purchases I’m going to be wearing the most. The great thing about this list of basics is that these items are good for most seasons and can be worn countless ways throughout the year so, I promise, you’ll get your money’s worth.

The other great thing about this list is that everything is available in the same place, mytheresa.com. I’ve recently shared how much I’ve enjoyed exploring this online retailer based in Germany but offers free 2-day shipping to all of us here in the States! It is just as easy to shop their website as it is the large online retailers that we are used to shopping. It’s also just as easy to return things, as well. They give you a free return label and you simply have to drop it off at your local USPS location. They have a wide variety of brands to choose from, as well, most especially for those investment pieces that you’re looking to add to your wardrobe! So, always keep them in mind!

I’ve shared more about what I love about mytheresa.com in THIS post and THIS post.

And, honestly, y’all … let’s sit down with some real talk for a second. Please do not read this list and get down about not be able to invest in every piece I mention right this minute. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to remember that building a quality wardrobe takes TIME, so use this list as a reference sheet. Keep the information in the back of your mind and keep your eye on the things that you’re wanting to invest in. It really helps to KNOW exactly what your wardrobe needs in terms of investment pieces almost as much as it helps to KNOW the brands that are worth the splurge, so that when those golden sale opportunities come up throughout the year, you know exactly what to search for!

I won’t keep you waiting any longer! Here are my favorite basics and the brands I recommend for each one:

White, Gray and Black Crew & V-Neck Tees

rag & bone tee Cotton T-Shirt

While there are so many basic cotton t-shirts out there, rag & bone is a brand that I consistently go back to when I really want to invest in one that I know is 100% cotton and will stand the test of time. These are the clothing item in my closet that gets washed the most aside from underwear so I never mind spending a little more knowing how often I’ll be wearing it and that it won’t fall apart after a few washes.

While white is always my go to, I know gray and black are equally as attractive to others so grab whichever one strikes your fancy and fits your style! These runs true to size and are a great medium thickness.

Which color do you wear most often?

Casual Blue Jeans

AG Jeans ‘The Legging’ Skinny Jeans

There are few things I love more than throwing on a comfortable pair of jeans. I’m a jean girl through and through and it is probably the basic I invest in most frequently. Because I wear them so often, I don’t want to be in constant pursuit of a new ‘good’ pair. I want to buy jeans that I know I can turn to for … years! Yes. Years!

After trying countless jean brands through the years, I can confidently recommend AG Jeans as my absolute favorite. Their sizing is consistent throughout each of their styles, the material stretches but doesn’t loosen with wear, and their denim doesn’t weaken significantly after multiple washes. They also offer a lot of styles to fit your preferences. Their ‘The Legging’ Skinny Jean is my personal favorite! Skinny jeans just go with more outfits, in my opinion, making your money go even farther!

I recently purchased this pair of that style that hits right at the ankle which my 5’3 frame really appreciates. I love the ‘undone’ hem detail and lighter dark wash. They’re super comfortable and, as I always do with this brand, I went down one size from my normal and they fit perfect!

Here are a few other pairs that I would recommend:

Utility or Jean Jacket

Velvet Ruby Cotton Jacket

A utility or jean jacket is another basic that should be in every girls’ wardrobe. Think of them like your friend that always has your back! You can call on her during so many seasons of life, I mean .. the year, to help keep you feeling warm and confident! I love throwing my jean jacket on in the Spring and my utility jacket on in the Fall. I even love layering these pieces underneath cocoon coats in the Winter to add an extra layer over a sweater to give your outfit a little ‘extra’, if you will.

A high-quality utility jacket is one of the things that I am still on the hunt for this year and, as I was perusing mytheresa.com recently, I found this one by Velvet. It’s the perfect green, has breast and side flap pockets, a drawstring waist [which can easily transform the style of the jacket] and is 100% cotton.

I purchased this one for myself and absolutely loved it! Sadly, I had to return it because the XS ran big and there isn’t an XXS option, however, if it did, this would absolutely be the one I would invest in.

Signature Sandals

Saint Laurent Nu Pieds 05 Leather Sandals

Investing in a good pair of neutral, leather sandals is an absolute must for any gals wardrobe. You want a pair that will get better with age and I am confident this new pair by Saint Laurent I snagged back in March are going to do just that! They have an effortlessly chic design with the interwoven smooth leather straps. I started wearing them a lot recently and they have quickly become my go-to!

Mine might be more of an investment than most people would prefer, so I would also highly recommend considering Tory Burch sandals. They are still a little pricey but you will wear them so much and they will last and last!

Here are some sandals that are still available thatI think are super cute! Keep in mind, stock is lower than usual because of where we stand in the Summer season:

Summer fashion is winding down across most online retailers so Fall items will be rolling in soon! If you’re going to be shopping for booties this year, another wardrobe staple when it comes to footwear, I’d recommend investing in Gianvito Rossi. I recently purchased these suede ankle booties because I know they will sell out and they will get a lot of use throughout the season!

Versatile Neutral Handbag

Gucci Marmont Matelassé Leather Shoulder Bag

One of the greatest investments you can make in your wardrobe is in a quality handbag that is neutral in color and versatile in style. I personally invested in  the Gucci Marmont Matelassé Leather Shoulder Bag a few months ago and I couldn’t be happier. It’s high-quality leather, doesn’t scratch easily and offers a lot of security with the front-flap lock feature. It can be worn as a shoulder bag and a cross body handbag. The chain shoulder strap can be worn long or short, as well. I absolutely love this bag and reviewed it at length in this post from earlier this year, the Designer Handbag Review.

So, that’s my short list of must-have basics for every woman’s wardrobe! What are your favorite basics?