Take it from a streamlined queen.
The word basic isn’t necessarily a good thing when you’re describing a person…it refers to someone who’s unoriginal. It’s a word we use to describe all things ubiquitous, from ordering a Starbucks PSL at the drive-through while blasting Taylor Swift on the radio to shamelessly admitting to watching every season of The Bachelor (including Bachelor in Paradise) to posting photos of your favorite brunch item on Instagram every single weekend. Some say basic is bad…although we’re of the mindset that if something is so beloved by the masses, there’s got to be a reason, right?
When it comes to clothes, basics are the best. We’re talking about those special pieces in your closet that you can wear day after day, no matter what you pair them with. It’s that perfect white tee that you can dress up or down. That luxurious neutral cashmere sweater you’d wear every day of the week if you could. That pair of plain brown Chelsea boots or white sneakers that seem to magically match any outfit, and that you get compliments on every time you wear them.
If you follow her on Instagram or have checked out her wardrobe from her TV appearances, you’ll know that nobody loves basics more than Katie. Whether it’s a perfectly fitted solid-colored dress that she zhushes up with some funky jewelry, or a big, cozy monochrome scarf that she pairs with a bright wool jacket, for Katie, basics are basically unbeatable.
Since we always want our readers to feel as confident and cool as Katie, we’ve taken the liberty of pulling together some of Katie’s favorite basics to get you through every season. Whether it’s leggings, dresses, pants, or even sandals, we’re sharing Katie’s eternal capsule collection inclusions that will give your wardrobe the foundation it needs.
The Best Wardrobe Basics for Women, According to Katie Couric
Jenni Kayne Cocoon Cardigan
Jenni Kayne
Katie’s favorite sweater, hands down, is this cardigan. It’s an investment piece, but it’s something you will own and love for the rest of your life. And you can rest assured it will stay fashionable even when Gen Z jeans and chunky sneakers are a distant style memory.
Quince Leather Jacket
Quince
When temperatures start to dip, an extra layer becomes a necessity. While leather jackets come in a million different cuts and styles, Katie opts for one with minimal hardware, making it easier to style on a day-to-day basis.
J.Crew Oversized Cashmere Wrap
J.Crew
Katie clings to this oversized scarf, because it’s almost like wearing a blanket. It makes for the perfect flight accessory if you’re getting mercilessly blasted with airplane AC, and it’s also nice to throw around your shoulders on chilly evenings.
Argent Stretch Wool Vest Dress
Argent
Did you know Katie’s also a model? We’re big believers in cost-per-wear at Katie Couric Media, which is why we’re willing to drop big bucks on pieces we know we will wear time and time again. This wool dress is perfect for year-round use, as you can don it on its own in the warmer months, like Katie here, or layer it over a turtleneck or button-up when it’s cooler out.
Jenni Kayne Cotton Slim Tee
Jenni Kayne
There’s nothing more versatile than a plain white (or black) T-shirt. It can act as a base layer under a cute sweater or laid-back denim jacket, and it looks just as nice with trousers or a skirt as it does with a pair of sweats. Katie loves this one from Jenni Kayne because it’s slightly fitted, but it still has a nice stretch to it.
Sara Campbell Sheri Pant
Sara Campbell
These pants are comfy enough to feel like pajamas, but tailored enough to wear in the boardroom. The elastic waist means that you can pull them on, and the stretchy fit works for walking around or for sitting in a chair for hours.
Spanx AirEssentials Pullover
Spanx
For a day of rest and relaxation, Katie reaches for a sweatshirt, especially for those chilly beach walks she loves so much. This one from Spanx is her go-to for everything from chilly beach walks to airplane travel.
Caddis Hooper Readers
Caddis
A good pair of glasses is a must, even if you have 20/20 vision. These gold frames give a ’70s feel to any outfit, and they can be customized with your glasses prescription, reader lenses, or plain blue light-filtering lenses to fit whatever your peepers need.
Nike Air Force 1 ’07
Nordsrom
White sneakers will never go out of fashion, but there’s always room for improvement, right? Katie was so excited about an embroidered pair, but we think this neutral style with a neon swoosh feels fresh for spring (and it’s on sale!). These classic Air Force 1s go with just about anything, even with bright pops of orange, periwinkle, and lavender.
Gap Factory Puff Sleeve Icon Jacket
Gap Factory
In our opinion, every wardrobe should have some sort of versatile lightweight jacket. Katie is partial to a denim jacket herself, but she likes to make sure it’s slightly elevated from the average one. She opts for a light wash and puff sleeve instead of a darker, slim-fitting jacket, which instantly jazzes up any outfit.
Girlfriend Collective Midnight Compressive High-Rise Legging
Girlfriend Collective
Facts are facts: Katie has got great legs. You’ve got great legs, too, and they’ll look amazing in these leggings. The compression material will make you feel supported in all the right places and has this magic ability to make every woman’s bum look plump and perky. We’ll take a pair in every color, please.
Good American Fit for Success Jumpsuit
Anthropologie
If you don’t think a Canadian tuxedo is chic, think again. A jumpsuit isn’t exactly the same as the two-piece denim getup, but you get the idea. Katie wore a similar denim jumpsuit during her Going There tour, but we’d argue this one may be a bit more versatile, as it doesn’t have any stripes. (She actually has a few denim jumpsuits and wears them all the time, proving how essential they are to a wardrobe!) The waist is adjustable, so you can customize the fit, and you can always toss on a belt to further change the fit.
Nisolo Everyday Chelsea Boot
Nisolo
If you’re going to own one pair of shoes, it should be a pair of Chelsea boots. And Katie agrees! Invest in this pair from Nisolo — they’re comfortable and durable, and they look just as good in the office as they do in the garden. They’re also waterproof, so they work anytime, rain or shine!
ADay Shirt Dress
ADay
Whenever she’s doing an interview, Katie prefers to wear a professional looking dress. This shirt dress is perfect for the workday or a post-work night out. Dress it up with a pair of heels or dress it down with a cute pair of white sneakers.
Carina 60mm Wedge Espadrille
Zappos
It’s no secret that Katie’s on the petite side, so she’s not afraid to add some height with her shoes. Katie was all about espadrilles this past summer. Instead of a stiletto heel that would send the best of us teetering for balance, opt for an easy-to-walk in wedge, like this one. It’s not so high you’ll get dizzy, but the slight lift will make you (literally) stand a little taller.
Walker & Wade Ibiza Dress
Walker and Wade
What can’t an easy, breezy dress do? One of Katie’s favorite brands for maxi, midi, and mini dresses is Walker and Wade, which was founded by her friend, Laurie. You’ll catch Katie in a lot of different styles from the brand, but she particularly likes this flowy number called the Ibiza dress.