In a world where fast fashion once dominated, there’s a noticeable shift happening and we want to dive deeper into what has caused this dramatic turn. More and more people, especially the Gen-Z and Millennials, whose ages range from 13 to 44, are stepping away from throwaway trends and embracing the timeless look of basic casual clothing. From oversized t-shirts and loose-fit jeans to neutral-toned sweatshirts and cotton essentials, the fashion narrative is evolving. This isn’t just about comfort though, it’s about clarity, confidence, and conscious choices.
It seems that the heart of this movement could be a return to fashion that works with you, not against you! So why is this happening now? And what does it mean for your personal style? Let’s get deep diving!
Fashion trends reflect the culture of the time, and today’s culture is all about being intentional. With the rise of minimalism, the “clean-girl aesthetic” sustainability, and slow fashion, shoppers are looking for clothes that last longer, feel better, and offer versatility with a “oh, I just chucked this on” kinda’ vibe.” This can be seen in all ages; however, the age groups of 18-35 in particular are prioritising quality over quantity, investing in clothes and products that serve them in multiple settings. We have seen a shift away from the once popular “jeans a nice top” fashion choices ten years ago, where it was the norm to have an obscene amount of dressy tops that you’d only wear once! Now we see a lot more “capsule wardrobe” fashion, the going out looks have switched to “plain tee’s and fun pants” the top half of the outfit can now be an extremely versatile plain white tee, and paired with tailored trousers or a 90’s fit tracksuit bottom! Our wardrobes are now blurring the lines between work and weekend attire.
Here are a few key reasons behind this fashion evolution:
Over the past decade, minimalism has surged beyond home decor and into our wardrobes. Kim Kardashian made headlines with her extremely stripped-back home and we saw a huge movement towards everything neutral and beige. This was especially noticeable during lockdown, when shopping online and minimalist style was at it’s peak. The interior trends are now moving towards vintage finds and unique pieces. It’s not about having less for the sake of it – it’s about having fewer pieces of better quality.
Now see how this has mirrored into the fashion space, a basic white tee, a pair of well-fitted black jeans, or a neutral hoodie may seem simple, but they’re the foundation of dozens of looks. Millennials and Gen Z are drawn to this concept because it offers flexibility without having to make unnecessary decisions and they can trust that each piece in their wardrobe is reliable and of higher quality. This slower pased fashion allows for easier mornings and fewer wasted purchases.
Social platforms like TikTok and Instagram have absolutely accelerated fashion cycles, and have amplified the appeal of curated simplicity.
Influencers are ditching these overdone looks, high heels have been swapped for the kitten heel, smokey eyes have been traded to only wearing mascara, and showcasing capsule wardrobes built on basic essentials is the new thing. The “clean girl” aesthetic – featuring slick-back buns, gold hoops, oversized white shirts, and natural tones, has inspired a generation to embrace the understated.
These outfits may look effortless, but they’re built on smart staples which can take a lot of effort to find!
The consumer is now after classic, neutral, and wearable pieces, which is why we’ve taken matters into our own hands! Our collections at MyBasics are extremely considered, curated out of 100% cotton, designed in classic cuts and easy-to-style colourways.
Younger generations are more eco-conscious than ever. With climate change bring a large topic of conversations, many are wanting to do their bit to live more sustainably. This can be seen by the large amount of shoppers turning away from fast fashion brands and opting for longer-lasting pieces. Basic casual clothing fits perfectly into this mindset, it’s often made with better materials, can withstand long-term washing machine cycles, and can be styled endlessly without becoming repetitive, as the piece you’ve chosen is one of your favourites!
Many shoppers today are asking: “Do I really need this?” and unless it serves multiple purposes, can be paired with their existing wardrobe pieces, and in a versatile colourway, then the answer is “No!”
Remote and hybrid work has blurred the lines between loungewear and daywear. With so much available on the market, gone are the days of stiff, uncomfortable office attire. Instead, people want to look put together and feel comfortable and stylish. Ticking all of these boxes is high-quality basics. Pairing sweatshirts with smarter trousers, ribbed vest tops that work from Zoom meetings to brunch, and two-pieces that can be smartened up or dressed down with just a change of footwear and accessories.
This shift isn’t just about being practical – with comfort being a non-negotiable, the demand for casual wardrobe essentials has never been higher.
A phrase that’s been on the lips of sustainable fashion influencers is “cost-per-wear” it’s basically an idea that prioritises value. Rather than spending £15 on a fast fashion piece you’ll wear once and it shrinks in the wash, you might invest £40 in a well-made staple t-shirt you’ll wear endlessly. The result? A smarter, more sustainable wardrobe that works for you and your lifestyle, it not only makes getting dressed easier but you can build out a much clearer sense of style.
Basic clothing is made for high rotation, which makes it the perfect fit for anyone aiming to make thoughtful, budget-savvy choices.
Some may worry that dressing in basics means losing individuality and being a little boring. But here’s the truth: when done right, basics are the canvas, and you are the artist. Here’s how to make basic clothing feel fresh, stylish, and expressive:
With a few staple pieces from MyBasics, these combinations become effortless.
If you’re ready to build your capsule wardrobe, start with these basics:
These pieces are the backbone of your style and you can pick up all of your basics and loungewear needs at www.mybasics.co.uk.
At the heart of this return-to-basics movement is the idea of a capsule wardrobe. It’s ultimately a tightly edited collection of versatile pieces that all work in harmony with each other. You can mix and match your clothing with ease, and what was once a nightmare to sort through turns into a closet full of your favourite pieces. The capsule wardrobe is typically built from 20 to 40 pieces, which focuses on quality, being able to withstand washing and drying, and effortless coordination.
Why does this matter for professionals, students, creatives, and everyone in between? Because we’re all busy! We want less time stressing over what to wear and more time (as Kourtney Kardashian states) “just living life.” A capsule wardrobe reduces clutter, makes outfit planning easy, and helps you build a personal uniform that reflects who you are.
So how can mybasics.co.uk helps you build the perfect capsule wardrobe? We believe that fashion should feel good, look good, and do good. That’s why our collections are focused on essential pieces, crafted with care and built to last. We don’t chase fast fashion trends, we focus on timeless basics that you’ll reach for time and time again.
Whether you’re revamping your entire wardrobe or just adding a few key staples, we’re here to help you simplify your style without scrimping on quality. Our pieces are designed to be worn on repeat, season after season, making them perfect for anyone looking to build a capsule wardrobe.
Explore our latest drops online and find out why basic casual clothing isn’t just a trend, it’s a lifestyle.
