These items have been winners on clients and forum members recently precisely because they are clean and quite basic. Don’t underestimate the need for simple items that don’t have interesting bells and whistles. They can become wardrobe essentials and make statement clothing, footwear, and accessories shine. Some items are classic, some trendy, and there are lots of colours to choose from.
1. Franco Sarto Luca Bootie
These booties are very soft and quite comfortable on a low and regular volume foot. Personally, I found the slanted stacked heel a little unstable and too high, but no one else did. They are the type of sleek and simple bootie that can work with just about any outfit. They work well partially exposed under flares and bootcuts, or completely exposed under dresses, skirts, cropped pants and shorts.
2. Everlane Cotton Mockneck Crop
This trendy little pullover is 100% cotton, and looks awfully crisp, neat and tidy. It’s fluid and short thereby working well over trendy high-rise bottoms WITHOUT the need to tuck or semi-tuck. I don’t know why they’ve styled every colour tucked into bottoms, but it’s unfortunate. The full-length sleeves layer well under coats and jackets.
3. Boden Elina Sweater
This is an extra soft, classic pullover that is gently fluid and very comfortable. It works well untucked and partially tucked. The contrast tipping is playful and adds a sporty integrity. Take your pick between a crew neck or V-neck, and layer under jackets and coats with ease.
4. Lululemon On Repeat Dress
This dress is great on a curvier petite. It’s very comfortable, casual, and easy to launder. The boxy cut makes it practical and easy to move in. It has a cowl collar that is removable, so click on the link to see the dress with the collar. It comes in cream and grey, and can work over leggings or jeggings. Great pockets.
5. Eileen Fisher Eddy Derby Oxford
Platforms and flatforms are trending, and these chunky oxfords are very comfortable. The soles are quite flexible. The cognac suede is the softest of the options, and the most striking with the striped sole. They work well for a higher volume foot, and look great worn with cropped pants, full-length flares, skirts and dresses. Super cute with any type of black hosiery.
6. Everlane Soft Cotton Crew Sweater
Another 100% cotton pullover that is longer than its mock crop cousin. Fab if you’re allergic to wool. Gently fluid with a clean and crisp fit. It has a subtle high-low hemline that looks great worn UNTUCKED, so ignore all the tucked styling. Layers well too.
7. Blondo Elvina Waterproof Bootie
Almost every one of my clients who tried these on, has taken them home. Waterproof, classic, comfortable, and versatile. Make sure you can manage the heel height, which is stacked and stable. The bootie had quality issues in the past with what was probably a defective batch of the repeat style. But there are too many rave reviews to ignore how well the bootie can work. And this season, there have been only raves from clients.
