The 7 Wardrobe Basics a 30-Year-Old and a 60-Year-Old Think Everyone Should Own

Your age has nothing to do with what you should or shouldn't wear. You should always go for what you love, no matter the year you were born. On that note, while we all have our own personal styles, there are a few specific items it seems people of all ages universally gravitate towards over others. In fact, I did a little research to uncover some of the said pieces.

Given that basics are more or less the building blocks of any solid wardrobe, I wanted to dive deeper into the exact basics people in my life collectively stand behind as essentials. To catch a glimpse, I tapped my 60-year-old-mother, Nancy, along with a 30-year-old friend, who, for the purpose of this story, I'm going to refer to as Anna (she likes to keep a bit discreet). I asked each to send me a list of the simple items they swear by to create a well-rounded closet. And believe it or not, there was a crossover with seven key items.

To highlight further, I'm showcasing the basics a 30 and 60-year-old both love to incorporate into their chic ensembles. Naturally, I also agree that the pieces coming your way are certified staples, so I took this time to explain why I am personally into each basic as well.

With all that said, keep scrolling to scope a bit of visual (as highlighted on some of my favorite fashion people) and shopping inspiration, breaking down the basics potentially worth owning based on universal popularity amongst my inner circle.

1. Leggings

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Leggings continue to be a wardrobe mainstay. This season, it's about dressing them up with other elevated basics for a chic look.

2. White Button-Down Shirt

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(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

While a white button-down shirt has always remained a classic, it's particularly relevant this spring worn on its own with jeans or layered with other trendy items.

3. Striped Tee

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

You just can't go wrong with a striped tee as an easy and comfortable basic worn with just about anything (yes, including joggers).

4. Skinny or Straight-Leg Jeans

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(Image credit: @basicstouch)

In terms of denim, skinny and straight-leg jeans ranked high on the lists of both my friend and mother (and rightfully so). While other cuts like wide-leg and flares are trending, these slimmer styles are classics at this point.

6. LBD

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

An effortless LBD is a constant in many wardrobes (including those of my inner circle) to create a simple and chic dressed-up look. A basic shift or one like this with a cutout detail will just always be in.

6. Blazer

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(Image credit: @modedamour)

A blazer—especially a slouchier silhouette—is a newer basic to add that extra polish to any ensemble. My mother, in particular, loves wearing one with jeans and a tee to look just a bit fancier.

7. Cardigan

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(Image credit: @honeybelleworld)

A cardigan, in general, is a wardrobe essential for many. My mother is into the longer silhouettes, my friend loves the more standard cuts, and I like the shrunken picks. In my opinion, you'll create a cool and forward vibe with any style you choose.

Next, check out the basics a NYC girl swears by.

Bobby Schuessler
Market Director

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.