05-03-2025
23 Elevated Basics That'll Make You Feel Like The Definition Of "Chic"
Unless otherwise specified, all sizes in this post are listed in women's.
1. A one-shoulder bodysuit with a plunge neckline that'll make you feel so sexy, whether you're on vacation, out dancing, or literally just running errands. It's double-lined around the chest area to provide extra support, and many reviewers said they can comfortably wear it without a bra!
Promising review: "Wore this all three days bartending EDC music festival and fit the dress code perfectly while adding some flair and personality. Extremely easy to hand wash if you have to and is moisture wicking so it keeps you cool in the humid heat. True to size and comes in so many colors. I purchased mine in black to abide by a dress code but I may purchase it in some other colors in the future. Easy to wear, super cute and comfy, and will give you fun tan lines! 😂" — Mia
Get it from Amazon for $21.82+ (available in 24 colors and sizes S–XXL).
2. A pair of high-waisted drapey pants featuring an adjustable tie waist. You can pair them with baby tees for the iconic "tight top, loose pants" combo or rock the baggy-on-baggy look that's supremely comfortable.
Old Navy
Promising review: "Wow these are so cute and comfy and stylish all at the same time. Love it! Love the cotton and drapey look." — anonymous
Get them from Old Navy for $25 (originally $44.99; available in four colors and sizes 0–30 and in regular, tall, or petite).
3. A mid-length double-breasted peacoat that Blair Waldorf would definitely be rocking on the daily. Reach for this chic piece when you want to spruce things up beyond the capabilities of a hoodie.
Promising reviews: " This coat is so tailored looking. You would have thought I paid a lot for it. This coat makes yoga pants and sneakers look good. I can button it, but it's snug, which I knew it would be since I usually get a bigger size because of my front. But even unbuttoned, it looks good! Well worth the money — thinking of getting the tan one and pink one." — G
Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in sizes XS–3XL and 31 colors).
4. An off-the-shoulder top with a built-in bra so you don't have to stress about bra straps showing or how you'll keep a strapless one from slipping. It's made from a high-quality, stretchy fabric that'll stay in place without digging into your skin.
And you'll be happy to hear there's a cropped tee version, a long-sleeve version, AND a cropped long-sleeve version.
Promising review: "This is so cute! I love the build in bra it is so comfortable! I can never wear tops like this since I like to have some shape since I have smaller chest. This is perfect and works on curvier girls" — Caila
Get it from Klassy Network for $38 (available in five colors and sizes XS–3X)
5. An oversize V-neck polo sweater to bring that old-money, preppy vibe to your wardrobe. It's incredibly soft, and reviewers say it has an ideal oversized fit without feeling stiff — perfect for a chilly evening outing!
Promising review: "I get compliments every time I wear this! Looks high-end, very comfortable. Sleeve length is a little long but looks good rolled up once (I'd rather them be too long than too short)." — erin granger
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in sizes S–L and four styles).
6. A pair of high-waisted barrel jeans because they're trendy and look amazing with any top — a button-up, a baby tee, a slouchy sweater, the list goes on. They have a nice roomy fit, so you'll be able to sit criss-cross applesauce without feeling restricted.
Amazon
Promising review:"I love the fit. I am all about comfort these days and just won't wear it if it isn't comfortable. These baggy barrel jeans do not disappoint. They fit true to size. I will be ordering another pair, they have several different colors." — Tiffkd
Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in sizes 4–18 and 10 colors).
7. And some wide-legged high-waisted jeans so you can play around with different silhouettes. There's just something about that extra seam stitched onto the front that really takes these jeans to the next level.
Promising review: "Love these jeans, they're very comfortable. They're loose enough to move around. They look great with heels or platforms. They're a little snug on top on the waist area, but other than that, I love the fit. I love the look. I love how it swings when you walk. I recommend these jeans to anyone." — Susie Fume
Get it from Amazon for $40.52 (available in sizes 24–42 and six colors).
8. A ribbed bell-sleeve top that adds a little extra flair to your basic long-sleeve. This one is lightweight, stretchy, and so soft — it might be more comfortable than your pajamas and is definitely a whole lot cuter.
Alexander Jane
Alexander Jane is an inclusive small biz that designs clothing that is cute and comfortable.
Get it from Alexander Jane for $32 (available in two colors and sizes XXS–4X).
9. A pair of parachute pants so you can look like you're in Step Up. These are lightweight and have a string at the ankle so you can cuff them. They're great for styling with a unique sweater for a cool Y2K-inspired 'fit; plus, the material makes them great for rainy and snowy days!
