7 Affordable Wardrobe Basics That Will Simplify Your Life

Ever heard the phrase, you need to spend money to save money (opens in a new window)? (OK, it’s actually “you need to spend money to make money,” but stay with us….) A stylish wardrobe doesn’t just appear out of thin air. You need to buy a solid foundation of basics to really make it sing. Once you have those items, you can build all of your outfits around them. We’ve come up with just seven classic wardrobe pieces—each available for under $60 at Joe Fresh (opens in a new window)®—that will keep you looking your best for years because they’ll never go out of style.

Moto Jacket 

A flattering cover-up that hits right at the hip and can be worn open or closed, the moto jacket (opens in a new window) complements edgy items like ripped jeans and adds a laid back feel to feminine pieces like full skirts and flowy frocks. In other words: It goes with everything. Choose a colour such as black, white, grey or tan. 

Striped Sweater

With their connection to the French (striped tops were long worn as a uniform by seamaen from Brittany), sweaters with horizontal stripes (opens in a new window) are endlessly chic. Black or navy stripes on white are the most versatile and create an effortless nautical vibe whether worn with pants, shorts or skirts.

Loose White Tee

A boyfriend T-shirt in white (opens in a new window) is the perfect layering piece and can be worn on its own (with its best friend, jeans) or underneath sweaters, vests and strapless or thin-strapped dresses. Just make sure the tee is ironed or steamed to destroy wrinkles and you’ll always look fresh and put together.

Wrap Dress

The wrap dress (opens in a new window) cinches in at the waist and skims the hips, creating one of those shapes that flatters just about every body. Go casual with flats and a denim jacket, or dress it up for work with heels and statement jewellery. 

Pencil Skirt 

First introduced by Christian Dior in the 1950s, the pencil skirt (opens in a new window) has been gracing women’s figures (and filling their closets) ever since. Similar to the wrap dress, flats will dress a pencil skirt down and heels will dress it up. For a skirt with longevity, choose a style that hits at or just below the knee.

Slim Dark-Wash Jeans 

If you have to choose just one pair of jeans, go with a dark wash in a form-fitting cut (opens in a new window). Dark denim (with no rips or patterns) can be worn to shop for groceries or eat a nice meal out, while the slim cut works well with both fitted and oversized tops. 

Ballet Flats 

Whether you choose black or tan (or even leopard, the bold woman’s neutral), make sure to have a pair of versatile flats on hand at all times. Ballet flats (opens in a new window) have a classic rounded toe that works with dresses and slim pants alike and have been beloved by style icons since Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot. 

Another tip: Pack these seven items for a trip and you’ll have a minimum of five different outfits to wear. That’s style with value (opens in a new window).