27 Inexpensive Basic Essentials To Build A Better Wardrobe
Because building a wardrobe you love starts with the basics.
We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, BuzzFeed may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.
1. A high-waisted flare skirt (with pockets!) that'll quickly become a wardrobe staple. Pair this with your favorite shirts and boom, outfit complete!
Promising review: "These skirts are cute. I wear them to work and get compliments throughout the day. No one believes I bought them off of Amazon! The skirt has a slip layer underneath as well that I like and pockets! The pockets are a great size — I can comfortably fit an iPhone in them without worrying about it falling out. The material is nice quality, not see-through at all, and has a good weight to it. The zipper gets stuck a little, but that’s just invisible zippers for you. Very comfy to wear in the summer when it’s hot and humid! Will be buying more!" —Bailee
Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in sizes S–XL and 13 colors).
2. A pair of mid-length cropped chinos to keep it profesh without going over budget!
3. A duo of comfy tees that are soft, thick, and tailored juuust right for an ideal fit — reviewers swear by it for wearing on its own or using it as a layering piece.
Promising review: "These shirts are AWESOME. Super soft comfortable fabric that is thick enough you can wear over light-colored bra without it showing. Great length and just tailored enough to not fit as baggy as a dude's shirt. I have been on the hunt for a flattering decent basic T-shirt, and I finally found it!" —Elizabeth Grover
Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.01+ (available in 26 color combinations).
4. A stretchy scallop-detailed dress you'll want to wear as-is to show off the lovely detail, or pair it with a blazer or cardigan for the perfect OOTD.
5. A pair of fleece joggers with deep pockets reviewers say are just as good (if not better) than name brand 👀, so you can lounge the day away for less!
Promising review: "I have been wearing Nike sweatpants for years and have been very happy with them. Based on the reviews, I decided to give these a try. For about 60 percent of the cost, these sweat pants are just as good if not better. I bought the one with the lining. They are heavier, warmer, and fit closer to the skin without being tight. The lining is very soft and comfortable. The waistband is wide and fits perfectly. Items don't fall out of the deep pockets. I like them better for working out in the gym and for lounging at home." —Linda Wood
Get them from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S-XXL and six colors).
6. A sleek blazer to easily make your shirt and jeans days more profesh.
Promising review: "I love this blazer so much that I ordered it in another color! I now have a black and a cream blazer in this style, and they are my favorites for work. Ladies, this blazer has REAL POCKETS, and not only that, they are great, deep pockets. So hard to find sometimes! For reference, I am 130 lbs, 34B, 5 feet 4 inches, and typically wear a small in tops. The small in this blazer is perfect for a slightly oversized look. I do cuff the sleeves since they are a tad large for my taste." —Hannah F
Get it from Amazon for $36.86 (available in sizes S–2XL and 10 colors).
7. A pair of lacy boy brief underwear, because the right outfit absolutely starts with a comfy pair of undies.
8. A two-pack of fleece-lined leggings to wear with comfy sweaters and long shirts. I just bought these to wear under my jeans on hikes and they are keeping me nice and warm!
Promising review: "Great fit and so warm! Usually, I'm not happy with wearing leggings because they pull down in the back and I'm constantly pulling them up but these have a high waist with a wide band. I'm a size 16 and 5 feet 5 inches tall and I ordered the large/ extra large and the colors are very vibrant. Hand washed and dried in the dryer and there was no shrinking and kept their shape." —Jean Russell
Get them from Amazon for $10.95+ (available in sizes S-XL and 22 color combinations).
9. A pair of classic mom jeans that may never go out of style, and they are everything a good pair of jeans should be — lightweight, stretchy, and comfy as heck.
Promising review: "Absolutely LOVE these jeans! Seriously the comfiest pair I have put on. They have some stretch to them but are extremely lightweight and comfy. I'm 5 feet 11 inches and about 155 lbs. and ordered a size up (8 X-long) for a more relaxed loose fit!" —Heather
Get it from American Eagle for $37.46+ (available in sizes 000-24 in short, tall, and regular, and 15 washes).
10. A chambray shirt with enough length to wear with skirts, pants, leggings, shorts, and more! This gem goes nicely with just about everything.
Promising review: "I really like this shirt! It looks just as I hoped it would and fits really well. I ordered a small and I am about 5 feet 4 inches and 130 pounds. It is long so it could be worn untucked with leggings if desired. The color is a darker denim but not super dark. I bought it to wear specifically with white shorts, tucked in and it looks great." —Sydney Stewart
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in sizes S-XXL and 10 colors).
11. A pair of stretchy joggers for anyone who likes a skinny look. I used to own these in white (before they got destroyed by mold 😭) and they were one of my fave pair of pants of all time. The fit is tailored but not too tight!
Promising review: "Perfect fit. Nice skinny look. I’m 5'8 and about 163 lbs and I got a medium. The waist is a tad loose but with the drawstring, it wasn’t an issue. I typically wear a 33 waist. The length is perfect. Slight bunching at the bottom but if you’re taller than me you won’t have that issue. I suspect they’ll shrink some in the wash anyway. Good amount of stretch too so they’re flexible." —Ryan Finn
Get them from Amazon for $7.47+ (available in sizes S-3XL and 14 colors).
12. A pair of booties to give your outfit a little ~boost~ and ensure your feet are as stylish as the rest of your look.
Promising review: "I have purchased two of these boots; in khaki and black. I LOVE them! I have plantar faciitis, which causes me to have foot pain in most shoes I wear. These booties are the only attractive shoes I can wear to work all day that don't leave me in agony when the workday is over! There is enough heel to look good, but not so much that they further harm my arches. I would highly recommend these booties to anyone looking for a great shoe at an amazing price!" —SarahK
Get it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in 27 colors and sizes 5–11).