You can easily throw them over some fleece-lined leggings for extra warmth.
Promising review: "I've been on the hunt for a cute pair of track pants, but most of the time the ones I find are extremely expensive. T hese pants are really comfortable, they are also a really good length where if I wear them with sneakers they go past my ankle but don't touch the floor. They also have a string to cuff the bottoms if you'd like, so you're getting good quality for the price. I usually buy my bottoms in Xl and am a size 18 since I'm on the curvier side, so I was taking a gamble by buying the pants in size large. Surprisingly they are quite stretchy and are not tight at all, definitely recommend!" — Anonymous
Get them from Amazon for $23.99 (available in sizes XS–L and in eight colors).
10. An asymmetrical twist top that definitely has model off-duty vibes. It's a step up from your average tank but still goes with anything you'd normally wear with a tank, and you can mix it up by wearing it on or off the shoulder to switch up the neckline.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Promising review: "The perfect length and classy but cute top. Love the details- great for going out or for a dinner with parents. Will be wearing a lot!!" — Kate
Get it from Abercrombie & Fitch for $40 (available in seven colors and sizes XXS–XXL).
11. Or this super versatile asymmetrical top with longer sleeves if you want a bit more coverage. There aren't many shirts you can style for work and a Blackpink concert, so consider this a rare find! *Plus* it's made from a moisture-wicking material, so you'll be all good if you do wear it to a show and get all sweaty from dancing.
Promising review: "This top is soooo cute and very comfortable!! It fits very well and is snug. The material has some give to it so it should have no issue stretching a little. I love how versatile the shoulders are. I'm able to wear to work as a modest top then change the shoulders for going out!" — Margaret Craft
Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in four colors, two styles, and sizes S–XXL).
12. A pair of simple work pants that feel like loungewear but can easily transition from the office to dinner. Pair them with block heels and a stylish button-up for a polished work look, then switch to a cute top and chunky boots for an evening out. They're also great to bring on trips since they're so versatile and comfortable!
Halara
Promising review: "These were a hit today. Felt comfortable and really sharp looking. Couldn't be happier." — 1***2
Get them from Halara for $34.95 (originally $39.95; available in 21 colors and sizes XS–3X and in regular, tall or petite).
13. A cotton-cashmere-blend ribbed boat neck top for a timeless piece you can style endlessly; in fact, its versatility makes it perfect for year-round wear, whether styled as a layering piece or worn on its own. It's lightweight, breathable, ridiculously soft, and built to last!
Quince
Promising review: "I absolutely love the fit of this top. I first got it in the camel, beige color and have now repurchased more colors. The fit is stunning and looks so much more expensive than it is. Very flattering" — Laurad
Get it from Quince for $34.90 (available in five colors and sizes XS–XL).
14. A pair of wide-leg lounge pants with a thick elastic waistband and a drawstring. They're made from a super soft, almost silky fabric that'll keep you warm enough during the awkward winter-to-spring transition, but are flowy so you won't overheat.
Promising review: "Super well made, nice thick waistband, deep pockets, so so so soft, I don't want to take them off! I probably could have gotten a smaller size, but they're for lounging around the house, so it's fine. Will probably buy more because they're so good, and the color is stunnnnnning! So so happy." — heathered
Get it from Amazon for $23.19 (available in sizes S–5X and 23 colors).
15. A square-neck bodysuit to tuck into all your cute flowy pants and skirts without any fabric bunching or lumping — reviewers swear by its comfort. You'll probably wear it so often, you'll end up buying more (and who can blame you)!
Promising reviews: "Best thing in my wardrobe. This is my go-to office top. It's super soft and stretchy!" — Karen Rodriguez
"I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS BODYSUIT! This is the most comfortable body suit I have ever worn! I've now ordered it in white and tan because it is a perfect basic to have in your closet for any season! I paired it with jeans, but it would also look cute with slacks, shorts, or even a skirt! Super easy to dress up for work by throwing a blazer over it! Or even dressing it up for a night out on the town with some cute heels and jewelry! DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!" — Melissa Edmunds
Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL and a variety of colors/styles, including fleece-lined and short and long sleeves).
16. A long-sleeve top made with a super soft fabric that has just the right amount of stretch and thickness. Some reviewers even compare the quality to Skims, which definitely sets it above those other plain long sleeves.
Promising review: "This shirt is an absolute must-have for fall and winter! The material is incredibly soft; think that buttery-smooth fabric everyone's raving about. But what really sets it apart is the fit. It gently hugs your body with a light, comfortable compression that feels amazing all day. Stylish and cozy, this is the perfect go-to for chilly days!" — CassiG
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in 31 colors).
