I’ve just celebrated my eighth year officially moving to New York after spending most of my 20s in Sydney as a New Zealander. The two cities offer very different lifestyles, but share a lot in common when it comes to fashion essentials. I’m personally happy that New York has finally jumped on the flip-flop bandwagon bandwagon. There are a few other key fashion items in my wardrobe that have traveled with me all the way from my tiny apartment on sunny Bondi Beach to my apartment in New York City. These are the pieces that have stayed with me as I’ve changed cities and entered my 30s.
The strength of a great basic is that it’s versatile enough to be styled in an almost infinite number of different ways. It’s travel-friendly and evolves to match the vibe of the city you’re in. As a frequent traveler, I’d argue that this is the biggest test for the fashion basics that are the building blocks of my wardrobe: does the item only look good when worn in one place and one particular way, or can you come up with styling it again and again? Is it starting to feel dated, or do you find yourself searching for a new iteration each season? These five all-season basics pass the versatility test while still feeling trendy and relevant this fall. Here’s where you can shop these cool, classic pieces for the season ahead.
Liquid Pants
I love relaxed silk or satin pants all year round. They have a super relaxed feel thanks to the elastic waist and are perfect with flats, but the fabric feels a little luxe so they feel luxurious. They are just as perfect with an oversized button-down and chunky knit as they are with a blazer and tank top.
reform
Nora wide-leg satin trousers
mango
Wide leg lyocell pants
Receipt
Barb wide leg pants
Donny
Silky Simple Pants
Dish
Mica cream satin pants
Madewell
Satin pintuck slim pull-on pants
Oversized white t-shirt
An oversized white t-shirt isn’t revolutionary, but it’s an absolute essential, and the Tibi style I’m wearing here is a really great find: the weight of the fabric gives the silhouette a bit of structure, making it perfect for heading into autumn.
Zara
Heavy Cotton T-Shirt
totem
Organic cotton jersey T-shirt
Nordstrom
Relaxed Fit Pima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt
Assos Design
Oversized T-shirt (white)
Crew neck cardigan
I’ve fallen in love with cardigans, whether cropped or long, in Prada-esque grey or in a pop of colour, and while I’m a bit late to the party, I find that their unexpected preppy touches are the perfect flair for carrying my favourite summer looks into fall.
reform
Clara Cashmere Crewneck Cardigan
& More Stories
Knitted cardigan
kite
Nora cropped cashmere-blend cardigan
& More Stories
Boxy merino wool cardigan
Creamy Jeans
Cream jeans may seem like a spring/summer staple, but I love wearing them in cooler months too. Since I tend to wear all-black outfits, having a light, neutral denim color is an easy way to change things up quickly.
mango
Straight pleated jeans
We are free people
Tinsley Baggy High Rise Jeans
gap
High Rise Stride Wide Leg Jeans
totem
Pleated High Rise Wide Leg Organic Jeans
J.Crew
slim wide leg jeans
Black Blazer
My wardrobe is home to several black blazers, from a relaxed style from Zara that I’ve had for nearly six years, to a slightly cinched-in hourglass silhouette, to a new cropped, collarless style from the great New Zealand brand Harris Tupper. Blazers are a surefire go-to for any occasion, from a last-minute meeting to a lavish wedding, so I always make sure to pack one when I head out.
Hertha
Recycled Twill S-Curve Jacket
mango
Straight Fit Suit Blazer
Zara
oversized cropped blazer
Tibi
Len Crepe Knit Fitted Blazer
Frankie Shop
Girona open back blazer
