Back to Basics

Seventeen pared-back essentials for a wardrobe that works

Dear Reader,

Over the past few weeks, many friends have asked me to share my wardrobe staples—the pillars of my closet and the pieces that make me feel most like myself. As I’m currently in the process of cleaning out my wardrobe, the exercise has been both fun and clarifying (I certainly don’t need twenty pairs of jeans, haha).

After years of testing and refining, I’ve compiled a list of seventeen essentials, pruned to be as intentional and direct as possible.

All my best,
Natalia

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1. Three pairs of blue jeans

   1. Vintage Levi’s are my top denim choice every time. I’ve found my best pairs at RLT in LA (worth a visit if you’re in town—you might even meet Rachel, the owner, who’s an angel), the Rose Bowl Flea Market, and eBay. I recently took a pair to a local tailor, and now they fit like a glove.

      1. My favorite eBay seller is JeanStop (a bit pricier, but they’ve sourced great pairs). Currently selling these medium wash ones (32x32), or these (30x32). If you need a refresher on buying vintage Levi’s, check out my post from last year.

   2. Runner-up to vintage Levi’s are my AGOLDE 90’s Pinch Waist jeans. These relax with wear and look lived-in. I particularly love the wash I linked (Stage) because it has that vintage-wear look (see the distressed hem).

   3. My fanciest jeans, and the ones I wear when I want to feel put-together or want to tuck in, are the Khaite Abigail jeans. Worth every cent.

The AGOLDE jeans in action last year in NYC. Worn here with the RLT easy tshirt in washed black (more below), Khaite belt (also below), and Chanel ballet flats.

2. One pair of white jeans

   My tried-and-true ecru Levi’s 501 jeans. I prefer the ankle/cropped version in this style. I’m on the hunt for a longer white jean, and these from Ozma recommended by Angie Uh caught my eye.

3. Four t-shirts

   1. My go-to basic white tshirt is the Margo from LESET. This has been in my closet for 3+ years. I wear an extra small or small, depending on the look I want.

   2. My easy breezy white tshirt rec is the RLT easy shirt (lol)—I wear a medium.

   3. I also love the easy tshirt in washed black (pictured above).

   4. The Flore Flore Car tee is my go-to under sweaters for that pop of white—the collar stays flat, a detail I care about. I recently tried RLT’s new cotton-cashmere tee, and it’s just as well-made with the same flat collar (pictured below).

Last weekend, in my uniform. RLT cotton/cashmere tshirt (wearing a medium) // RLT belt // vintage Levi’s (I had these tailored and what a difference!!!) // Chanel ballet flats // Parker Thatch bag. Wearing the EBY tshirt bra here.

4. Two Pairs of Ballet Flats

   1. One pair of black ballet flats

      1. My preference will always be the classic Chanel ballet flats in leather with a patent toe. Timeless and versatile, they look just as good new as they do after years of wear (and a resole).

      2. The Margaux Demi ballet flats are my backup to the Chanels. Beautifully shaped, comfortable, and timeless.

   2. One pair of fun ballet flats

      1. Lately, I’ve been loving these leopard-print flats from Manolo Blahnik. You can often find vintage pairs (here if you’re a 37.5), or shop them new.

      2. Hoping to add pink ballet flats to my wardrobe this spring. I have my eye on a semi-sheer pair from Chanel (new collection), plus a few options saved on Vestiaire Collective. These light-pink ones with black toes are divine; these ones with camellia flowers are beautiful; and these two-tone velvet ones would be perfect.

Via @styled_by_nicholas (a dangerous follow).

5. One v-neck sweater

   I’m recommending just one: the RLT V-neck. I wear the black in a medium and love the slouch and length. The higher V feels relaxed rather than preppy, and I get questions every time I wear it out.

6. Two cashmere crewneck sweaters

   One grey, one black—both from J.Crew and slightly cropped. I’ve had these sweaters for years and return to them every season. They require care (all good things do): I use a cashmere comb for larger pills, then a NORI fabric shaver to finish the job—I loved it so much I gifted one to my mom.

