Welcome to the Nothing To Wear Edit where each week we curate the best of whatever we spoke about on the podcast. Listen to the full episode here.
If there are any fashion pieces you should invest in, it’s basics. Yes, I know they’re not as interesting as those brightly patterned trousers you spotted over the weekend, but basic clothing items are essential when building a well-rounded outfit.
When you purchase good quality staples such as a white t-shirt, black blazer and a maxi slip dress, you’ll always have something to wear. Not only are these fundamental when creating a capsule wardrobe, but they also pair well with the more quirky items in your closet.
Now, when I say ‘invest’ I don’t expect you to spend thousands of dollars on a crew neck, instead, I’m advising you to really look at the fabrics, composition and quality of each piece you buy. This way, the clothes you purchase will last for a lifetime, rather than one wash cycle.
So to help you out, I’ve rounded up the best classic wardrobe essentials for under $150, because you don’t need to break the bank to look good.
Image: Target.
Why I love it: I saw Hayley, one of the most stylish women in the Mamamia office, wearing these last week and I bought them immediately. Classic, comfy and look far more expensive than its price.
Image: Cotton On.
Why I love it: Every wardrobe needs a classic black slip dress. Wear it with heels and statement earrings to a wedding, or with a denim jacket and trainers for day-to-day.
Image: MNG.
Why I love it: I am so impressed with the quality of MNG for the price. A classic shirt in white or black (or both!) will fill a gap in your wardrobe you didn’t even know you had.
Image: Levi’s, The Iconic.
Why I love it: This light wash jean is so versatile and goes perfectly with all the other basics in this roundup. Plus, you can never go wrong with a pair of Levi’s.
Image: Uniqlo.
Why I love it: This classic tee comes in 12 colours, washes and wears so well and is cheap as chips. Grab a few!
Image: Fate and Becker, MYER.
Why I love it: Gone are the days where a blazer was just for corporate wear. I throw on a blazer over a maxi dress, jeans or even leggings and a tank. They’re more versatile than you think and add ‘polish’ to any outfit.
Image: The Fated, The Iconic.
Why I love it: The ‘in’ jean cut right now is wider in the leg, and not only is this pair under $100, the flattering high waist and contrast sticking makes them look more polished than your average pair.
Image: Atmos&Here, The Iconic.
Why I love it: Just like a blazer, a trench can be worn over anything from a formal dress to activewear. The longer length is also super flattering on most body types, and a lighter colour is a good alternative to have if your go-to bladder is black.
Image: Atmos&Here Curvy, The Iconic.
Why I love it: A linen maxi skirt is the clothing item to add to your wardrobe this summer. It’s chic, versatile and so comfortable. Check out our story on how to style a maxi skirt for more inspo.
At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.
Featured Image: Instagram @leighacampbell.
