Londoners Are Already Relying On These 6 Elevated Basics to Look Chic

Granted, wardrobe basics aren’t the most thrilling pieces to invest in, but they’re essential to building everyday outfits. Unless, of course, you plan on wearing your eveningwear to the office, the supermarket and on weekend walks? I thought not. Yet, as with almost every fashion find, not all basics deliver the same results.

While grey sweatshirts, trainers and cosy jogging bottoms all fall under the basics umbrella, it’s elevated basics I'm really after right now—the kind of pieces that work just as well at the office as they do at brunch, leaving you feeling effortlessly put-together rather than lazy.

Think crisp white T-shirts—always ironed, of course—navy tailored trousers, cosy brown wool coats and even red cardigans: proof that basics needn’t be boring. And who does elevated basics best? Well, Londoners, of course. Want to know more? Scroll on to see the elevated basics stylish Londoners have already added to their 2026 rotations.

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London Girl Elevated Basics 2026:

1. Navy Tailored Trousers

Style Notes: If you've already got a pair (or three) of black trousers in your wardrobe, think of navy as a slightly softer alternative. Opt for a shape that best suits your style—whether it's a wide-leg, cropped, or even a culotte—and pair with soft greys, creams and browns for an effortlessly elevated look.

Shop the Look:

Massimo Dutti

Pleated Extra Fine Wool Trousers

Wool trousers will not only keep you warm, but last a lifetime in any wardrobe.

MANGO

Straight-Fit Suit Trousers

This Mango style is cropped just high enough to show off your shoe.

Reiss

Wide-Leg Suit Trousers

A wide-leg trouser pairs perfectly with a more form-fitting tee or knit.

COS

Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers

I love these paired with a dark grey knit.

2. Crisp White T-shirt

Style Notes: There are very few fashion items I'd class as an actual need, but a white T-shirt is one of them. While Monikh makes a case for layering them over a longer top, I'd also recommend styling alone, under a V-neck jumper, or even a turtleneck on particularly chilly days.

Shop the Look:

COS

Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt

A number of my stylist friends all claim this tee is the best on the market.

Jigsaw

Fine Cotton Baby Tee

With 3% elastane, this cotton tee is just stretchy enough to be extra comfortable without losing its shape.

New Look

Curves White Crew Neck T-Shirt

While few colours scream everyday basic like white, this trusty tee is available in nine other shades.

Petit Bateau

Women's Iconic Plain Short-Sleeved Rib Knit T-Shirt

This is the T-shirt I always reach for in my own wardrobe.

3. Black Turtleneck

Style Notes: Swapping a classic crewneck for a turtleneck is one easy way to elevate any outfit. While red, grey, and cream shades are all popular, black is a universal failsafe for every occasion—the office, included.

Shop the Look:

AGOLDE

Pascale stretch-Lyocell turtleneck top

Crafted from lyocell and spandex, this form-fitting turtleneck is much easier to care for than wool.

Toteme

Fine Turtleneck Charcoal

This charcoal shade offers a slightly softer alternative to jet black.

Reformation

Jett Cashmere Turtleneck

This recycled cashmere jumper is sure to be extra cosy.

Ninetypercent

Soft Roll Neck Long Sleeve Top in Black

NinetyPercent pride themselves on giving 90% of their profits to charity. So, if you're looking to invest in a brand that does things a bit better, this is one of the strongest to opt for.

4. Brown Wool Coat

Style Notes: Bundling up to battle the cold weather can often leave our outfits looking a little, well, scruffy. And while I'm a big fan of a puffer coat and oversized scarf, they don't quite work for more formal-feeling occasions. Instead, turn to a structured wool coat in a brown shade that pairs effortlessly with almost every other colour.