Fashion: the basics that earn their keep

The white vest top. The most basic of basics, if you'll excuse the expression, and one every woman should be able to count on in her wardrobe. The thing is, this little vest top gives us the choice of a look that's simple but impossible to beat: worn with jeans, shorts or a skirt (and a nice summer tan, even better), or used more practically for layering under other tops, or as a base layer.

Let's admit it: there are mornings when getting dressed feels a bit like an exam you didn't revise for. On those mornings, it isn't our most spectacular pieces that get us out of trouble. It's the basics — the ones that don't make your heart race, the ones that work when you're in a rush.

We're not talking about the latest trends or the season's must-haves, for the simple reason that they'll run out of steam, disappear and maybe come back next season — that's fashion. Here, we're talking about basics: those timeless, often practical pieces you wear whatever the trend cycle is doing. In fact, they often sit perfectly alongside trends because they're neutral, timeless and easy. So let's look at the essentials that save the day, especially when your wardrobe feels bare.

Some wardrobe pieces stand up season after season: the white vest top, a pair of jeans in just the right cut, a pair of ballet flats, a pair of heels — plus others that don't date either, from the white shirt to the tailored jacket. Nothing flamboyant, and that's exactly what we ask of them.

Here, the best-in-class vest tops come from Splendid, an American T-shirt brand, with top-quality cotton and incredible softness thanks to a cotton/modal blend. The cut is impeccable, the finishing perfect and the round neck is lovely. The white vest top is a bit like the foundation of your wardrobe: when it's right, you don't notice it; when it's wrong, it's all you see. Worn alone with jeans, slipped under an open shirt, or as a layer under a jumper that's too sheer — it takes on every role without complaint.

On fabric, go for cotton that's thick enough and a drape that works for you in the fitting room; GSM is a useful guide, not a guarantee. Then the neckline: a round neck that sits slightly below the collarbone slims the upper body, whereas a high neck can quickly look like a forgotten underlayer. The changing-room test: gently pull the neckline; if it ripples and doesn't spring back, put it down.

Of course, there's more than one version of a basic. The best example is Petit Bateau, with a buttoned collar, racerback and fine straps, or a simple style with very fine straps. It's the reliable buy in this category, and French manufacturing across part of the range remains a selling point. For good value, the long-staple cottons from Uniqlo and COS have become classics that haven't shifted.

As a layering piece, the vest top warms up knitwear without weighing it down, slips under a jumper that's too thin and is forgotten once the day gets going.

The jeans

Jeans are a basic in themselves. You can even make denim work for a smarter outfit, provided you choose a dark wash and an impeccable cut. That way, they work for dressed-up looks and relaxed ones, all with maximum comfort — enough to earn them a crown as a basic.

Only fashion is fickle and changeable: one day it's skinny, the next it's wide-leg, so neither can really be called a basic. A pair of jeans with the right cut and an impeccable drape, however, doesn't date; it suits lots of silhouettes, especially high-waisted with a vest top tucked in. Skinny jeans haven't disappeared either: they just need a more structured top so the whole look doesn't fall flat.

Budget-wise, expect to pay around £70 to £120 for a quality pair that will last several seasons, and less second-hand if you know where to look.

Levi's remains the benchmark, with high-waisted cuts at a still-reasonable price. If you want to move up a level, Japanese denims and some niche brands are easy to find second-hand, often at a good discount.

One last thing: raw, unwashed denim relaxes by a few centimetres with wear. Buy it slightly fitted when you try it on. And go for a dark indigo, almost black: it forgives everything, including a pair of heels.

Ballet flats and heels

For shoes, if you were only allowed two pairs, they'd be one pair of ballet flats and one pair of heels. First, ballet flats: even before their revival, they were a wardrobe fixture because they're simple, comfortable and, again, versatile. With jeans, they give a relaxed look without having to reach for trainers. With tailored trousers, they look smart while staying comfortable, which matters when you have to walk or stand all day. Two traps, though: a sole that's too thin and a soft heel counter, both of which can turn a commute into torture. Look for a sole that cushions without being too stiff, in leather that's soft but structured.

Heels, because there are times when, whether you like it or not, you need to perch on a heel — a party, a special occasion, work. When you think about it, nothing curves the legs, elongates the silhouette and gives you a more feminine stride quite like a pair of heels. But choose carefully: not too high, to avoid back and foot pain, and if they're going to work for multiple occasions, go simple and pared-back. Black is the colour that goes with everything, and leather lets the foot breathe and keeps the shoe looking good after months of wear. One thing to know: arch support. If your foot slides forward, it may be down to unsuitable arch support, but it can also be the wrong size or width; get the fit checked.

Two styles we really like: the first by Unisa, simple, matte leather and a sensible heel that promises faultless comfort — and while we're at it, credit to the brand for making shoes that are elegant and genuinely comfortable. And, purely for the pleasure of looking at them, a luxury patent leather style called 'Loren' by Jimmy Choo, also known for keeping feet comfortable — at that price, you'd hope so!

Where to find them? High-street chains, department stores, brands' own websites and resale platforms. Always try shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen — that's when nasty surprises show up.

The white shirt

Another non-negotiable, at work: worn with a sleeveless V-neck jumper, for example, or in town with a few buttons left open, a long pendant necklace as an accessory and a little denim you feel good in — when you think about it, it's a simple, effective look. We say white, but it can also be classic blue or ecru... though a neutral colour is best, especially if you want to wear it for different occasions. Finally, choose stretch for a perfectly fitted shirt, or all-cotton for the classic borrowed-from-the-boys style that never dies.

Here, the all-cotton shirt with a pointed collar and a few pleats for originality, from Cyrillus, or the very classic La Redoute shirt, slightly fitted and ultra elegant.

The little black dress

A work evening, a dressy evening, a desire to seduce: the little black dress wears many hats and opens up plenty of styles. Ideally, choose it simple but fitted, neither too short nor too long, then just accessorise. A small wool bolero and boots for daytime; heels, a pashmina and a clutch for a dressy evening; or heeled sandals for date nights.

We liked the beautiful black silk dress decorated with sequins and metallic beads at Asos. And on the same site, the black cotton dress with a defined waist, a bow at the neckline and pretty bare shoulders; plus the simple, elegant dress with a round neck, three-quarter sleeves and an empire waist.

The fine knit or cardigan

Choose it plain or with a few details — buttons, a bow, some embroidery — with one rule: fitted. Not too tight, not too loose, so you can layer a nice top or even a shirt underneath. Again, we'll sing the praises of 'small knitwear': knit plus jeans is casual but still elegant; knit plus a tailored skirt is chic and smart.

The best place for small knits? Le Bazar Parisien, which always has pretty, feminine styles with a touch of originality. We picked the round-neck jumper with a bow at the back by Eurythmic, also available in grey, and the Malene Birger cashmere jumper with a lovely bow detail at the collar.

The tailored jacket

We've seen a lot of this short tailored jacket over recent seasons, and it's very elegant. It's also practical and earns its keep. It makes for a sharp look with classic trousers in the same colour, but it also looks great over jeans and a simple top. Ideally, choose it fitted in a sober colour without frills, but with an impeccable cut.

Here, the Shalk tailored jacket to shop at Galeries Lafayette and the Massimo Dutti tailored-style jacket.

Budget

The white vest top: expect roughly £10 to £40 depending on the brand, and more from designers. Jeans: £70 to £120 from a classic brand, less second-hand. Ballet flats and heels: £60 to £150 for decent leather, and far more at luxury level. Price varies with material, manufacturing and when you buy — sales and second-hand quickly bring the bill down.