Basics vs. Basic; A Look at Jean Paul Gaultier
There is a new essential piece of clothing that everyone needs. Flowy white skirts are the item of the summer, according to a new article in The Washington Post. Popularized last year when they were worn by celebrities such as Taylor Swift and Katie Holmes, women everywhere are flocking towards the item in the heat of the summer. The constant cycling of fashion and our wardrobes is just a simple reality in today’s day and age. Trends come and go, and with them, so do many pieces of our wardrobes.
Photo: Vogue via Stella McCartney
How to Choose and Style Essential Basics
There are a few pieces, however, that remain in our wardrobes no matter what. These are the pieces that we can always rely on, that will always be in fashion, that can be our capsule wardrobe if need be. They are our staples – our basics. According to Vogue, these include a crisp button up, a plain white tee, and a great pair of jeans. Other basics may include a cute pair of sneakers, high quality boots, and a good trench coat, per Vogue.
Of course, essentials may vary from person to person (I personally rely heavily on ribbed white tanks), but on the whole, they are pretty simple to define. Basics are important because they allow us breathing room. They give us outfits that we can always revert back to without breaking our wallets or racking our brains. They mean that everyone can look good, even if they know nothing about how to put an outfit together. According to Refinery29, basics are “usually white or black. They're simple and unobtrusive.”
This same Refinery29 article claimed that basics are usually “totally predictable,” though made the argument that this is not always the case. That point brings up an interesting conundrum, however; what is the line between basics and just plain basic? Does that line even exist? The thing is, sometimes even the basics aren’t basic at all – at least, the right ones aren’t. Finding high quality pieces that fit correctly can be extremely challenging. Finding the right pair of jeans, or the correct button down, or even a nice white tee shirt can be nearly impossible. A white tank top might be too see through, a button down might be too long. I have been hunting for the right pair of staple jeans for at least five years, and nothing fits the way I want it to.
Photo: Getty Images via Vogue
Additionally, whether something is basic or classic really depends on who is judging. I live in the camp that says that nothing is really basic, if it is high quality; what is wrong with wearing a white tee shirt and jeans? It looks good, and it has been in style since the advent of denim. Of course, the goal is always to elevate basics in order to avoid the dreaded “basic” label. White jeans and a tee shirt are elevated by chunky earrings, colorful shoes, or a fun purse. A white flowy skirt can be contrasted with bright sneakers to create a visual juxtaposition that is interesting to the eyes.
Transforming Basics: High Fashion Tips from Jean Paul Gaultier and Nicolas Di Felice
Jean Paul Gaultier showed another way to elevate basics in his most recent couture collection. The collection, entirely white, black, beige and blue, showed that even couture fashion can be relatively simple. Nicholas Di Felice, creative director at Courregés, took basics like black leather jackets, blazers, pantsuits, and trench coats and made them more visually interesting by deconstructing them. Taking a simple cream vest and maxi skirt combo and making it exciting to look at by transforming the vest into a bodysuit and adding an unexpected, slouchy waistline to the skirt. This was complemented by simple ,yet dramatic, makeup and eye-catching silver jewelry.
Photos: Courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier via Vogue Runway
This collection demonstrates why basics are not necessarily simple; any look, whether intended or not, can be elevated to reflect your personal style. These outfits show that your personal style doesn't have to be eccentric or colorful to be visually compelling. Di Felice achieves this by altering the lines in each piece, adding facial coverings to his models, or completely deconstructing his designs. Everything remains monochromatic, without pretending to be wild. By sticking to basics, Di Felice’s creativity shines even brighter.
The same can be true for all of us. By avoiding overly trendy or excessively colorful outfits, our personal style can shine through more clearly. Of course, you should dress anyway you want; however, I encourage you not to overlook the basics. I believe the most interesting looks come from simple pieces. A flowy white skirt allows you to get creative with your shirt, shoes, and accessories. Because it pairs with almost anything, it virtually guarantees you’ll look good. The same goes for a white tee shirt or a classic pair of jeans. By letting go of the idea that these items are 'basic,' you might discover a new world of possibilities.