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elevated basics
by Tors Innes
If you are looking to build a wardrobe full of elevated basics, then this guide is for you!
YOUR
elevated basics
GUIDE
1. Your Lingerie
2. Your T-shirt
An elevated, great quality tee is perfect for layering, no matter the season. I love layering pieces to add interest and depth to an outfit.
A classic white tee and a selection of neutral colours can be worn with blazers to instantly amp up your everyday look.
To keep those tees white, check the label first.
If it’s safe to do so, soak your white tee in bleach before running through on a regular cycle.
3. Jeans
Shopping for jeans can be a rather challenging time, no matter your shape and size.
It’s hard to know whether the pair you’re trying on suits you, especially when you’re in a change room on your own without the full outfit on.
Having a blue and black pair of jeans in the wardrobe works well for mixing and matching to make different looks for casual to more formal.
A pair of black jeans is always going to look dressy. It’s like a black pair of classic pants and goes with everything.
Mid blue jeans tend to look more casual but if you add a great blazer or coat to it and it elevates the denim or tuck in a silk shirt and again elevation.
It really does come back to how you style it and what pieces you wear with it. Don’t be scared to accessorise!
When in the fitting room take a breath…… have a pile of different jean styles to try.
Also have a couple of different sizes in styles as you may fluctuate in size depending on brand. Remember it is not the number on the size label it is how they fit, look and make you feel.
Always purchase a firmer fit jean as they will stretch with wear. See where the waist sits – if you are short waisted go for a mid-rise or lower rise this will lengthen your torso. AG are good for this. If you are long waisted go for high waisted as this will help your waist to look shorter than it is and balance out your body. Levis Ribcage and Wedgie jeans are a great place to start for high rise.
You want to create a soft silhouette that the eye runs over harmoniously. If you have big hips and/or big thighs don’t go for supper tight skinny jeans that hug your ankle as this will accentuate your hips and thighs. You want to add softness into your silhouette. A slim fit would work better.
Try a thin roll at the hem a couple of times the width of the hem is a good width. It can elevate the jean and finish of the look.
If it doesn’t feel right don’t buy it as you will never wear them. When you find a great jean buy multiples and in different colours. Tip: different washes will fit slightly different so be sure to try before you buy.
4. Knitwear
Investing in good quality knitwear really is worth it.
Cashmere is the queen of elevated knit fabrics, but it comes with a high price tag.
The reason it’s so expensive is because it comes from the cashmere goat. The cashmere undercoat of the goat is super soft and only produces a small amount per goat. Cashmere will last years without looking shabby but you do need to look after it.
My suggestion is to build your knitwear collections slowly, by investing in one piece each season, looking for classic cuts in neutral colours you can layer throughout the year.
5. Sneakers
These shoes are so versatile and can be worn as a casual or formal look based on how you style them.
Leather will always look elevated as it has structure and is durable as well.
Look for something where the sole is not too thin. A little elevation can help with posture too. It’s like when you wear something with a bit of a heel as opposed to thongs.
Keep them clean. Lighter colours will look dirtier quicker – fabric will dirty quicker than leather. Always spray protectant on them to keep them looking sharp.
There are so many different styles of sneakers out there. Look for sneakers with interesting detail or branding or even the way they use colour.
New Balance are doing some fun sneakers and Veja always look good not only do they have a great ethos but the design is great too.
For something a bit more fun Radical Yes have some fabulous colours and designs that are more elevated.
6. Jackets
The hardest working item in your wardrobe must be the blazer.
By adding a blazer to an outfit it instantly elevates any look, so we need to have something that stands the test of time.
Depending on your body silhouette, you’ll want to look for an exceptionally well made, high quality fabric blazer in the cut that balances your proportions.
I know the whole oversized blazer thing is in at the moment, but seriously how many people can really pull it off??? Definitely not me😜
A denim jacket is also a great, hardworking staple as you can wear it over jeans, dresses and skirts.
You can layer it in winter under a blazer and knit,, or pop it over a dress for summer. It’s your trans seasonal piece which means it will be worn all year round, So, we need something in a chic, quality, classic style.
Now you know what
elevated basics are...
Let’s review your wardrobe to see what’s missing and what could be elevated!
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