Foundations

a close up of pink velvet mules with beaded snakes on them and jean cuffs
a close up of a woman in sunglasses and a one shoulder grey sweater
a close up of a woman in jeans
a woman in trouser jeans, a grey one shoulder sweater and pink mules in front of a brick wall
the back of a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules walking up stairs

A wise adage? Buy the best of what you can afford when it comes to your clothes. From jeans to tees, they will fit better, wear better and look better. AKA great foundations lead to a multitude of FANTASTIC outfits. (Not to mention that the better you buy the more it lasts, the less you have to buy- great for the environment and maybe your bank account!).

So- what are your foundations? Also known as what do you reach for time and time again? For some that may be a professional outfit- and for our purposes we count everything from suits to workout sets. For some that may be a leisure outfit- from jeans to again gym sets. And of course there’s everything in between. I won’t judge any foundations (even in your under things drawer– because those foundations matter too!) As someone who is a regular gym goer and also works from home my foundations vary. But I’ve found no matter what, each time I truly invest in a great foundation the outfit and my closet are better for it.

a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules
a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater with pink mules
a woman in jeans and a grey one shoulder sweater and pink mules

What foundations am I investing in recently? Well. I love a great pair of jeans that are both on trend and a bit classic. For me, this season, that’s a trouser jean. In a darker wash. A bit like a suit pant, a bit like a jean, and lot of chic. I love that these are just slightly oversized but not baggy. And comfy. (Ironically, these are LEE jeans. Yes, the brand from when we were kids. And yes affordable -not all the best foundations are over priced. Not to have a Bradshaw moment- but did we have it figured out in middle school?) Knits that are classic but edgy- a la one shoulder/part cape. And my go-to mules. These are Gucci and while they were an INVESTMENT I can’t tell you how often I reach for them. They are truly a foundation of my shoe wardrobe.

Within these 3 pieces? Endless options. The base or pop of almost any outfit. I almost shot this look with a silk blouse and these jeans/shoes and it would have worked. I wore this sweater with grey trousers this weekend and it was perfect. To list how many times I have worn these shoes in the past week alone is almost embarrassing. But proves that a great foundation is all you need!

What are the foundations you continually reach for? And what foundations are you investing in this season? I would love to hear about them all!

I’ve linked these exact jeans and similar shopping options for you below! XO RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

a woman in a grey one shoulder sweater and jeans and pink mules

Foundations

Investment Piece: Foundations
Investment Piece: Foundations
Investment Piece: Foundations

I will admit that I love the fancy details. The shoes. Bags. Details on basics. I have a tendency to fall in love with them, spurlge on them, and point them out again and again. Yet, as much as I love those details, I know that the foundations are where you should spend your money first.

Is it cliche if I let you know that the foundations are the true investment pieces of your wardrobe?
And yes, that includes Blazers and pants, shoes, a great day bag.

You could even include lingerie on that list.

As much as I love party dresses and special pops to any outfit, if pressed, I would have to tell you that the foundations are where to spurlge first. Recently, I fell into love with a new foundation- and while it’s a base that I’ve been building almost every single outfit on- it’s completely unexpected.

Investment Piece: Foundations

This piece is a bodysuit (or catsuit? Jumpsuit? I’m not sure what we’re supposed to call them!) via Ernest Leoty (not an affiliate link!) They call themselves the couture of activewear, and I have to agree. While I wear things like this all the time to work out (yes, I’m either in party dresses or workout leggings) and wear leotards with a LOT (I am who I am), I would have never thought that I would dare to wear a bodysuit like this as my outfit. But-it holds me in all the right places, I feel good in it, and the compliments were unending in this!

Investment Piece: Foundations
Investment Piece: Foundations

Of course, I’m not just wearing this bodysuit (though I totally would!). From capes (I have a thing for them and they go perfect with this time of year! I also did an IG Reel on capes @racheladelicia) to this amazing wrap coat. I love that it’s sleeveless, tailored, I want to wear it as a dress and over everything. But it especially goes great with this foundation.

And when it got hot, I felt comfy wearing the jacket open as the foundation was so good! My fave shoes and a great bag didn’t hurt either.

While I never thought this bodysuit would be my fall go-to foundation, I’ve made outfits over it almost everyday this week. What’s a foundation that surprised you? Would you wear a bodysuit (alone or with something)? I would love to hear about it! Below, I’ve linked this exact coat and similar bodysuits for your shopping pleasure- if you style them I would love to see it!
Xo RA

Note: this post does contain affiliate links. While that does not affect the price for you, I may earn commission from them. Thank you for your support!

Shop this look here

Investment Piece: Foundations