Making the most of your basics

Sarah Bernard
·Host of The Thread

Celebrities may think it's a scandal to wear the same look twice, but those of us who don't have Rachel Zoe on the payroll or bottomless bank accounts know that the key to staying stylish is the ability to mix and match affordable basics in clever ways. If the pieces you own can fully cover the casual/dressy spectrum (with the help of killer shoes and accessories), you don't have to live with an overstuffed closet. And if you choose pieces in washable fabrics, you won't be facing the extra cost of dry cleaning bills! Here's our take on the five basics you need right now— plus a style sheet for the 10 different looks you can create with them.

We invited two "Thread" viewers to our studio to illustrate how you can create 10 outfits for occasions with very different dress codes using our five favorite basics.

Leggings
 The most comfortable essential of all can be kept casual with an oversized sweater and leather boots.


Kohl's leggings, $9.99.
Kohl's leggings, $9.99.
Topshop sweater, $80.00.
Topshop sweater, $80.00.
DSW boots, $79.95.
DSW boots, $79.95.

Go the opposite direction for shopping with your girlfriends, with a blazer and funky jewelry.


Kohl's leggings, $9.99.
Kohl's leggings, $9.99.
Forever 21 tunic, $24.80.
Forever 21 tunic, $24.80.
Newport News blazer, $79.00.
Newport News blazer, $79.00.
Torrid earrings, $14.00.
Torrid earrings, $14.00.
Asos ring, $20.69.
Asos ring, $20.69.


Little Black Dress
Find the best cut for your figure and this will be your best friend. The LBD works perfectly for an office meeting with a colored cardigan and flats.


Roxy dress, $39.50.
Roxy dress, $39.50.
Old Navy cardigan, $44.50.
Old Navy cardigan, $44.50.
Steve Madden flats, $39.95.
Steve Madden flats, $39.95.

For a cocktail party, switch gears with pretty shoes and a statement necklace..


Roxy dress, $39.50.
Roxy dress, $39.50.
Forever 21 shoes, $24.80.
Forever 21 shoes, $24.80.
Guess necklace, $35.00.
Guess necklace, $35.00.


White Button-Down
Pair this classic with a pair of classic wool trousers and you've got a polished, everyday work option.


Gap white button-down, $49.50.
Gap white button-down, $49.50.
Quiksilver pants, $38.40.
Quiksilver pants, $38.40.
Kelsi Dagger pumps, $89.95.
Kelsi Dagger pumps, $89.95.

Swap the pants for a pencil skirt, add a pair of simple heels, and you have the perfect interview
outfit.


Gap white button-down, $49.50.
Gap white button-down, $49.50.
Express pencil skirt, $49.50.
Express pencil skirt, $49.50.
Kelsi Dagger pumps, $89.95.
Kelsi Dagger pumps, $89.95.

Dark Boot-Cut Jeans
Skinny jeans may come and go, but boot-cuts will stay forever. Add a leather jacket and some platform stilettos and they're perfectly on trend for fall 2010.


Madewell jeans, $89.50.
Madewell jeans, $89.50.
Forever 21 top, $22.80.
Forever 21 top, $22.80.
Victoria's Secret jacket, $98.00.
Victoria's Secret jacket, $98.00.
Charlotte Russe shoes, $30.00.
Charlotte Russe shoes, $30.00.

For chic and comfortable traveling, wear your boot-cuts with layered T-shirts, a knit scarf, and ballet flats.


Madewell jeans, $89.50.
Madewell jeans, $89.50.
Aeropostale shirt, $9.99.
Aeropostale shirt, $9.99.
Topshop tee, $24.00.
Topshop tee, $24.00.
Harmony Lane leopard scarf, $35.00.
Harmony Lane leopard scarf, $35.00.

Grey Scoop-Neck Tank
We've been saying for a while now that grey is the new black and the new white. A grey tank under a denim jacket plus some skinny pants is perfect for a night out with friends.


Topshop tank, $12.00.
Topshop tank, $12.00.
Topshop jacket, $80.00.
Topshop jacket, $80.00.
Macy's pants, $49.99.
Macy's pants, $49.99.
Alloy heels, $36.90.
Alloy heels, $36.90.

Tuck the tank into a floral skirt, add some tights, and you've got a sweet, girly alternative for a family night in.

Topshop tank, $12.00.
Topshop tank, $12.00.
Forever 21 skirt, $14.80.
Forever 21 skirt, $14.80.
Express tights, $22.50.
Express tights, $22.50.
Dsw pumps, $89.95.
Dsw pumps, $89.95.

Another plus about all of these basics is that you can throw them in the washing machine. I recommend using Tide TotalCare to help protect the color of your favorite staples and preserve their shape.