Which Brands' Elevated Basics Are *Actually* Elevated?
Allow me to nominate Vince.
Pat will always be the number-one man in my life, but lately, I’ve been scribbling another name in my notebook, dotting the “i” with a little heart.
Vince.
Fortunately for my fiancé, Vince is not a man, but a brand. A brand thoughtfully revived by Chief Creative Officer Caroline Belhumeur, who took over in 2017 with the intention of upping Vince’s luxe factor while simultaneously amplifying its signature California ease.
Prior to my current fixation, it took some time for me to appreciate the brand’s appeal. I first came across Vince almost a decade ago, whilst rummaging through my Mom’s closet and marveling at just how many pairs of Vince sneakers she possessed (she swears by their slip-ons). '
My first impression was that it must be a very comfortable footwear brand. Upon further inspection, I deemed it another pricy basics brand. The kind toting standard silhouettes in fabrics I might’ve enjoyed, but probably didn’t need, and certainly couldn’t justify.
It wasn’t until the editor phase of my life took me to the Vince showroom for quarterly press previews that I really got it. (We talked about it back in November, remember?) Seeing the pieces IRL, I was able to appreciate the quality of the fabric and cuts in ways that can’t be fully grasped by a quick scroll on their website.
These days, there are so many brands peddling “elevated basics” that are simply overpriced basics, it’s become a bit of a dirty phrase, to be filed away along with “quiet luxury” et al. It seems raising the price tag gives designers the freedom to lean into lazy design and deem it restrained elegance. I feel like you know the brands I’m talking about…
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It’s hard to hone in on who is actually elevating, and therefore able to justify a higher price point for trend-averse styles. In the showroom, with the pieces in front of my face and between my fingers, it was easy to understand the Vince girl and her sartorial needs.
Each piece felt so intentionally crafted — not only exquisitely made, but designed with the purpose of lending itself to the complete closet of a very real (and very chic) woman.
When I mention this to the team during a recent preview, they agree that Vince is an exceptionally strong big-picture brand — it takes seeing everything all together to really get it. A silk tank top on its own might feel uninspired, but pair it back to a floral smocked lace skirt, or style it beneath a crushed crêpe de Chine pleated blouse worn open, and the simple piece feels as important as its more standout partner. It’s clear the look couldn’t thrive without it.
Of course, not everyone can pop by HQ for a preview to fully immerse themselves in Vince’s vibes. This is why the team has spent the last few seasons devoting ample energy to thoughtful lookbook styling and enhanced campaign imagery, which it hopes will helps prospective buyers get that full-on experience and insight into the brand that I took from my own showroom visits.
The latest campaign, Spring 2025 shot by Emma Summerton on Catalina Island, manages to exceed all expectations.
Within it, I see the women I want to be, the kind of movies I like to watch, and the sort of photographs I tend to Pin, bookmark, and reblog. Most importantly, I see clothes I really, really want to wear. And all the styling inspo I need to pull the trigger.
It’s dreamy, crispy and fresh — and it shows the true potential of simple, well-made pieces that appear far too strong to deem (*clutches pearls*) mere elevated basics.
Recently, the Vince team gifted me a few pieces I was delighted to style for a shopping day in Soho. I’d first seen them the year prior at a preview, and tried some of them on months later in Nordstrom. Now, months after that, I had them in my closet, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they’d live up to the hype I’d created in my head.
Reader, they did. I can’t remember the last time I got this many compliments on an outfit, or felt happier wearing one.
Above, you’ll find me in the Gardener’s Check Cotton Oversized Bomber Jacket ($548) and Pencil Skirt ($348), accessorized with the matching Gardener's Check Cotton Headkerchief ($95). Underneath the bomber, I wore the Sleeveless Button Front Shirt ($298), which definitely deserved a shout-out on my GWTs letter from a few weeks back.
