6 Cool Ways to Liven Up Your "Boring" Basics in 2020

There’s no doubt that our trusty basics are the bread and butter of our wardrobes (aka they’re always there to solve every fashion dilemma). Sometimes, though, our basics can get, well, a little boring. So how can we liven up our sartorial staples in 2020 to keep our outfits looking fresh and fierce? Below we’ve rounded up some of this year’s biggest trends that can easily be combined with our wardrobe basics to take our look from zero to 100 this year.

These quick and easy additions are sure to reinvigorate your sweaters, jeans, tees, and blazers while imparting a look that is entirely on-trend. From refreshingly cool waistcoats to colorful leather separates to statement embellished shoes, read on to discover the easiest and chicest way to amp up your basics this year.

Liven Up Your Jeans With Embellished Shoes

Whether they’re shoes with chain details, brooches, or chandelier drops, a little embellishment will take your staple skinny jeans to new heights of chic. 

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(Image credit: Victor Virgile, Getty Images)

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(Image credit: Pietro D'aprano, Getty Images)

When it comes to jewelry this year, the mantra on the spring 2020 runways seemed to be "the bigger, the better,” especially when it comes to chain-link necklaces. The trend is here to stay for 2020, so invest in a chunky collar, as it’s guaranteed to add major pizzazz to your basic crew-neck sweater.

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Liven Up Your Blazer With a Waistcoat

How do you make that staple check blazer you’ve been wearing on repeat look entirely fresh and cool? Add a waistcoat! The trend was omnipresent on the spring 2020 runways and will undoubtedly add a polished, sharp, and unique touch to your look this year.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton)

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Liven Up a Dress With a Gold Chain Belt

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine )

Exude major Celine vibes this year and pair your staple dress with a trendy chain belt for a chic look that will take you from day-to-night with ease.

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Liven Up Your Basic Pants With Colorful Leather

One of our favorite trends of 2019 is here to stay in 2020 and we couldn’t be happier. This time around, leather separates get a more colorful treatment with a plethora of hues—from lilac to khaki green. Pair your basic pair of beige or black pants with a colored leather top for fashion girl–approved look.

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(Image credit: Victor Virgile, Getty Images)

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Liven Up Your Coat With a Super-Size Bag

Like many of 2020’s jewelry trends, this year’s bag trends also follow the "go big or go home” principle. Keep all your everyday essentials in a supersize tote for an easy, modern touch.

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(Image credit: Victor Virgile, Getty Images)

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Liven Up a Basic Top With Large Gold Hoops

Make a strong statement with your outfits this year and go for big, bold gold hoops to liven up your basic tops. These were seen all over the spring 2020 runways. 

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(Image credit: Victor Virgile, Getty Images)

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Up next, eight basic skinny-jean outfits that actually look pretty expensive.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith Jones is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear who specializes in shopping content and trend stories with high-affiliate impact. She shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands for every budget. Previous to working in fashion, Judith worked as a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) sharing her passion for travel and culture.