17. And a short-sleeve version since spring is coming, and you'll definitely need an option for the warmer weather!
Promising review: "At first, I was a little skeptical — I have been wanting to find a Skims-like material shirt for a while but didn't want to pay the price of one lol, and this shirt feels amazing. I will be getting one in every color now." — Julianne
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in women's sizes XXS–3XL and 33 colors).
18. A spandex-blend slip maxi dress reviewers say is soft and breathable, with some liking it even more than Skims! You can wear it casually with a bolero and sneakers or jazz it up with some elegant jewelry and heels.
Reviewers agree that if you want it more fitted, size down!
Promising reviews: "I saw this girl wearing this exact style of dress with a Skims tag on the back, and honestly, it made me so grateful that I purchased this dress instead. It looks exactly like the Skims version, and I could be biased, but the material of this dress looked better than the Skims one. If you want it to be a little snug, I would definitely recommend sizing down one size from your normal size. So freaking comfortable and made out of thick material." — Kaitlyn
"I have the Skims dress in black and wanted to look for a cheaper version, but read reviews and some said that it is a bit looser than expected. I would agree that the small is a bit loose. If you want a snatched look definitely get a size smaller as it is very stretchy. I'm 5' tall so this is a bit long on me, even when I wear heels. In comparison to the Skims, the material is smoother while Skims has a ribbed texture. You honestly can't tell the difference. Good bang for your buck if you ask me!" — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in women's sizes XXS–XL and nine colors).
19. A pair of palazzo pants so you can feel cozy and comfortable while looking put-together. The wide-leg silhouette adds a stylish flair to any outfit and the loose design allows for breathability and easy movement. Plus, you can easily layer them with tights for extra warmth without feeling constricted!
Promising review: "I'm a 5'1.5" girl and have been STRUGGLING to find office pants that I haven't needed to get hemmed. I bought these in the XS short, and they fit like a dream!! So comfy. The waistband is very stretchy, and wearing these feels like sweatpants. They are on the thinner side — I wouldn't wear them in winter without warmer leggings or something underneath, but for summer or autumn, they are perfect." — shalom
Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes XS–XXL, 1X–2X, long and short sizes, and 28 colors).
20. A cap sleeve tee that shows off your beautiful décolletage while still being casual enough to on a Target run 😅. Its soft, dainty vibe pairs perfectly with flowy skirts for the full "prancing through a meadow" look, but it would also look great juxtaposed with structured denim.
Get it from Target for $10 (available in five colors and sizes XXS–4X)
21. A satin slip skirt (with an elastic waistband for extra comfort!) that'll look ah-mazing with sweaters and boots or sneakers and a baby tee. The fabric has a beautiful flow and shine to add some elegance to your wardrobe. You've probably seen this skirt all over your feeds, and it's about time you got one!
Promising review: "EXTREMELY HIGH QUALITY. I am so pleased with this skirt that I've now ordered three. The pink is almost a bright fuschia and I feel super 'Elle Woods' in it. The Storm color is a soft greige (gray/beige) and looks stunning at work. It doesn't shift at all and doesn't cling too badly (except where you want it to). Overall INCREDIBLE purchases." — Hutson Family
Get it from Amazon for $27.17+ (available in sizes XXS–5X and 20 colors).
22. An oversize cashmere cardigan so you can get away with wearing a blanket to work. It'll quickly become a staple piece in your wardrobe, and it's so soft, you'll find yourself wishing upon a star to make all your clothes cashmere (specifically Grade-A Mongolian cashmere).
Quince
Promising review: "As soon as I got this sweater and put it on, I knew I needed at least three more in different colors. This has very quickly become a staple in my wardrobe that I can dress up for the office and down for cozy weekends. You will not regret buying it!" — Mary P
Get it from Quince for $149.90 (available in sizes 1X–3X and in six colors).
23. Or an oversize knit cardigan because the concept of cozy doesn't even exist without one of these. This one is definitely on the thicker/warmer side, making it a great option on chillier days. It's truly one of the most versatile things you could have in your wardrobe.
Promising review: "This cardigan is incredibly well made and a good weight for the fall and winter. I live in the South, so we don't get super cold weather, but this is a great layering piece for the chilly days. It's perfectly oversized and has held up so well even after washing several times (I hang it to dry)! I'm able to wear this comfortably at my office job without getting too warm, which is a plus. Will be purchasing in more colors!!" — Haleigh
