These 7 Trendy Basics Officially Make Every Outfit Cooler—Here's the Proof

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(Image credit: @filippahagg)

My closet is lined with everything from investment buys to everyday staples, but trendy fashion basics are what really fuel my everyday outfits. I’m talking about everything from oversize button-down tops to two-tone polos to basketball sneakers that I’ve been living in, but I could go for some fresh upgrades. That’s why I’m eyeing all of the cool pieces on the fashion set at the moment.

Their picks range from wide-leg ivory jeans to logo socks to cropped sweater sets—all cool takes on the pieces you might already own, but with fashion-forward twists that make them feel very of the moment. So, what are the pieces that I think are worthy of adding to your shopping cart right now? Ahead, I’m breaking down the best trendy fashion basics that have earned a spot on the cool girl’s shopping list. Consider these the repeatable pieces you’ll want to wear over and over again—all with a fashion insiders’ stamp of approval.

Leather Bomber Jackets

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(Image credit: @sophiaroe)

Oversize leather jackets are having a moment and bombers are the piece to own. I’m especially loving the affordable versions from Levi’s that feel retro in all the right ways.

Shop the trend:

Cropped Cardigans

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

There was a time when cardigans were considered a "grandpa” piece, but they’re now firmly cemented in the fashion-insider wardrobe. This season, it’s all about the cropped silhouette in anything from saturated shades to versatile neutrals.

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Cashmere Leggings

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(Image credit: @anoukyve)

If you’re looking for a luxe upgrade to your basics, do yourself a favor and order a pair of cashmere leggings. Insider tip: H&M has a particularly amazing selection priced under $100.

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Logo Socks

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(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

Remember when no-show socks were the only socks to wear? That’s certainly no longer the case because now it’s all about highlighting a pair of tube socks with your sneakers. Brands finishing them with logos are taking them to the next level.

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Ivory Jeans

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

I’m not gonna lie, this trend threw me. I didn’t really expect to see off-white jeans become a year-round thing, but here we are. The key thing is to buy a pair that has a loose, wide-leg silhouette.

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Chunky Rubber Boots

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(Image credit: @!slipintostyle)

A staple last season (but possibly even bigger this year), chunky rubber boots are the winter shoe to own. What’s great is that they’re equal part practical and cool, so you don’t have to sacrifice any level of comfort.

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Preppy Blazers

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(Image credit: @filippahagg)

Thanks to brands like Celine, preppy blazers are back in the fold and bigger than ever. They’re still oversize like many of the blazers we’re seeing on the market, but a bit more tailored and finished in classic fabrics and prints like Prince of Wales checks.

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Next, shop the cool fashion finds I’m obsessing over right now.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.