they’re the foundation of any wardrobe and yet, sometimes they’re the hardest thing to find. i’m talking about basics -your go-to tees, jeans, even shoes; the items that get the most wear and can be mixed and matched a zillion different ways. today i wanted to share a few of my personal favorite basic pieces that have been shawna-tested and shawna-approved and where to find them. so if you’re in the market for a few wardrobe-building mainstays, look no further than the links below!

basic tanks & tees

hands down the best place to shop for basic tees is madewell. i’ve touted the v-neck whisper tee before, but truly it’s the best slouchy-without-looking frumpy shirt (fun fact, i wore it in grey for our engagement photos). it’s great for tucking into jeans, or knotting and pairing with a high-waisted skirt. for tanks, i’ve found my favorite styles come from loft. i have this tank in three colors and it’s perfect for both my work and weekend wardrobes. it also holds up in the wash, which is always a plus! for layering tanks (under lacy or sheer tops), you can’t beat h&m for their color options and price tag ($6!) and when it’s finally time to shop for long-sleeves tees again, gap is my go-to store.

basic chambray

there’s no doubt in my mind that every closet needs a classic chambray button-down. whether you opt for a light or darker wash, long-sleeve or sleeveless, a denim-looking top is a closet must-have, if only for its crazy versatility. wear it on its own or with layers, tied around your waist, or knotted at your mid drift. to me, j.crew’s version is the best in the biz, but if you’re on a budget, i highly recommend their kid-sister site, j.crew factory. they oftentimes have very similar versions (if not the same style from a few seasons back) available on their online store. be sure to subscribe to their email list because i kid you not, they are always having a sale!

basic skinny denim

i know there’s been a resurgence of flare and wide-leg styles, but for me, there’s nothing more classic than a perfect pair of skinny jeans. while the gap 1969 skinny jean will forever be my low-rise jam, the true place where denim dreams come true is madewell. we all know jean shopping is about as fun as a root canal (but without the anesthesia), but somehow madewell makes it bearable. if you’re in the market for a new pair of skinnies (especially as we broach pant season again), i highly suggest you pay them a visit.

basic flats

since i wear high heels most of the week, i live in flats come the weekend. my favorite style is the d’orsay flat, which manages to elongate the leg with a pointy toe while still allowing breathing room for those of us with a wider foot. madewell creates a new version of their signature lydia flat every season, but j.crew factory is the best place to score a budget-buy.