Yikes 😂 I've only had one experience with Philipp Plein and it wasn't pleasant. Walked into one of their boutiques, lifted (read: held in hand with the most delicate touch) one of their shoes, a model with a glittery Captain America shield. 4 of the plastic jewels fell from the shield as soon as I lifted the shoe, and I didn't even touch that part of it. Safe to say I never gave them a dime.
The word "fashion" kind of guarantees an eternal quest for "something new". The term "style" is the category I look at. Seeing throughout recent history the well dressed and the well mannered. There are examples in movies and books to gain knowledge about this. We can certainly emulate the stylish and not the trendy. We can "up our game" as we learn more about classic style. We can adapt to those stylish gents as we see fit for our current situation, where we go, our climate and our own finances. The latest microfiber or t-shirt certainly has nothing to do with me.
Very true - the closest we can ever get to true timelessness is when clothing is an authentic representation of our personality and expression of what we like. Even if the individual items become 'unfashionable' by that point it doesn't really matter if you're truly living what you're wearing.
I live in the tropics my guy. Cheap microfiber shirts are my go to. I go through 3 to 5 shirts in a day. It's so hot and humid here in the Philippines unless you're posh af that negotiating hygiene needs to be your number one style consideration. Sometimes, you need a lot of practical considerations to be stylish. If I didn't do this, I'd be stylish and stinky which is far less effective than tailored cheap shirts and fresh.
Sambas are merely a particular model _within_ the Silhouette of an _German Army Trainer._ Doesn't matter if it's from Adidas, Martin Margarinella, H&M or AliExpress. Same as a Stand Smith is just a particular example within the ur, archetypical, Platonic, silhouette of a Minimalist Sneaker. Of which other examples include the Common Projects (the "It" shoe of 1,000 trends ago), Koio, Gustin, Beckett Simonon, and a hundred others. These are all riffs on a known ideal. In Classic Menswear, nobody would ever accuse an Allen Edmonds of "ripping off" Meermin because they both sell Long Wing Blutchers. Everybody understands that these are all part of the same family of designs and everybody is individually modifying and tweaking elements to fit that brand's particular view of the ideal example by modifying elements like last shape, width, toe box, sole, heel. Seems like the "community" is once again being somehow bamboozled by the media marketing machine instead of truly understanding what is happening. Buying an "elevated basic" of a GAT, Minimalist Sneaker, Dad Shoe, Runner, etc. will IMO get you more mileage out of shoes than doubling or tripling down on multiple models within the same family of designs. To me it is very dumb to own an Air Force 1 _and_ a Jordan 1 _and_ a Dunk _and_ an SB Dunk because they're all the same silhouette, same shoe, same style, all variations on a theme that ultimate results in the same overall addition to an outfit. To me, I see that behavior as "bad" style.
Like your other recent meta-takes, late-stage Ant is really moving fashion discourse to another level. You’re evoking Patagonia “do not shop” ad ethos, and I’m here for it. At the end you talked about curating personally relevant elevated basics, and I want to point out how your channel has absolutely helped many of us establish these types of wardrobe collections over the years. (“But I style Uniqlo DIFFERENTLY from the models!”) Tl;dr - it was great watching Antwon say the quiet part out loud with big “as per my email” energy
Hahaha really appreciate that! I still want to talk about cool clothing I like but fit it into a theme or topic people can derive more value from than "look, I'm buying stuff!" I have a few ideas for the future, but also having a lot of fun with the meta stuff
The most insidious word in use right now, both in fashion and design, is "timeless" because nothing is timeless. Imagine Roman aristocrats describing tunics and robes as "timeless." One look at the history of clothing and design trends will reveal that nothing is timeless. Even the modern t-shirt is a relatively new creation and it has probably been considered an acceptable way to dress in polite society for less time than your grandparents have been alive. I also don't like that it implies societal acceptance as the primary benefit. If your main reason for buying and wearing something is "society will approve of this forever" - which isn't even true - then I think it betrays a lack of confidence or fear of judgement. I don't believe we're given the gift of life so we can stay within the confines of what society deems acceptable.
