Buying great basics clothing, style picks and top brands
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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1. The Power of Basics
A wardrobe rooted in quality basics gives you flexibility, sophistication, and daily confidence. From crisp white tees to tailored blazers, neutral pieces are foundational—they simplify outfit decisions, work across seasons, and elevate your personal style.
Tellar’s “Neutral Basics, what to buy and best brands” post dives into why pieces like white tees, cream knits, and navy trousers are game-changers, and highlights top brands from Uniqlo to COS and Arket for investable staples.
Tellar+15Tellar+15Tellar+152. Best Brands for High-Value Basics
🔹 High Street Essentials
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Uniqlo: Think Supima tees, merino knits, cotton chinos—durable staples with smart design.
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COS: Minimalist cuts in build-your-wardrobe neutrals. Excellent for structured shirts, wide-leg trousers, and quality knitwear.
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Arket: Scandinavian simplicity at its best—clean cuts, ribbed basics, and neutral separates.
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🔹 Mid‑Range & Investment-Ready Labels
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Massimo Dutti: Tailored excellence with refined fabrics and polished silhouettes.
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Sezane, Joseph, The Row, Totême: Premium neutrals—think luxurious basics with lasting craftsmanship.
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🔹 Trend & Seasonal Standouts
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Mesh basics (H&M, ASOS, Weekday): Lightweight layering essentials—perfect for elevating summer outfits or adding edge. Tellar’s “Where to Buy Mesh Basics” guide shows where to source and how to fit these tricky pieces.
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Clean‑Girl Aesthetic brands (H&M, Mango, Asceno): Soft-toned, structured, minimal. Tellar’s post “Where to buy ‘Clean Girl Aesthetic’ clothing” gives styling advice and fit tips.
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3. Smart Shopping Strategies
Build a Capsule Only Pieces
Aim for a palette rooted in white, black, grey, navy, and camel. These are easy to mix, match, and layer. Then add depth with seasonal tones—pastels, mesh accents, or tricky tailored pieces.
📏 Fit Is Everything
Tellar’s free sizing tool gives you exact sizing across 1,500+ brands—no guessing, no returns. Their “Best neutral‑basics brands” post emphasizes how sizing varies even within neutrals, and how Tellar ensures consistency.
Tellar+7Tellar+7Tellar+7Tellar+14Tellar+14Tellar+14For trend-forward items like mesh tops or co-ord sets, sizing precision is critical—and Tellar guides you through.
Tellar4. Timing & Best Deals Strategy
📅 Seasonal Sales & New Releases
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Stock up on basics during seasonal drops—COS and Uniqlo restocks often coincide with pre-season.
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Mesh and minimal pieces from H&M, ASOS and Weekday rotate weekly—stay alert via Tellar guides.
Capsule Checklist with Pricing
Item |
Why It’s Essential |
Price Range |
Brand Picks & Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| White crew-neck tee | Layering staple, wardrobe anchor | £8–25 |
Uniqlo, M&S, Everlane |
| Black ribbed tank/cardigan | Layering, capsule versatility | £10–60 |
COS, Arket, Mango |
Structured blazer |
Sharp easy polish | £30–150+ |
COS, Zara (see Zara Edit) |
| Wide-leg / tailored trousers | Smart casual and work-ready | £30–100+ |
COS, Massimo Dutti, Reiss |
| Mesh top/bodysuit | Edgy layer, light texture | £12–40 |
H&M, ASOS, Weekday |
| Merino or neutral knit | Lightweight warmth |
£25–100+ |
Uniqlo, COS, Everlane |
| Linen trousers/blazer | Breathy summer staple | £30–120+ |
Mango, COS, Massimo Dutti |
| Neutral sneakers/loafers | Go-with-anything footwear | £40–100 |
New Balance, Gap, Arket |
5. Key Styling Moves
👗 Layering with Purpose
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Use mesh under crisp linen shirts or blazers for texture contrast (See Tellar’s mesh basics guide).
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For warmer days, blend ribbed tanks with straight trousers or midi skirts—comfort meets style.
⚖️ Balance & Proportion
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Pair slender tops with wide-leg trousers for longevity and geometry.
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An oversized blazer (COS, Zara) anchors the look; Tellar’s Zara Edit post explains sizing nuances.
6. Featured Tellar Style Guides
Here are live Tellar posts packed with fit insights and styling tips—no broken links, no distractions:
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Neutral Basics, what to buy and best brands
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Best neutral‑basics brands — where & what to buy
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Where to Buy Mesh Basics Clothing – Plus Fit Advice
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Clean‑Girl Aesthetic Clothes: brands & fit tips
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Where to Buy Knit Sets in the UK & USA (+ Tellar Fit Help)
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7. Stay Connected with Tellar
Get daily style inspo, fit advice, and brand news:
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
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Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Stay Connected with Tellar—Follow for daily fit fixes, styling drops, and brand tips.
8. Final Takeaway
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Build around a palette of high-quality neutrals.
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Shop top brands smart—combine high street with DTC.
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Fit smart using Tellar’s free sizing tool.
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Layer cleverly: mesh, knits, blazers.
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Buy timeless basics—wear them every day.
By anchoring your style in basics—and pairing them with intelligent sizing and subtle seasonal updates—you’ll build a wardrobe that's effortless, elegant, and always on point.