Let’s Normalize Basic

“Forming an essential foundation or starting point” is one of the traditional definitions of the word ‘basic’. Among its synonyms are salient, essential, and foundational. So how did ‘basic’ get a bad rap?

Its use as a pejorative slang term is said to have originated in hip-hop culture and rose in popularity through rap music, songs, blogs, and videos from 2011 to 2014 (see Wikipedia). When said along with another b-word, it describes someone thought to prefer mainstream products, clothing, and music in order to be popular and/or to be perceived as being up on trends and perhaps a trendsetter themselves. On its own, the word ‘basic‘ has evolved in its meaning.

Describing someone offhandedly as ‘basic’ is to say that they are devoid of the defining characteristics that might make a person interesting, extraordinary, or just simply worth devoting time and/or attention to. Unoriginal, unexceptional, and mundane. This is quite a contrast to the word’s more mainstream definitions. For instance as an adjective, basic is used to describe things, activities, and principles that are highly important or necessary, and on which others depend. It is also used to identify simple goods and/or services that meet the needs of almost everyone.

In fashion, a basic is understood to be a simple and typically unadorned garment that can serve as the foundation of an outfit. Either alone or in combination, they provide the base or starting point from which many looks can be created. They are the pieces that are often chosen repeatedly because they are classic, timeless, and easy to wear. Some might view a wardrobe built on basics to be quite elegant whiles others might find it to be a bit boring.

Are basics boring? It would seem that it all depends on one’s perspective. There are countless numbers of articles titled “these are [insert number here] basics you need in your wardrobe to make your life easier”. Don’t we all seek ways of creating looks that elevate our style game while making us feel confident and comfortable? Not all basics need to be simple and unobtrusive; they can be just about anything that serves as a foundation upon which to build. I suppose what we don’t want is a style that is predictable.

So here’s another question for you to ponder, why is being stylistically predictable a bad thing? Some of the greatest style icons are known because of their “predictability”. Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Diane Keaton, and Iris Apfel are just a few that I can name off the top of my head. No one would say their looks are boring and yet they are each built on a foundation of basics. Hardly plain at all.

And that’s what I meant by the title of this post, Let’s Normalize Basic. At times we might feel as though our personal style is lacking in sparkle but could be just our own perception. To another, we likely appear to be well put together, relatable, and approachable. It’s always possible to be both stylish and practical.

How does my outfit in these photos related to the topic of “normalizing basic”? Last month in 3 Easy No-Fail Looks I’m Wearing On Repeat This Winter, I wrote about the formula I’d followed to create those looks and that it had occurred to me that I had the makings of a mini-capsule. I stated that I would be putting that theory to a test as I planned out three more looks using just those pieces, each to be featured in upcoming posts.

The look in this post is the second of those three. The first one was shown earlier this week in Style Revelation Or Fashion Faux Pas & Link-Up. In today’s ensemble, I’ve matched up the sweater from Outfit 2 and the jeans from Outfit 1 with the cardigan from Outfit 3. The boots are also from Outfit 3 as are the necklaces.

Let’s face it, basic is easy. When you want to feel comfortable and more like yourself, it’s the way to go. There’s nothing worse than being in an outfit that makes you feel self-conscious or awkward, don’t you agree? So no more apologies, let’s normalize basic!

Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.

Photo credit: MMPerez