"society approves of this" is a very refreshing way to look at what's trending - and makes it a lot easier to ignore if you'd rather wear something else! Appreciate your comment 🙏
It has nothing to do with confidence, it has something to do with sustainability that I could wear one single denim jacket in 1960 and today. So I do not really get your point here. Some people don‘t want to change their wardrobe every year. And I don‘t feel connected to new fashion trends. I simply prefer „classics“. And most of them aren‘t even really conform with most of the society. I see more people running around with trendy clothing than with a Levis Type II jacket for example. Or with Yeezys than with Red Wing Shoes. So it is actually really the other way around.
@@rudimussrodeln your idea of what constitutes a "classic" is shallow and you completely missed my point. pieces that we regard as timeless actually aren't as timeless as we think if you look at the history of fashion.
@@FabulousResults A pair of jeans is worn since the 19th century pretty much the same style until today and will be worn in the future. Yeezys from 2017 are already out. I think you miss the point here. Obviously these classics haven‘t been worn in medieval times but what is the point here? Lmao. I think 150 years of wear is timeless enough in my opinion. And I don‘t see any scenario you won‘t be able to wear red wing boots, jeans and a chore jacket in 50 years. And a basic Levis Type 2 jacket is like 100$ so it isn‘t even part of this luxury staple piece thingy.
Sadly society as a whole seems to “approve” or is too heavily forgiving and influenced to dress with low effort and standards (urban/streetwear, overly loud and bombastic and unpractical clothing)
High weight being better/more luxurious is such a fallacy. The best fabrics are made with cotton/wool/cashmere with longer staple, giving strength, and extreme thinness, giving a soft hand; this means that the highest quality threads and fabric are extremely fine, not heavy. I think people confuse the durability of very dense, thick fabric with quality, but over time the fabric will become rough, will pill and look like garbage. Burlap lasts forever, but it's not luxurious!
You touched on this a little, but I think the thing that really puts me off of these 'elevated' basics the most is the elitism that it permits. It's no secret that the brand name, to me, offers a lot of value. I love buying into a history or a designer that I have researched and know a lot about. But, I don't like the idea that anything I buy is any better than what someone else buys, or vice versa. No matter how much I value that brand name or the designer, it doesn't mean it's the same thing that holds value for that other person and their perspective is just as valid. This idea that one's basic is in some way conclusively superior to another is just unkind and dismisses all the other factors that went into that purchasing journey for the other person. I might like a brand name and you might like the construction, both are valid reasons to buy something.
Elevated basics are a great idea if you define "elevated" not as cooler or better looking, but rather as having higher quality. Spending 2x on a pair of basic shoes because they look slightly different does not have the same value as spending 2x on a pair of basic shoes that are made using materials and techniques that will allow it to last longer, à la Terry Pratchett's "Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory". Spending big money on high quality basics not only gives cred to your wardrobe on their own, but they last much longer which over time means they actually cost you less than cheaper alternatives. That being said, spending more on high quality isn't always a good idea when it comes to clothing that is meant to be consumable. For example - socks, underwear, t-shirts, tennis shoes, sweat-pants, etc. These items are not meant to survive in your wardrobe for long, and so spending more on higher quality versions has a steeply diminishing return on investment. Rather, you should spend more on items you expect to never leave your wardrobe. Some good basics to choose expensive quality over cheap fashion are: oxford shirts, jeans, dress shoes, boots, watches & watch straps, belts, blue & grey suits, jackets, LBDs, black heels, purses, wallets, ties, etc.
I've always thought that elevated basics mean something that is less plain and fits your style more rather than what's so common. For example, instead of a t-shirt with a v-neck, go for sth different like a sweetheart neckline. The trick is to know that it suits you better because it adds a little more *flavour*. I like that you state that it should make you a little more excited to wear it.
I bought some expensive classics as a woman and ended up never wearing them. Either it made me feel too old and out of fashion or they cost so much, I was afraid of ruining them!
I bought this sweater with huge bishop sleeves (puffy until the middle of the forearm then with a tight long wristband) this fall. Back then it fit into a popular trend in the stores around here, that I doubt will be back this year, but I'm sure I'll wear it for a long time as a basic with a little something extra -- whenever I want to replace a lowkey black turtleneck with something more dramatic. Your point about the idea of elevated basics being more relevant when applied to the clothes someone likes to wear specifically, in their own habits, really made sense.✨
Elevated Basics shouldn't be a written-in-stone, one-size-fits-all kind of category. It should just be your personal experience with your personal and cultivated wardrobe. If there's something you've had for months to years that you love to death but then you've found something that is the same thing but also better in quality, pricing, color, etc. then that's what I'd called an 'Elevated Basics'. As always, fantastic video from my favorite fashion guru!
