During the past six months I've compiled, + put to the test, a list of personal basics. These pieces are the hardworking building blocks of my simple wardrobe. I find this list helpful as a way to hone in on my personal style + the amount of clothing that I "need". I'd also like it to be helpful when I need replacements.
A list of personal basics would obviously be different for each individual (+ may change with time), so I'm not sure how interesting my actual list will be. I will try to share a little bit about how/why I chose these items...not as reasons anyone else should choose that particular item...but to offer an example of how one could possibly think through their own preferences...and form a list of their own personal basics.
My main concerns for clothing are: Comfort...while still looking presentable. Style...as I see it. Appropriateness...for the situations I find myself in. Fairness...in regards to farmers, garment workers + the environment. I've spent a bit of time looking at what I own, styles that appeal to me, what I wear over + over, and what I feel good wearing. So here goes...
A list of personal basics would obviously be different for each individual (+ may change with time), so I'm not sure how interesting my actual list will be. I will try to share a little bit about how/why I chose these items...not as reasons anyone else should choose that particular item...but to offer an example of how one could possibly think through their own preferences...and form a list of their own personal basics.
My main concerns for clothing are: Comfort...while still looking presentable. Style...as I see it. Appropriateness...for the situations I find myself in. Fairness...in regards to farmers, garment workers + the environment. I've spent a bit of time looking at what I own, styles that appeal to me, what I wear over + over, and what I feel good wearing. So here goes...
My personal basics ::
Tanks ::
I like that they layer well under long-sleeved layers (no crumpled sleeves to adjust). They are cool in the heat + don't give me odd tan lines. :)
Preferred shapes : Bantam + muscle tanks. The narrow, close set straps on the Bantam flatter my shape more than others + its loose shape can be made cropped or longer (which tucks in nicely). Muscle tanks feel like sleeveless tees.
Also : Pact racer back tanks are good under layers. I wear these year round.
Tanks ::
I like that they layer well under long-sleeved layers (no crumpled sleeves to adjust). They are cool in the heat + don't give me odd tan lines. :)
Preferred shapes : Bantam + muscle tanks. The narrow, close set straps on the Bantam flatter my shape more than others + its loose shape can be made cropped or longer (which tucks in nicely). Muscle tanks feel like sleeveless tees.
Also : Pact racer back tanks are good under layers. I wear these year round.
Tees ::
Short-sleeved: A short-sleeved tee feels a bit more covered up than a tank.
Preferred shapes: The Everlane cotton crew + the Lacausa Frank tee are both fitted, but not tight. I also like handmade box tops made from my own pattern.
Long-sleeved: Great for layering over + under.
Preferred shapes: Boxy with slimmer sleeves or lightweight + slim for wearing under sweaters.
Short-sleeved: A short-sleeved tee feels a bit more covered up than a tank.
Preferred shapes: The Everlane cotton crew + the Lacausa Frank tee are both fitted, but not tight. I also like handmade box tops made from my own pattern.
Long-sleeved: Great for layering over + under.
Preferred shapes: Boxy with slimmer sleeves or lightweight + slim for wearing under sweaters.
Long-sleeved button down ::
Look great with everything...but the weather doesn't allow for this to be the perfect weight too often in my circumstances.
Preferred shape : Low soft collar, body skimming shape + soft fabric, rolled up sleeves. I have an old one from Madewell (searchable on resale sights) that is the perfect shape + color for me.
Look great with everything...but the weather doesn't allow for this to be the perfect weight too often in my circumstances.
Preferred shape : Low soft collar, body skimming shape + soft fabric, rolled up sleeves. I have an old one from Madewell (searchable on resale sights) that is the perfect shape + color for me.
Sweatshirts ::
Warmer than a tee + more washable than a sweater.
Preferred shapes : Everlane slim + Rudy Jude cropped. The Everlane is more fitted (not tight, but not too slouchy) + hits at just the right spot on the waist. I like them with the sleeves pushed up + they layer over a Pact tank nicely (for a little more warmth). I like the Rudy Jude with high waisted pants + the sleeves are perfectly cropped (+ they are so soft + organic cotton + natural dyes).
Warmer than a tee + more washable than a sweater.
Preferred shapes : Everlane slim + Rudy Jude cropped. The Everlane is more fitted (not tight, but not too slouchy) + hits at just the right spot on the waist. I like them with the sleeves pushed up + they layer over a Pact tank nicely (for a little more warmth). I like the Rudy Jude with high waisted pants + the sleeves are perfectly cropped (+ they are so soft + organic cotton + natural dyes).
Sweaters ::
Cashmere is warm, lightweight, soft, not itchy + I'm not allergic to it.
Preferred shape : Slouchy pullover, but with sleeves that hit just below the wrist.
Cashmere is warm, lightweight, soft, not itchy + I'm not allergic to it.
Preferred shape : Slouchy pullover, but with sleeves that hit just below the wrist.
Pants ::
Fitted or slouchy. Slightly cropped. High waist.
Preferred shapes :
Fitted: Straight leg, body skimming. Right now I like vintage army OG pants (hemmed to be slightly cropped) + Everlane boyfriend jeans (one size down) + leggings.
Slouchy: Handmade sarouelles or soft + slightly flowy like Lacausa Isabelle Trousers.
Fitted or slouchy. Slightly cropped. High waist.
Preferred shapes :
Fitted: Straight leg, body skimming. Right now I like vintage army OG pants (hemmed to be slightly cropped) + Everlane boyfriend jeans (one size down) + leggings.
Slouchy: Handmade sarouelles or soft + slightly flowy like Lacausa Isabelle Trousers.
One-piece ::
A dress or a jumpsuit that works for various occasions + seasons.
Preferred shapes :
Dress: not too restricting...not too much fabric.
Jumpsuit: slouchy but fitted, not too tight + not too loose.
Making this list has allowed me to see that some overall recurring themes have emerged :: Not too loose...not too tight. Body skimming. Works for multiple occasions. Not too flashy...not too boring. Flattering proportions.
I would find it so interesting to see other people's lists of personal basics! I love that we all get to choose for ourselves. Even some of my recurring themes would be interpreted entirely differently by different individuals. Celebrate individuality even in the basics! :)
Love,
Jane
A dress or a jumpsuit that works for various occasions + seasons.
Preferred shapes :
Dress: not too restricting...not too much fabric.
Jumpsuit: slouchy but fitted, not too tight + not too loose.
Making this list has allowed me to see that some overall recurring themes have emerged :: Not too loose...not too tight. Body skimming. Works for multiple occasions. Not too flashy...not too boring. Flattering proportions.
I would find it so interesting to see other people's lists of personal basics! I love that we all get to choose for ourselves. Even some of my recurring themes would be interpreted entirely differently by different individuals. Celebrate individuality even in the basics! :)
Love,
Jane
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