Here’s Where Vogue Editors Shop for Wardrobe Essentials

There’s no doubt foundational items in your wardrobe are important—be it the jeans you reach for every day, that one blazer that you can wear with anything, or the T-shirt you buy again and again. Though similar to building a sartorial uniform, finding that one absolutely perfect item takes work. Fortunately, our roster of editors is tasked with finding the best of the best wardrobe essentials, from knitwear to dresses to the perfect oversized shirt.

Via trial and error, wear testing, and lots of research, our editors have found those not-so-basic basics, elevated versions of staple items, and the go-to brands for each. And while not every item is figured out just yet—some of us are still on the hunt for the perfect blazer or trouser, for example—there are a handful of designers and labels ranging from high-street contemporary to luxury that our editors feel can do no wrong when it comes to their specific pieces.

Be it shopping for dresses, footwear, or basic tees, these are the labels our editors rely on.

For Basics

“Totême is my go-to for elevated basics like a great sleeveless top or black legging.” —Laura Jackson, commerce writer

Totême wool turtleneck sweater

Totême cork stretch-jersey leggings

“For tanks, I love the square neckline of the 2(X)ist tanks.” —Christian Allaire, style writer

2(x)ist mens essential cotton square-cut tank, 2-pack

“I have The Frankie Shop Lui cotton shirt in multiple colors (with matching shorts); it’s the perfect-proportion, perfect-weight men’s shirt.” —Lisa Aiken, executive fashion director, Vogue.com

The Frankie Shop Lui organic cotton-poplin shirt

The Frankie Shop Lui organic cotton-poplin shirt

“I exclusively wear the U-neck Uniqlo cotton tees; I save my dollars for bigger fashion splurges. I love that it is slightly heavier weight cotton, the shoulder is slightly set in, and it has the perfect sleeve length.” —L.A.

Uniqlo U crew-neck short-sleeve T-shirt

“These square-neck tanks are the absolute best!!” — Madeline Fass, market editor

“Closed is great because they have a little bit of everything: tees, sweater-vests, jeans, blazers. It’s a one-stop shop for cool, easy basics.” —M.F.

For Knitwear

“In my book, there’s only one maker of Bretons, and that’s Saint James. Based in Normandy, France, the label has been making the perfect striped mariners since 1889.” —Lilah Ramzi, commerce editor

Saint James M-Minquidame top

“My wardrobe relies heavily on a rotation of black sweaters that might all look the same to the naked eye, but all play an important, and slightly different, role in my closet. My favorites come from Proenza. They are the perfect not-so-basic basics.” —Willow Lindley, accessories and collaborations director

Proenza Schouler eco cashmere oversized sweater

Proenza Schouler eco cashmere sweater

For Trousers

“I love COS for the perfect wide-leg trouser. I prefer to wear mine with a crop top to play with proportions.” —L.J.

Cos wide-leg tailored pants

“I first fell in love with tailored trousers after trying on a pleated relaxed-leg pair from Vince at the store in L.A. My black pair is my most worn and complimented pair, and I have been a fan ever since!” —M.F.

Vince tailored wide leg trouser

“My new go-to brand for elevated and—most importantly—comfortable wardrobe essentials is Anine Bing, especially when I’m in need of a breezy pair of pants. What’s even better: Some trousers have matching tops that take the guesswork out of getting dressed.” —Alexis Bennett, commerce writer

Anine Bing Owen checked crepe de chine wide-leg pants

For Dresses

“Proenza Schouler is my tried-and-true workhorse brand for, honestly, all of my core wardrobe essentials.  Their midi-length dresses are perfect for the office” —Julie Tong, commerce director

Proenza Schouler White Label poplin drawstring midi dress

For Blazers

“This is my favorite blazer; I own it in black and white. You can throw it over everything from an evening slip to jeans and a tee. It’s boxy and oversized with a strong shoulder, which looks particularly good with a rolled-up sleeve.” —L.A.

Jacquemus La Veste d’Homme square jacket

Jacquemus off-white La Veste d’Homme blazer

“I love Joseph for its attention to detail from a minimalist lens. Its pieces are modern, chic, and seasonless—but also pricey! Which is why I look for the brand when shopping sales or on sites like The Outnet or The RealReal. They pass the pre-owned test, which proves all of the above!” —M.F.

Joseph light wool suiting Joan jacket

“Proenza Schouler does expert tailoring.” —J.T.

Proenza Schouler White Label crepe suiting blazer

For Jeans

“I’ve been wearing Acne Studios denim for more than a decade. They do the perfect not-too-skinny straight-leg jean. I prefer them in a dark black wash—they’re so polished I feel as though I’m wearing a trouser.” —L.R.

Acne Studios Climb mid-rise skinny jeans

“Wrangler’s Dress Jeans are the perfect cut for dress pants, complete with a subtle flared leg.”  —C.A.

Wrangler men’s Wrancher dress jeans

“Vintage Levi’s are what I come back to always.” —Alexandra Gurvitch,  associate director, creative development

Levi’s vintage 501 original shrink-to-fit jeans

For Handbags

“Proenza Schouler’s cult-favorite It bags are unparalleled. They are a forever brand in my closet.” —J.T.

Proenza Schouler pipe bag

“I love Wandler handbags for its range of neutral yet of-the-moment shades of leather and their modern yet timeless silhouettes. Its offering includes everything from day bags to small underarm bags, all with that irresistible minimalist touch. I own multiple!” —M.F.

Wandler Penelope leather shoulder bag

For Footwear

“I don’t wear heels often, but when I do I prefer for them to be from Acne Studios. Most of their heels lie at a perfect kitten height, which is ideal for someone like me who can barely walk in heels. Acne heels are also the only ones that don’t give me blisters, and the sizing always runs consistent. I’ve stockpiled a few of their heels, and maybe one day I’ll start wearing them more regularly!” —Irene Kim, editorial coordinator, Vogue Runway

Acne Studios black strappy heeled sandals

Acne Studios black denim pointed pumps

“Gucci’s Horsebit loafers, with a chunky lug sole, feel super modern—but I know they’ll never go out of style.”  —C.A.

Gucci leather lug-sole horsebit loafers

“I have invested in a few pairs of MNZ sandals because they are chic, versatile, and comfortable. They tend to be easy enough on my feet that I can walk around the city.”  —A.G.

Maryam Nassir Zadeh Una sandals