Elevated basics works for me, but I think it works because I'm not looking for it to say so much about me(just a tiny bit, but not much). I just want it clean, presentable, and make me look good. If you see outfits more as near artistic expression of yourself, then I think this type of focus on basics would look too predictable and boring(10:10). But for most layman outside of this type of interest, the basics and elevated basics work well.
Elevated basics are a good concept, a sort of sister-trend to Techwear in its pure form - Emphasizing quality over quantity. I for one buy basic tees at H&M, but only their pima cotton and polyester blend ones. The basic basic ones are actual trash that disintegrates in three washes.
This is an intesting topic but imo I see elevated basics as "maturing" and "regression". I think that basics should be seen more as a statement of efficiency rather than a whole style in itself. I think that as we get older, become more settled, and begin to raise families we start to realize that clothing just isn't all that important and you don't feel an incessant need to express yourself to the world all the time. I remember looking at my parents when they were young and they had a lot of style. They wore there flared jeans, permmed hair, massive sunglasses and platform shoes. But now, they just wear a hoodie and jeans because it just works. It's almost as if the fashion journey is just a phase of our youth and as we get older we let it go. You rarely see the elderly talk about their 'personal style' or 'aesthetic' because they don't feel the need to project that part of them anymore. And in that sense, you regress back to the days when you didn't care about clothes, but at least now you have a wardrobe of quality essientals to fall back on. I also just believe basics do not need to be elevated, they are basic for a reason and its simplicity and effortless/not-trying look is what makes them effective. The more you try to elevate basics the more try-hard it comes off imo.
I will say that lemaire fits irl are super weird and interesting. Because of the proportions and monochrome nature, people who are all about timeless style tend to lean on brands like the row more since the cut and colors are a bit more traditional
outlier has been my favorite "elevated basic" of late. i know i'm late to the hype wagon but ive been moving more towards outlier (and similar brands) because i appreciate the technical properties and attention to textiles in a minimalistic package. i like the idea of waking up and looking at the day like a puzzle- i'm going to be doing x activity today in y weather, what can i wear today that suits these criteria the best (durability/breathability/insulation/weather protection, etc)? it also makes me consider a use case when buying new clothes. rather than thinking "oh i need this to fit in" or "oh that looks cool" i think "how am i going to wear these and what makes them different from my other clothes?" this kind of consideration helps caerfully fill in the gaps where i realize "i need this piece for this activity with x y and z properties" (although sometimes this means i spend a long time looking for the perfect piece). jeans and cotton tees are kind of the jack-of-all-trades, but they don't excel at anything. i'm liking the side of techwear that means i can dial in exactly how i want to feel each day.
I think that attitude works super well if you want to focus more on what you're doing rather than what you're wearing - solving the problem (or getting close enough) just lets you forget about it and enjoy whatever you do. That said, it's always nice to have some fun too and chuck on some unecessary-but-cool pieces. I can't resist dressing a little overkill out hiking just because I like more technical looks
@@ThisIsAntwon to be clear, i also love to splurge lol-- finally got a pair of bbs bambas and love to show them off-- so I'm not all function over form. but i like the simplicity of outlier because i never worry if it doesn't quite gel with those "fun" pieces. when not in school, i have to report to an office so i tend more towards the greyman side of techwear. i wish i could justify getting a pair of acronym pants but i just wouldn't have much call to wear them in the office, and i'd be afraid to damage them while hiking. anyways, as i've said before, i love this new meta-fashion direction. please keep up the great work.
The quality of this channel compared to other fashion channels is just mindblowing. What an outstanding man with such critical analysis. Love your content.
Your fashion discussion videos are refreshing. You actually have your own opinion, and actually have an honest conversation with fashion where you are actually willing to follow the logic until it breaks or succeeds. So much better than the, "Buy a $50 t shirt because everyone else says so" mentality that is so prominent on RUclips and Reddit. Me personally, I'm a basic bitch with my style, and I LIKE elevated basics. $200 jeans? Sign me up. But unlike other people I'm not gonna pretend that that purchase is objectively better than a pair of $70 Levis which are perfectly fine on their own. There's a lot of reasons to buy expensive basics(appreciation for craftsmanship and history of item/brand, quality of construction and fabric, fair wages towards workers) and it's not at all always the objectively better purchase.