I accessorized the look with my trusty Prada Loafers ($1,200) and Bombas Bow Quarter Socks ($20), plus the Prada Supernova Bag ($3,250) loaned from Vivrelle. I don’t always love a double logo moment, but this felt like a fun contrast to the otherwise nun-like modesty of the ensemble.
I finished things off with my RayBan 53mm Pillow Oval Sunglasses ($151) and the Jenny Bird Gigi Hoop Earrings Silver ($148) poking out from beneath my kerchief.
This look — and the rest of the Vince pieces I’ve accumulated in my very lucky closet — felt new and inspired, but neither trendy nor fleeting. I’d credit this to the fact that a truly Vince ensemble is rooted in real wearability, then further enhanced by Belhumeur and team’s move to heighten The Wearable into The Cool.
With that, I’ll step off my soap box and leave you all to debate which brands are giving elevated basics a bad name. As for who’s doing it right, Vince triumphs.
Below, a look at the Vince pieces I’m eager to style for summer, along with those sweet-talking their way into my next order. If you find yourself with $250-400 bucks burning a hole in your pocket, any of the below would be an excellent buy.
The Vince Currently In My Closet…
If you’re going to invest in one set, I recommend the Italian Cotton Blend Mesh Double Layer Cardigan ($398) with Italian Cotton Blend Mesh Double Layer Tank ($268) above all else. I’ve worn these pieces together and separately probably six times in the last three weeks. Good whites that feel easy and will last are hard to come by.
I have this Till Stripe Silk Scarf ($195) in a green stripe, but I can’t find it online. I’m eager to style it around the waist, not so much as a belt but as a layered accessory, like so.
Shocked at how well these Linen-Blend High-Rise Pull-On Pants ($348) fit me. I worried I might not wear them much in the summer, so I took them to the tailor and chopped off some length for a bit-longer-than-cropped cut to show off some anklets.
I knew I wanted the Sarai Leather Pumps ($350) because they were reminiscent of my beloved Vince Venice ballerina flats, and I was desperately in need of a new little black kitten heel. These have done the trick!
Next to the aforementioned white duo, the Wool & Cashmere-Blend Tipped Half-Moon Cardigan ($398) is my other top-recommended item. It’s the most perfect shade of green, it’s cozy and comfy, it looks good buttoned-up or worn open, and it’s totally timeless.
I don’t need a plethora of satin maxis the way I might’ve a few years ago, but this Satin Maxi Skirt ($398) is a literal cut above the rest. The color is downright delicious, and the fit is absolute perfection.
The Vince On My Wishlist…
The neckline of the Apron Halter Top ($298) is far from my usual, but I can’t help but be enticed by a halter top that lends itself to suiting.
I’m not sure if I’m for or against this trend yet, but if I do pick up a pair of jellies, it’ll be the Barcelona Jelly Sandal ($250) in Ganache. Or Dark Amber. Or Oceanic. I’ll take what I can get!
A white mini skirt feels like the kind of impractical item I’ll never own — and yet here I am, lusting after the Tailored Italian Cotton Skort ($398). So crisp. So cool. I’d do my best not to spill Aperol all over it.
It’s as though a creative at Vince had my wedding colors in mind when dreaming up the Siri Leather Heeled Sandals ($206.50, was $295). I love everything about them, from the itty-bitty heel to the super-strappy front.
I don’t have to say much about this Satin Bias Shell ($298). Just look at the way it sits. Suddenly, no top in my wardrobe falls quite so perfectly.
I’ve been debating the Checked Smocked Midi Skirt ($298) and accompanying Shrunken Camisole ($128) for quite some time now. I love that I could easily throw the skirt on with a white tee for more modesty, but to separate the set feels criminal. If I add one to cart, both are coming along for the ride.
x BG
i somehow received one pair of old moccasin slip-ons from vince years ago and though the sole is totally busted, i can't get myself to get rid of them - they are the perfect elevated basics and i still get compliments on them to this day