13. A slouchy but elegant T-shirt as versatile as it is comfortable. If you like your shirts with some drape, this is the one for you!
Promising review: "Fantastic T-shirts. Very flattering, Hangs/drapes well against the body. The medium worked well for me. It has some stretch and will naturally fall off the shoulder now and again, which I like. It accents the clavicle. The material is soft but after a number of goes in the dryer, you will see pilling. Still absolute Wardrobe must-haves, that’s for sure." —Chris W.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in sizes XS-XXL and 38 colors).
14. A vintage-inspired black dress that'll ensure you'll always have the perfect outfit for first impressions in professional settings.
Promising review: "Best dress ever!! I wore this dress to an interview and was hired on the spot! I knew it would make me stand out and I did. I have received many compliments every time I've worn it! The medium fit perfectly. The quality is some of the best I've seen on Amazon in this price range. The material is like a stiff cotton with a little stretch, but not much, so if you are between sizes (for me med and large) the bottom isn't a problem, if you are larger than 36DD on top I would go up a size." —Katherine Schieffer
Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in sizes XS-24 and 47 colors).
15. And a petticoat to take all your dresses to the next level of flare!
Promising review: "This is a fantastic petticoat. The sizing chart is spot on! There are two layers of 'chiffon,' with a red underslip beneath that. The top has elastic at the waist and the material has some stretch to it. The skirt shook out to a flounce (I didn't need to steam) and it was very well priced. Thank you!" —Sarida
Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in sizes 0X-XL and 26 colors).
16. A lightweight bomber jacket with plenty of pockets and tailored sleeves for a casual but put-together look.
Promising review: "Love this jacket...but my girlfriend loves it more and wears it more than I do, so now I have to buy her one. I'm not a jacket or coat person but felt I may need it for the season, and despite being the thin version it keeps me warm in the south's 35-degree to 40-degree weather." —AD
Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in sizes S-XXL and seven colors).
17. A pair of midrise jeans designed to fit your curves perfectly, so you can add a staple to your wardrobe without paying Madewell prices.
Promising review: "Best jeans I have owned probably my whole adult life. Back pockets sit just right. Thick enough and just enough stretch." —alballthetime
Get it from Target for $24.99 (available in sizes 00-18 and in short and long sizes).
18. A vintage-style white T-shirt that's basically made to go with your favorite pair of jeans. Reviewers say they like to pair these with leggings as well!
19. A printed button-up that's soft, stylish, and not too tight around the chest or arms. Idk about y'all but I'm sold!
Promising review: "I was surprised at how well these fit. I have an athletic build with broad shoulders so sometimes these kinds of shirts get awkwardly tight in the chest and shoulders. This fits slim, but not restricting. For the price, you can't beat it." —Clayton
Get it from Amazon for $9.96+ (available in sizes XS-3XL and 30 prints).
20. A breathable dress pretty much guaranteed to make it rain compliments, plus it comes in tons of colors and has pockets.
Promising review: "This is a nice summer and fall dress. It's heavy enough to keep you from being cold indoors during the summer and outdoors during the fall, but breathes enough that you can wear it in the heat. The dress is a little shorter than I imagined it would be; I'm only 5'5", but it was more a midi length than a maxi on me. It's still very cute on and I always get lots of compliments." —Sara
Get it from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in sizes XS–L and seven colors).
21. A denim jacket you'll want to wear with everything for that ideal number-of-threes layer!
22. A pair of slim AirFlex jeans I personally swear by. They are lightweight, stretchy, stylish, and hold up after many, many washes (I really put my jeans through the wringer).
Promising review: "I'm 30 and have worn hundreds of jeans. Never did expect to buy anything from AE after high school honestly. But these are by far the most comfortable, stretchy, and forgiving jeans I've ever owned. So I bought four pairs." —DMOAD
Get them from American Eagle for $37.46 (available in sizes 26X28—48x-34).
23. A fuzzy faux shearling hoodie for anyone in such of the coziest outer layer to compliment their looks.
Get it from Forever 21 for $14 (available in sizes 0X-3X and three colors).
24. A pair of pumps who will be there for you when you need to ~lift~ your look from casual to dressy.
Promising review: "This is a good deal for a good product! They're perfect with jeans or a simple black dress" —IRLANDES India
Get them from Amazon for $20.99+ (available in seven colors and sizes 6–10).
25. A funnel neck top ideal for early morning jogs and yoga sessions, or to stay comfy around the house.
Get it from Boohoo for $15 (available in sizes 2-12 and two colors).
26. A pair of comfy microfiber tights that'll keep your legs warm so you can wear skirts and dresses even when it's chilly outside.
Promising review: "These are the first tights I have bought in a loooonnnng time and let me tell you, I don't regret it! They are comfortable, not completely see-through, kept me warm, and are made to last. They fit true to size and I did not have any problems with sagging. Did I mention how soft they are? I'll be buying another pair." —ANONYMOUS
Get them from Torrid for $11.70 (available in sizes 1X–6X).
27. A cozy turtleneck to help you layer your way through the winter and into spring. Reviewers with long arms in particular swear by it, rejoice!
My arms are so, so long and it can really create a fashion struggle at times.
Promising review: "It fits me well. I’m about 5 feet 9 inches, 150 lbs and wear a size 6, and I have long arms. It fits me so well, it's loose near the torso and tucks well into my trousers. I pair it with trousers and black boots. It’s a layering piece, so I don’t mind that it’s thin. I chose it because it’s soft and the pink hue matches my scarf and jacket. I plan to wear it under sweaters and blazers. I’ve worn it once a week and it’s held up so far with the washes." —Ms Curry
Get it from Target for $19.99 (available in sizes XS-XXL and three colors).
You after upgrading your wardrobe basics:
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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