By Red Dimaandal-Escamillas
Building a wardrobe you can rely on starts with choosing the right foundational pieces–think timeless pieces that make getting dressed easier, faster, and more stylish. Whether you’re refreshing your closet or starting from scratch, shopping for basics is about finding quality, versatility, and fit that work for your lifestyle.
Below is a guide on how to choose essentials that truly earn their place in your daily rotation.
Prioritize quality over quantity
Look for durable fabrics, strong stitching, and pieces that will hold their shape after repeated wear. Investing a bit more in items like tees, denim, and knitwear saves money long-term because they won’t need constant replacing.
Choose neutral colors
Basics should mix and match seamlessly, so opt for shades like white, black, navy, gray, and beige. These hues layer effortlessly and create a cohesive wardrobe that works for everything from workday to weekends.
Focus on fit and comfort
Even the best-made item becomes a closet orphan if it doesn’t feel good on you. Try different cuts and silhouettes, and don’t hesitate to tailor key pieces. Comfort and confidence are the true markers of a wardrobe staple.
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Jasmine Curtis-Smith is on the cover of STYLISH Magazine right now, as she shares her thoughts on good storytelling in films, as she’s set to star in upcoming movies Open Night, a 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival sapphic film entry; and Manila’s Finest, an upcoming 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) crime drama movie.
Read the Stylish Magazine September-October 2025 cover story here.
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Stylish Magazine is “your source of self-love, style & inspiration” first introduced in June 2020. Our television series format, Stylish TV, once ranked one of the Top 50 Most Watched Multicultural Shows in the USA, can be streamed on iWantTFC and be watched on TFC (The Filipino Channel) in more than 50 countries. Watch it online here.
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