10 RULES TO WARDROBE BASICS YOU ACTUALLY WILL USE.

Written By Mendiana M.

Wardrobe Basics can make or break you and will greatly enhance one's personal style to make getting dressed much easier. Basics are versatile pieces that can be combined in many different ways to create various outfits for different occasions. Having a good selection of these staples on hand allows you to mix and match pieces to create a variety of looks without having to constantly buy new clothing.

When I first visited LA in the spring of 2021, prior to moving there. I could not help but notice the laid-back and relaxed style that is associated with California, particularly in cities like Los Angeles. It involves a focus on comfortable and effortless clothing that is well-suited for the warm weather. In addition to incorporating basic pieces into their wardrobes, many Californians also embrace a more casual approach to fashion, mixing high and low elements and often incorporating athletic and surf-inspired pieces into their outfits. It wasn’t long before I drank the L.A cool aid and noticed my wardrobe slowly influenced and transforming into a budget friendly “The Row” Catalog.

The Row is known for their understated yet luxurious approach to fashion. Also known for its minimalist and effortless style. The brand's designs often feature clean lines and neutral colors, with a focus on comfort and versatility. The Olsen twins have mastered the art of timeless, high-quality pieces that are designed to last. This philosophy has made The Row a favorite among fashion insiders and celebrities alike, and its pieces are highly sought after for their timeless appeal and ability to elevate any outfit.

If I could only wear one designer for the rest of my life, it would most definitely have to be The Row for everyday basics

If you want to achieve a similar aesthetic but are on a budget, you can consider the following tips:

  1. Focus on quality basics: Invest in high-quality, well-made basics like t-shirts, jeans, and jackets that you can wear again and again. Look for items made from natural fibers like cotton or linen, and opt for neutral colors that can be easily mixed and matched.


  2. Mix high and low: Combine high-end pieces with more affordable items to achieve a similar aesthetic to The Row. For example, you could pair a simple Zara dress with a pair of designer shoes.

  3. Buy more light, breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton


  4. Accessorize wisely: Accessories can play a big role in elevating an outfit and can often be found at more affordable prices. Invest in a few well-made pieces, such as a leather bag or a statement necklace, that can help to bring an outfit together.

  5. Neutral or earthy colors like white, beige, or olive green

  6. A few pairs of great denim jeans, preferably thrifted because they last years and can be very good steals if they are from reputable brands such as Lee and Levi’s

  7. Invest in timeless pieces: Look for clothing and accessories that will stand the test of time and can be worn for years to come. Pieces like a classic blazer or a timeless watch will always look chic and never go out of style.

  8. Simple, clean-lined silhouettes such as a slip dress or a tank top and wide-legged pants

  9. Comfortable and chic footwear such as slides or espadrilles

  10. Delicate accessories like gold jewelry or a woven bag to add a touch of sophistication

“Old money Aesthetics" in the Fashion conversation

Stealth Wealth has been making rounds of debate in the fashion space and social media for the past few months, more people are saying no to Logo-mania to adopt a “Quiet Luxury” or “Old Money Aesthetics”. Some people have taken an abysmal approach to fashion and style, and have used it as a means of belittling others. This type of behavior goes against the spirit of personal style, which is meant to be a form of self-expression and creativity.

It's important to understand that fashion and style are not just about wearing the latest trend or the most expensive label. They are about finding what works for you and expressing your own unique sense of style. Whether you prefer classic and timeless pieces, or more eclectic and playful looks, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and wear what makes you feel confident and happy. Furthermore, Old money aesthetics is just repackaged classist bullshit because wearing certain styles, brands or clothing items alone cannot guarantee that you will attain a certain status or level of wealth.

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Summer nights sailing in St Barts. Winters spent skiing in Megève and most importantly — a curated closet overflowing with crisp Cashmere must be the way to achieve “Old Money” as far as TikTok and a generation who grew up listening to Lana Del Rey on a loop understands it anyway. However, this portrayal is misleading, as the reality of the lives of the wealthy is often much more complex and nuanced.

Not to be the bearer of bad news but Old money is largely determined by factors such as inheritance, family history, and access to resources and opportunities so if you think wearing a Tweed set in a pastel color makes you old money, you’re misguided beyond repair as this would be considered a preppy look.

While style and fashion can be used to express certain attitudes or values, they should not be relied upon as a means of attaining wealth or social status. It's important to remember that real success and fulfillment come from within, and are not dependent on external factors such as appearance or material possessions.

The ethos of classic and timeless brands like Ralph Lauren and Brunello Cucinelli are meant to be appreciated for their quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. These brands have represented the best in luxury fashion and should be respected for their heritage and commitment to excellence. Not just the as a status symbol.

The recent trend of young people's fascination with wealth and luxury is indeed in contrast with the broader economic landscape and while this trend can be seen as a reflection of the growing gap between the rich and poor, and a yearning for material success. It doesn’t take breaking the bank to bring an emphasis of high-quality pieces in neutral shades that can be worn interchangeably to your wardrobe.

In fact, these are a few looks, some of which I have thrifted that incorporates elevated basics.

These 4 looks are the perfect example of the 10 rules I gave you above because they Integrate basics, thrifted pieces and the Horseshoe buckle belt being an investment designer item From Bottega Veneta without the logo screaming “Look at me”

If “The Row” core or timeless Scandi chic is a style you want to Include in your wardrobe. Try These Affordable Brands

Mendiana M.
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