back to basics (again)

Photo: Phil Oh

Not to sound cliche (and redundant), but there's a lot to be said about sticking to the classics. In the above case, it's a navy and white striped t-shirt and a crisp trench coat, and you can see that the result is impeccably chic--and, despite fashion's incessant forward march--very up to the minute. Along with a good trench and a striped tee, the basics I can't live without include a black cashmere sweater, a fitted army jacket, a pair of go-with-everything ballet slippers, and an evergreen tote bag. What are yours?