WOW Ant, maybe the best advice you've ever given. For me, and I say this from experience, "Elevated Basics" took a turn to ubiquity after FOG. Now it is just a marketing term that allows new brands to release basics and call it a season. It is much cheaper to produce some t-shirts and sweats than actually take the time to create a design language. Too many people wanting to get into fashion because 'fSHoN' without really thinking about what they want to say with the fashion they produce.
9:50 you actually made this point really well on a recent video when you talked about (among other things) the current trend of larger wider pants/ trousers vs the previous decade and a half of skinny tapered jeans/trousers being the staple. If you had bought a pair of skinny Japanese selvage jeans in 2013 for £600 (or whatever they cost at the time) thinking that it was a great investment you’d have looked like an idiot inside 5 years. As an aside; the only clothing item I can think of that is genuinely timeless and everyone should have one is a Barbour waxed field jacket. I got one for my 17 birthday and there hasn’t been a year of my life that I haven’t had at least one occasion where it’s been absolutely necessary. I wear it almost every day in the months of September and October when I’m shooting.
For sure, although if you weather the storm given enough time those same jeans will go back to being the coolest thing ever (even cooler because they're vintage and authentic) Waxed jackets are so linked to genuine workwear they have that aura of heritage style about them - that quality definitely helps things transcend trends
I feel like elevated basics sounds like a promising way to be kind of passively stylish. It's surprising how little connection there can be between quality and price (with the caveat that I can't afford past a certain price level). I feel like sometimes a brand will get lucky working with a high quality factory and the resulting product for that season is good almost by accident.
I don't think I've ever bought anything sold as an elevated basic, but a lot of my wardrobe is quite plain pieces in the highest quality I can find and afford. And there's definitely a design element even to those plain pieces - they might have some subtle details and simply look a little bit more focused. I love and wear a lot of Jil Sander, and they have plenty of stuff that might be considered "elevated basics" both in the sense of higher quality and that little something extra. Their knitwear is fantastic. It is one of the pricier brands, but as Vivienne Westwood said: Buy less, choose well, make it last.
from living in a third world country i came to hate big logo shirts, because they are the ones that are always fake, even if you have a real branded one everyone else will think that you have a fake one, so it kind of pushed me to go for better quality with minimal branding, because i know its value and it doesnt make other people think i wear replicas
You guys're out here saying 60-80$ shirts are elevated basics, meanwhile i'm chilling in my Wrangler button up shirt thinking it's the most durable piece in my wardrobe. Nah but fr: pleated trousers are great; bummed two of 'em from my dad's closet and have been wearing them for a couple weeks, completely replaced my 511s! (i think i mentioned this before: but prices for Levi's and Wranglers here are astronomically high)
I really appreciate your take on this, and the timing of it. I've been exploring this very idea, but I've not been very happy with the kind of content I was finding. You really helped me finish connecting the dots on this one!
Sub culture allegiance as well as brand allegiance are probably the two things that will ensure a somewhat stable „timeless“ wardrobe within the given confines of the sub culture or brand you’re adhering to. Unless of course the subculture or brand drastically changes directions within a very short time frame. Punks, Skaters, Greasers, Rick Owens fanboys could even be considered a subculture at this point, you name it, the overall aesthetic has been more or less consistent. For people who want to look socially acceptable without spending big bucks like some of us do on technical flex or long lost archive pieces, elevated basics or just basics in general are a good option. For me it’s a bit of a mixture, I just make sure that whatever I buy fits me well, fits whatever activity I’ll be using it for and if it has any added technical properties, that’s a nice bonus. There are a couple of brands that I like the look of and „adhere“ to very loosely. One could even argue that certain types of fabrics that have been used for decades at this point create a sense of timelessness and „elevation“ depending on the specific material properties that give them an edge over other types of materials.
1:30 the issue with this is that it's entirely based on other people's perception and not your own taste. There was a time when 350v2s, vans, ultraboost 1.0s etc etc were the MOST fashionable option.. I gaurentee that the samba and other shoes will fall out of flavor in 1-5 years.
