Wardrobe basics require our attention at least once a year. By basics, I mean underpants, bras, camisoles, shapewear, socks, hosiery, sleepwear, and loungewear. Basics, which we often wear daily, sometimes end up at the bottom of our shopping list because they aren’t all that visible to others. And when budgets are tight, we’d rather skimp on basics so that we can spend money on the fun stuff. 

Edit and review your sock drawer. Make sure you’re wearing the right bra size, especially if your body type and weight have changed since the last time you were professionally fitted for a bra. Replace worn socks, and make sure they fit the way you want them to. Stock up on camisoles, fun hosiery, knee-highs, and thermals. Make sure you’re happy with your sleepwear, loungewear, and robe.

I have a simple shopping strategy for replenishing basics. I renew sleepwear and loungewear straight after Thanksgiving when those types of items are on sale. I replenish tired bras, knickers and camisoles around my birthday in July, and thermal underwear every two to three years. I replenish socks, knee-highs, and hosiery frequently throughout the year because I’m hard on those items, especially socks. 

When did you last replenish your basics, and how often do these wardrobe items make it onto your shopping list?