January 21, 2013

Rites Of Fashion: The Basics Edition

via Photo 1- Rites Of Fashion: The Basics Edition.

20s: For most of us, our twenties are the time we’re learning how to survive on our own, and oftentimes that means choosing between paying off student loans and being able to spruce up our winter wardrobe. But start grooming good buying habits now — even if the few products you buy are more expensive than what you were used to spending in your teens, with good research, these quality buys will last you well into your 30s. Look for basics in versatile cuts, accentuating shapes, and durable, long-lasting fabrics. 

Cashmere sweater — Uniqlo’s cashmere is super-affordable, as far as cashmere goes, and relatively long-lasting. These won’t start pilling right away, but we suggest taking extra good care of them to extend the lifespan.
Uniqlo Cashmere Crew Neck, $69.90, available at Uniqlo. 

T-shirt — T by Alexander Wang’s T-shirts have the perfect blend of sheerness and slouch, making them the ideal shirt to wear for any occasion.
T By Alexander Wang Classic Tee, $98, available at My Theresa. 

Jeans — rag & bone’s classically cut denim will weather through a decade’s worth of trends. Plus, coming in a ton of washes, designs, and patterns, you’ll be able to find a pair that perfectly expresses your personality.
rag & bone Midrise Jean, $198, available at Intermix.

 

Whether it’s from your lunch order (no more cheeseburgers and greasy fries) to your choice of dinnerware (bye bye, paper plates!), everything in your life is starting to look a whole lot more like the person you’ve always dreamed of being: put together, sophisticated, and thoughtful. When it comes to basics, you’re willing to spend a bit more money, but not willing to throw it away on trendy items ormatronly pieces.

T-shirt — Helmut Lang’s shirts may need to be hand-washed, but we guarantee you’ll never find another white T-shirt that looks sexier than this one.
Helmut Lang Jersey T-Shirt, $96.24, available at My Wardrobe.

Jeans — Skinny jeans are still going to be your choice of denim, but you’re not-so-interested in trendy washes anymore. A slightly faded blue pair from indie brand Mother is one of our favorites.
MOTHER The Looker Mid-Rise Jeans, $363, available at My Theresa. 

Cashmere Sweater — Pricy? Yes. But this thick-knit, impossibly soft sweater won’t ever let you down. Plus, you’ll be graying before this sweater starts pilling.
TSE Classic Cashmere Crewneck, $395, available at TSE. 

40s: By now, you know what you like. Thick, substantial fabrics. Fits that won’t make you look like a kid (or a geriatric). Staples you can wear out during the weekend or to the office. For your basics, you’re looking for jeans, shirts, and sweaters that have class — and since you’ll be wearing yours with sky-high pumps and boss-lady jewels, make sure your fundamentals have good bones to start with.