It’s pretty safe to assume that we’d all rather buy an amazing, special fashion item than another boring basic. However, the fact of the matter is that truly the majority of what we wear are basics, and they rarely go out of style, so we keep them for ages. Sure, the latest Prada It shoes have a significantly stronger pull than, say, a pair of black pants, but how many times will you really wear the Prada shoes in comparison to the pants? Exactly. Curious as to which basics are essential and the most versatile, we consulted an expert on the matter: Raleigh, North Carolina–based personal stylist Alex Long.
Long’s company, Alex Long Studio, specializes in personal styling and shopping, closet editing, and even packing. Since her clients are real women who lead busy lives, she’s a trusted source when it comes to how women shop and build their wardrobes, and she had a lot of insight for us on the subject of basics everyone forgets to buy, whether intentionally or not. "It’s a fact: No one wants to buy basics," she tells us. "It’s the statement pieces people really get excited about. But classic, well-fitting pieces never go out of style and will serve you for years."
Keep scrolling to find out the nine items Long says everyone should own, and shop them for your own wardrobe.




















Next up, the best basics on Amazon, according to a stylist.
Source: Who What Wear