By I’M Firenze Digest Editorial staff. Cover image by Anano Esartia.
According to Vogue, “We’re in the midst of a basics boom”. Dazed Magazine adds, “The cool kids no longer dress cool,” opting instead for a more understated style. Capsule wardrobes are replacing excess in the closets of fashionistas, and the whole industry is talking about it.
We have taken a deep dive into this fashion shift, which seems to be more than just another short-lived trend. But what does this resurgence of simplicity really mean for the future of fashion? Will it redefine how we approach personal style and creativity, or is it simply a reaction to the overwhelming tide of fast-moving trends? As we unpack this growing movement, we will explore the deeper implications it holds on how we dress, shop, and create in a world where the basics have taken centre stage.
Before Basic Fashion Trend It was a Rollercoaster of “Cores”
The past few years have felt like a rollercoaster ride through fashion trends, with new “cores” emerging and fading almost as quickly as they arrived. About five years ago, we watched norm-core rise to prominence, only to evolve into more utilitarian, everyday-driven aesthetics. Then, during the pandemic, sweatpants became the uniform for many, sharply contrasted by a surge of bold, post-isolation outfits. Fast forward, and we witnessed the explosion of “dopamine dressing,” with its overwhelming variety of extravagant microtrends. Social media accelerated this frenzy, with algorithms serving up new looks and ideas at a dizzying pace.
Now, however, a new shift is underway: basic fashion is emerging as more than just another passing trend. According to fashion forecasters and analysts, it’s signalling a significant turning point in how we approach style. The return to simplicity is not just about a minimalist aesthetic; it reflects a growing desire for timeless, versatile pieces that stand in stark contrast to the chaos of trend-chasing. Will basic fashion mark the end of the constant cycle of trends, or is it simply the beginning of a new, more conscious approach to dressing?
Tired of Microtrends? Here’s Why Basic is the New Fashion Rebellion
It makes sense. Lately, keeping up with the constantly shifting trends has become nearly impossible. Just when you finally catch on to one, it’s already gone, replaced by something newer, louder, and more outrageous. This whirlwind can be confusing. The fashion world seems to be spinning faster than ever, and it’s no wonder that many are starting to feel lost in the chaos. Instead of getting trapped in an endless cycle of micro-trends—like ballet-core, cowboy-gothic, and whatever comes next—opting for a simpler, more refined aesthetic feels like a breath of fresh air. Enter basic fashion.
In a world filled with aesthetics, endless style directions, and trends that appear on our feeds faster than we can even define them, taking a step back and embracing simplicity has become a deliberate act of rebellion. Social media and fast fashion brands like Shein, Zara, and Asos churn out new looks at lightning speed, making it possible to buy, receive, and wear the latest styles within a matter of days. But with so much choice, the question becomes: how do you stand out when everyone is wearing the same things?
Rethinking Sustainability in the Age of Capsule Wardrobes
One general argument for the “basic” movement concerns the consequences of consumption. We are increasingly aware of the impact our actions have on the environment, leading many to make purchases that can stylistically survive several seasons. According to Gitnux market data, two billion white T-shirts are sold globally each year.
Still, if we go all basic by pairing our white tees with classic jeans, we must consider the environmental implications of denim. Regardless of how it is produced, denim leaves an unmatched water footprint compared to any other fabric.
If this stylistic trend were genuinely aimed at sustainability, consumers would need to turn to preloved garments. Fortunately, buying second-hand clothing doesn’t mean the items have to be visually plain. The environmental impact remains the same whether the clothes are extravagant or simple, and in a circular economy of clothing, changing up one’s wardrobe on a seasonal basis is perfectly acceptable.
Although the “basic” trend is growing, it can be argued that it is more about the symbolic value of appearing sustainability-conscious. Fashion has always reflected the values we want to be associated with, and being “basic” now carries significant symbolic value.
The Rise of Basic Fashion as a Bold Statement
The trend of minimalism in fashion has notably emerged among fashion students as well, with simple looks reminiscent of everyday outfits from the mid to late 2000s becoming increasingly popular.
Today, a “cool” outfit is no longer defined by its outstanding quality, intricate details, brand names, or adherence to the latest trends. Instead, it focuses on simplifying visual elements to uncover the essence of an outfit. This shift represents a new perspective on the symbolic value of appearance, emphasising the importance of personal selection and how items are worn.
With Basic Fashion Trend Are We Entering a Post-Fahion Era?
But what does it mean for the fashion world when fashion creators turn their backs on the fashion system? In recent fashion weeks, runway shows have transformed into platforms that celebrate basic items. We see a repeating display of trench coats, blazers, hoodies, joggers and bomber jackets, all receiving significant attention in the high fashion realm. Classic colours like beige, black, grey, and white dominate the scene, while the vibrant, dopamine-inducing colours of past seasons have faded away—washed out, leaving us with softer pastel colour palettes. Designers like Max Mara, Balenciaga and Miu Miu have all mastered the art of basic fashion in their own unique ways.
On the other hand, we have dreamlike creations—garments that blur the line between clothing and sculpture. Designer Kevin Germanier is currently one of the most prominent examples of this approach to fashion. His collections transform each clothing item into a mesmerising fusion of details, resulting in stunning works of art.
Most major design houses present runway shows that incorporate this puzzling divide within the fashion industry. Their presentations typically start with basic, everyday pieces and then gradually lead to more extravagant items, culminating in a grand finale.
Loewe’s SS25 collection perfectly captures this trend. We witnessed jeans and t-shirts worn alongside enormous transparent ballgowns with flowing fabrics elevated by wires. This combination of practical clothing and sculptural dresses leaves wearers nearly unable to sit down.
But what truly sticks with you after a show like that? Is it the humble t-shirt or the breathtaking ballgown?
A well-executed basic outfit radiates an effortless coolness that cannot be replicated by algorithms or purchased from fast fashion retailers like Shein. By curating your clothing choices through a personal lens and honing on what truly reflects your identity, you engage in a subtle act of defiance against the current state of the fashion industry.
We risk fostering a fashion industry where creativity and stylistic experimentation are confined to runway pieces that are rarely seen in the real world. If embracing the basic trend means distancing ourselves from integrating extravagance into everyday fashion, we, as creators, will ultimately divide fashion into two categories: wearable, functional clothing and art that is solely for visual display.
This raises an important question: As the basic trend gains momentum, what will become of the fun in fashion? The answer may lie in rejecting the chaos of algorithms. Instead of mindlessly following the latest trend on your TikTok feed, choosing a capsule wardrobe—a carefully curated collection of timeless, versatile pieces—has become a powerful, quiet statement. According to Google Trends, searches for “capsule wardrobe” surged by 60% between 2023 and 2024, signalling a shift towards a more conscious, sustainable approach to fashion. It represents a move away from the exhaustion of microtrends and towards something more enduring. It seems the fashion world is growing weary of fast trends.