I like buying from brands where i can see the effort thats been taken and the attention to details been thought about. Wearing something thats not designed to last and cuts corners to make a make a profit doesn't sit well with me. Cheaper clothes are great for tighter budgets and they have many upsides but i hate the declining quality of products in our era and i would rather pay more to not support this. Im also very lucky that i can afford to do this.
Man thank you sm for making this video - I’ve gone through this problem of justifying that “elevated basics are the best clothing” so many times, only to feel bored about it few weeks later. More ppl need to know that dressing minimally isn’t necessarily the end all be all style for everyone
To answer the thesis at the end for myself, I'd say through my lens it's mostly unusual and pleasing textures with a skew towards cuts and garment types that feel more alt world, like suburban starwars. Or what a hydroponic farmer would wear in blade runner. Anime shop owner. So things that can make regular things feel tilted and special without drawing attention to themselves.
It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole with elevated basics where you see a $50 t shirt and think it’s pretty cheap, since you’re exposed to basic t shirts that run for over $100. Or with jeans, you see a $150 pair of jeans and think it’s a good price since iron heart denim costs $400+. I’ve spent more than I care to admit on pretty basic items of clothing just for the heritage and construction of them. I like it, as it’s a hobby and interest of mine, but to recommend that everyone go out and find the highest quality t shirts and sweaters is disregarding the fact that after a certain point your money is giving you very diminishing returns in terms of longevity and fit. I cant actually think of a piece of clothing I’ve actually worn out except for $5 t shirts and various vans. If you find a piece that fits well and it is made decently and isn’t ridiculously cheap it’s gonna be a good piece of clothing. Spending beyond that may get you some nice details only you might notice, and maybe a little bit more lifespan, but you do not NEED to spend more. This is all putting aside the fact that it’s legitimately hard to find true high quality basics. You really need to know where to look to find these good t shirts otherwise you may spend $100 on a designer white tee that has the same quality as a $30 one. The better advice to give is to tell people how to wash their clothes. For the longest time I washed everything on max heat and I bleached all my whites. Dried on max heat until it was like a desert in the dryer. Clothes shrank and wrinkled and pilled and wore out very quickly. Now, I have two laundry bins. One for stuff I don’t care about and another for important pieces. The important stuff gets cold washed and air dries. It makes clothes last WAY longer. Whites only get bleached if they’re stained. No need to bleach every wash if they’re still white. This has been a game changer. I also invested in a good clothes steamer. If I steam a shirt it kills bacteria and removes any smell. No need to wash it if you’re gonna wear it the day after. Then you could be washing 1/2 as often. Softens wrinkles in the shirts too so you look way better.
I was noticing this topic in recent times. I really like the basics and color blocking, and then I "elevate" this with my favourite colors, like black, purple, maroon, some plaid patterns, and I try to merge with my hobbies and stuff I like, i.e. I like gardening (so floral stuff), hardcore/metalcore music, kinda urban style, so I'm always searching and buying stuff that kinda gets in that "direction" you mention. I feel that there is space to experiment, I'm trying different kinds of pants, as in fabric or color or patterns, same as to shirts and sweashirts, but there was always this question in the back of my head, asking about the product quality, if I really needed that, and why some are REALLY expensive for something it is really not worth it in the end (talking about a product that says it is really good, superb material etc but it is not what I need or want). Really great video and subject, Antwon, thanks for it :)
Thanks! It's so easy to feel like all those material/product innovations are 100% necessary - now I see them almost as "designed for clothing hobbyists" rather than "designed to make your life better". Gardening and metal is the perfect unique combo 🤘🌼
I don’t understand how their clothes are “falling apart after a few washes”. I have some fast fashion clothes that I still wear after 14 years and they’re still good.
