You can never go wrong with stripes. They scream classic and can be paired with an endless amount of pieces.

I used this horizontal black and white striped top from AYR (the coolest brand BTW) as a base for this entire outfit.

The top is basic, but has a unique slit sleeve detail with red stitching that in my mind elevates the basic. Since elevated basics is my thang — I made sure to incorporate other pieces that carried the same amount of edge….

Elevated Pieces

Can you identify what’s elevated about each pieces? I’ve added them to my wardrobe over time as I’m a definite lover of each category.

Striped Top w/ Sleeve Detail

Denim Jacket in Acid Wash

Black Mini w/ Asymmetrical Button Detail

Pointed Booties in Silver

Crossbody w/ Ring Handle

Chandelier Earrings in Red

Sunglasses w/ Cat Eye Detail

How to Elevate Your Basics

If you’re like me, you like investing in pieces that you know you’ll get a lot of use out of. For instance, I have about five horizontal striped tops, five blazers, five “leather” jackets and five heeled booties — all ranging in style, color and fit.

But to ensure you’re elevating these often-seen-as-boring basics, the trick is to seek something unique in the item that makes it stand out from the everyday expected piece.

A striped top with bell sleeve detail like this… a blazer with button detail like this… a leather jacket with embellishment like this… and a heeled bootie in an eye-catching color like this.

When you integrate elevated basics into your wardrobe, it’s as if you’re buying into trends that actually will last longer because it’s a spin on a basic.

Got me?

So, show of hands — who gets what an elevated basic is? And who’s planning on adding more into their wardrobe?

Class adjourned.

Happy Thursday, all.

// cb ✌????

photos : Donny Gogarty

SHOP THE EDIT : STRIPED TOP | MINI SKIRT | JEAN JACKET (SIMILAR)| SILVER BOOTIES | CAT EYE SUNNIES | CROC CROSSBODY