Nailing the basics

Staples. They're the pieces that hold a wardrobe together, so get on to the good ones.

And if, like me, you're an aspiring minimalist wanting a wardrobe built around well-made pieces that carry through each season, here are some versatile go-to's to nail those basics.

The White Tee (ok, and a couple others...)

bon label

You can't go past Australian brand bon label. They've got you covered with all the best white tee styles + the other wear-with-anything - grey and stripes, of course.

bon label crew tee in white - classic!
Image via bon label

bon label everyday tee in grey - Image via bon label

bon label stripe classic tee - ok it's got white in it too!
Image via bon label

NICO

I can't do a post on nailing the basics and not mention my favourite, ethically-made Brisbane-based label, NICO. 

Making a start with comfy, everyday underwear, NICO has grown to include an awesome range of basics, from tees to dresses, swimwear to leggings.

NICO Poppy Tee in white (on sale!) - Image via NICO

Me feeling lazy in the comfiest long-sleeve ever -
the NICO Basic Long Sleeve in white

Mainline Basics

Mainline use natural fibres and organic cotton to make their line of basics in California.

Mainline's Joaquin Fly-Away Crew - Image via Mainline

Do-good Denim

Have you noticed that almost all the photos of basics so far have also featured denim?

I'd love to find someone who doesn't own denim - even better, someone whose denim isn't the oldest thing in their wardrobe! Once you get onto good denim, it wears out only in the best way.

Here are some do-gooders.

Nobody Denim

Nobody Denim design and manufacture in Australia and are accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia.

Plus, they've just launched their Re-Purpose capsule collection, made using up-cycled and re-purposed stock - a super collab with Well Made Clothes.

Nobody Denim Refresh Short Invert - part of their Well Made Clothes
Re-Purpose collab - Image via Nobody

Nobody Bessette Jean Immortal - Image via Nobody

Phable Denim

One for the guys, Aussie label Phable Denim hand-makes jeans in Sydney using Japanese selvedge denim.

Phable's Revolver Boot Leg - Image via Phable

E.L.V. Denim

LOVE what these guys are doing - E.L.V. Denim take discarded denim and turn it into new jeans, including made-to-measure, with each pair one of a kind.

E.L.V Denim - upcycled denim into new jeans, making each pair unique
Image via E.L.V.

Walk it out

AllBirds

This BCorp makes runners using ethically-sourced merino wool and use castor beans in their inner soles! They're open with the fact they're not perfect and they're still innovating - transparency FTW!

Allbirds women's wool runners - Image via Allbirds

Allbirds men's wool runners - Image via Allbirds

Veja

Veja is another brand on a constant, learning, transparent journey. And we love them for that.

They've got a list of limitations on their website - things like what components of their shoes are made using petrochemicals, which aren't organic cotton, the fact they're not recycling their products yet.

It's so refreshing to see a brand just so open about the aspects they want to work on as a sustainable brand.

Veja's Esplar Tilapia White Black sneakers are made using leather,
fish leather, recycled cotton and wild rubber from the Amazonian forest.
Image via Veja

Veja Esplar Low Leather in extra white
Image via Well Made Clothes

Bag-It

Abacá

Abacá support communities to continue their traditional crafts, like handweaving using abaca leaves.

Abaca Tiaco bag in black - Image via Abaca

Abaca Mayat Large Rattan Backpack - Image via Abaca

Minima Handcrafted

Minima is a Perth-based brand hand-making bags using wonderful, quality Italian leather.

I've said it once and I'll say it again - invest in a sweet backpack and you'll be set!

Minima Porta Backpack in nero - Image via Minima

Minima Bucket Bag in agave green - Image via Minima