I feel like at this point it's just a phrase people like to repeat without it having actually happened to them (or maybe happened once), and now everyone says it
That is what I do, it’s called a Capsule wardrobe. A basic wool tshirt and pants from Outlier$275.:) looks wonderful, the sheen and comfort is upscaled and signaled to my coworker that I do make more money. Love Outlier brand. Top notch stuff actually. And ppl don’t remember what you wore yesterday any way, basics rock, Simply elegance
one of the main problem, which is also pointed out in the video, is that things come out of fashion sooner than they are worn out...or you simply get tired of it or replace it with something more recent because trend is a product on its own and if you want to look trendy, you have a hard job to do, especially if you are on the budget. so its always and never-ending cycle if you like fashion and wearing new gear. You can even see it with second hand popularity - people buy so much stuff (because its often cheap than retail) very often so they can come out with many looks/fits. so you end up with three main options - "orthodox minimalism" (were you replace the piece only once the other one becomes unwearable instead of out of style/trend), "conservative consumerism" (you think twice if you really need that thing) and "buy it all & cry later" :)
I've been following the "buy better/buy less" mantra for many years, going back to my tailored menswear period. But if I'm honest, the reality is that the essential word here is "buy." I like clothes. I like buying new clothes. Frequently. The things I buy may age/age-out slower, but this has in no way reduced the rate at which I acquire them. And its not like the people selling those clothes to me remotely believe their own hype. They aren't going, "Oh boy, I hope that guy buys only one t-shirt from us, ever!" Speaking of aging, our bodies can change significantly over time. I physically can't wear many of the "timeless" pieces I bought a decade ago. Tailored/slim fits just don't work on my body anymore, but when I *have* managed to lose some weight, I have to replace my wardrobe (and then once again, when I gain it back).
I always found basic dull, much less elevated. But if I’m honest as I’ve gotten older I wanted a more minimal look, where I have clothes that go with each other more often. So it while I do have basics such as polos, I’d like to make sure that they are from decent brands with quality material and things that will last. I will say that for me I have an extensive color palette versus the usual neutrals, and I’d like to use those with my basics. Also I am a huge fan of texture So I absolutely do a lot of that
For sure! Been so long since I played TP - really hoping they give it a remaster/remake treatment on Switch as it came a bit too late in the Wii U's life for me to pick it up then.
some clothes looks better with time so by buying a higher quality item we can wear it longer to get them look worn in full with fades or patina or interesting looking scuffs and rich in character, perhaps that's a wiser choice it makes people want to wear their clothes more and longer and not buying too many, just like the raw denim ideal before people in their community like in other fashion community end up having hundreds of pairs
What I find "elevated basic" is for me, istaking blank stuff (hoodies, more specifically) and adding something to them by hand. For example, I have a generic black hoodie I bought at the bazar for like 15$ and I drew the assassin's creed logo on it with acrylic paint. I have another basic blank hoodie that has an art piece drawn by me on its hood. Yes these are basic stuff. But the elevation was done by me, which make these clothes special and unique.
not necessarily elevated basics but theres a streetwear brand in australia that makes some cotton jersey t shirts with raw hems and elongated cuts. as someone who was searching for alternatives to rick owens, julius, and avant-garde brand t shirts, these have become my favorites pretty quickly. its very hard to find t shirts below the luxury price point made with unusual cuts and jersey rather than regular cotton.
Reminds me of other hobbies, value of intent, and diminishing returns. Examples: Guitar hobby: Squier-MIM Fender-MIA Fender-Suhr-Fender Custom Shop. All while the basic Mexican or American Fender is amazing with a basic fret job, soldering, and new nut for most players…even pros. Pistols: Canik-Glock-Colt-Wilson Combat-Full custom based on old Colt or completely new frame. All while Glock with a few upgrades to the slide, sights, and trigger out shoots 99% of people. Etc. Although my Samurai’s and Strike Golds are 1000% the jeans my Wranglers are.
Also have to add: My deadlift numbers, activities and friends irl, and yoga progress has always had more to do with my fashion progress than anything I could ever buy.
This is what happens when you can't find a genuinely interesting subject to talk about, 17 minutes to say "hey I agree with this, I say this, but be careful guys".
I love your channel and straightforward opinions on things about fashion, that's what made me subscribed to your channel even though we have different styles (I can see you're in Techwear now while I'm the basic "The Modest Man + Tim Dessaint" kind of guy) 😂. No BS, cut to the chase content. Thanks RUclips algorithm! Also I highly agree or 100% agree that nothing is truly timeless if it's not super neutral hahaha. That's what I was aiming for to be exact 😅 following trends all the time can be too demanding on our wallets. Another thing that I agree is that buying neutral pieces with different textures, or added design in them sort of elevates them as well just as you mentioned. I can relate to that since that's the exact advice I got from my friend when I asked him what to buy next... since my essential pieces are almost complete.