7. One black cardigan

   The La Ligne cardigan is my go-to. I wear a size medium and usually wear it buttoned up like a top.

8. One oversized sweater

   The Janessa Leone Genevieve sweater is so cozy, and lived up to the frigid temps in Connecticut this past holiday season. 100% wool and 100% warm.

Slouchy, cozy sweater perfection. Gosh, I want to run and put this on now.

9. One novelty sweater

   The Loulou de Saison grey polo I got last season is a top contender for this category; however, I just placed an order for the J.Crew cotton rollneck in red. Need to report back, but I’ve been on the search for the perfect red sweater.

10. One suede jacket

    The Sézane Will jacket is a closet staple —I’ve already convinced two of my aunts to get one. In fact, my aunt Jacquie and I both showed up wearing ours to a Houston’s date last weekend.

Wearing the Sezane suede jacket last fall in Paris.

11. One leather jacket

    A slouchy leather jacket is new territory for me, so I wanted one at a lower price point without compromising quality or fit. I recently picked this one up from Pêche, and it fills the gap perfectly—slouchy, slightly oversized (but not overwhelming), with a great length. The price doesn’t hurt either. Pictured below.

12. One (maybe two) belts

    1. This no-nonsense belt from RLT looks like you’ve had it forever—nothing shiny about it. I also love my black Khaite belt, though the hardware is a bit more statement-making.

    2. I’ve been thinking about this zebra-print belt from Déhanche for months — there’s room in my wardrobe for an accent that adds color and texture.

13. Two oversized totes

    1. Alex Mill for a classic, canvas tote. I particularly love that you can use the snaps to create a range of bag shapes. I have the Painted Perfect Weekday Tote

       in Natural.

    2. The Call It By Your Name picnic tote has served me well—especially when I’m wearing a lot of leather or suede and want a softer texture to balance the look. I carried it to lunch this week with my Peche leather jacket, vintage Levi’s, a black J.Crew cashmere sweater, and Chanel ballet flats; a leather bag would’ve been overkill.

Last year in Mexico City. See how it just chills the whole look down a notch?

14. Bras!!

    I am particular about my bras, and the EBY tshirt bras are my most-worn. I have the nude and the black. They provide support without sacrificing comfort! I also need bras to have some type of padding, so these are great.

15. One pair of black pants

    J’adore the Donni track pants—I wore them in red linen over the summer, and got the black silk version for these colder months. I got them tailored just a smidge, and now they fit and flow perfectly.

Natalia wardrobe staples from head to toe. RLT vneck // DONNI. pants // Margaux ballet flats.

16. One grey sweatshirt or zip-up

    Big fan of a J.Crew grey sweatshirt (worn for years, I always cut the elastic off the hem), and now a fan of a grey zip up. I’ve always worn my husband’s zip-ups, and thought it was time to get my own. Wore it this week layered under the Pêche leather jacket. I have it in a medium for extra slouch.

DONNI. zip-up sweatshirt // Pêche leather jacket // vintage Levi’s.

17. Two trench coats

    1. One black, mine is vintage Prada.

    2. One cream, I have the Provenance jacket from Rue Sophie. This jacket runs quite large, so size down. I also use fashion tape to secure the inside flap because I want it to lie flat (a tip in case you have this piece and were also frustrated by this design detail!!). The color is excellent, and the cut is timeless.

Last year in Mexico City.

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Before you go…

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She writes Café Café, a deeply reflective newsletter guided by a strong aesthetic eye and an intuitive approach to style, creativity, and living well. Arielle has a remarkable ability to notice (and really elevate) the small details that make life feel artful. Her writing invites you to slow down, look closer, and savor what’s in front of you.

I’m happy to gift five one-month subscriptions to her paid tier. If you’d like one, message me directly or drop me a line in the comments. I’d love to share her work with you.