The Basics the Fashion Elite Are Wearing in 2026

I have a solid curation of elevated basics that I mix and match regularly to create my go-to ensembles. That said, with the start of the new year, I’m looking for ways to refine and elevate my wardrobe even more. This involves adding a few new basics to keep my closet current.

I turned to the fashion elite (for me, these are style setters I follow that consistently serve forward ideas) for inspiration. There are three basics I’ve noted over the last few months and I continue to see more and more of. Despite their easy and versatile nature, these pieces are often the focal point of some of my favorite saved outfit ideas. Below are the basics I don’t really wear yet that I want to add to my wardrobe this year.

Quarter-Zip Sweater

Half-zip sweaters continue to rise in popularity. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the opening look from Chanel’s latest show with model Bhavitha Mandava wearing this sweater style with jeans and two-tone heels. And I love how other fashion people are styling this piece with other basics to create low-key chic vibes.