Ayy thanks! YT algorithm doing us both a solid. Texture was something I didn't really mention but it's another good point, and a great way to make your stuff look and feel more interesting.
Having lived past my teenage and young adult years, I'm cognizant of trends and fads and cycles. I'm completely uninterested in hypebeast culture and chasing high fashion. That's why I tend towards the basics or classics. I don't want to dedicate mental capacity to figuring out what's cool and what's not anymore, what the kids like these days, etc. However, you almost certainly can still overconsume on Elevated Basics. It can become just another pathway to spending more on stuff you don't really need. If my budget didn't permit me, I think I'd still be fine wearing the Uniqlo Selvedge jeans. I guess the takeaway is to hone in on how you really want to dress, and shop and spend intelligently. For me, it really is tending towards classic menswear type outfits, which I like. I tend towards having only a handful of favourite outfits (a capsule wardrobe if you must), so spending smartly into those pieces is the right choice for me.
@@ThisIsAntwon Cheers. Perhaps to put it succinctly, I'd rather spend $100 on a shirt that I really love, as opposed to four $25 shirts I'm not so hot about for example. Your decisions in resource (money) allocation might not always be perfect, but that's the mindset I generally go with for clothes. Although it is certainly applicable to anything. Basics may not shock and awe, but I enjoy the versatility of combining any of these basics together for a cohesive outfit. I think I'll look neat and presentable for years to come. I think where I live is not too fussed about fashion either. If you live in New York or Tokyo for example there are plenty more participating in showcasing themselves on the streets (it might correlate to the higher use of public transport and a denser city center,) and so there is a bit more of a social acceptance or expectation of interesting outfits.
11:38 lmao same, I used to be a jordan/dunks guy until I thrifted some Y-3 Kusaris for 2 dollars, I haven't heard of Y-3 at the time nor do I know that it is an 'elevated basic', I just bought them because I thought they looked cool, but I did not have any clothes that go with the 'vibe' of the shoe. Now I have even more Y-3 shoes and a some ricks, and am currently in the fast lane to a weird mix of techwear and vamp. I regret nothing
Good points and tbh I don’t even see a lot of elevation in this trend. Like thicker fabrics and neutral colors = elevated? idgi and I’m v bored w it and am going to keep wearing high contrast clowncore shit until the trend passes lol 💅🏼
I'm old enough to remember when Kanye tried offering us Elevated Basics with his APC collection and proceeded to get clowned on lol. Most of the clothes were actually nice for their time, but everyone saw that $80 blank tee and went in on him. I will say most of the time you're better off buying a basic clothing piece and just taking it to get tailored to your liking. Unless they have a big ass logo front and center most people will just respond with "Y Tho?" when you tell them you dropped $200 on a blank shirt.
My Neo4ic blank long sleeves and tees are "elevated basics" and they're absolute staples in cooler weather. The fabric is dense and buttery and has incredible stretch. They're very well made and have thoughtful bits like a longer cut or droptail hems so I can lean over worry-free. However, they get ignored in the summer because they're too thick/sturdy/dense. I have some of their beautiful patterned/artistic tees that get worn for conventions, but that's sadly about it in the summer.
I didn't know neo4ic did blanks but that's cool that they've had some care put in - even subtle details with stuff like that can be enough to make you reach for that every time over the alternatives
This was genuinely good advice, thank you! I think it sums up pretty much what I think of as the sweet spot for almost any piece of clothing, basic, only slight better and more personal. I’ve been looking for this type of well informed and thoughtful fashion for such a long time, thank you so much for making it!
Great piece! I bought some Crown Northamptons and found myself endlessly explaining why they were better than Common projects that I really wish I'd had some little gold numbers written on them to stop me sounding such a dick. Everything lasts long enough but not everything wears in well. There can be another life for certain basic items once they've been broken in. But I guess that's a different episode?
Love your insightful videos, Antwon! I'd love to hear your take on what it means to "pull something off" when it comes to fashion. I've heard people say they don't want to wear something because they "don't think they can pull it off" but I don't quite know what they mean. Is it not knowing how to style an article of clothing; what to pair it with? Is it thinking something wouldn't flatter your body type? Is it not having the confidence to wear something bold or eye-catching?
Basics mean different things for everyone depending on your personal taste and style. I dress more alternative so my basics will also be more along those lines instead of the basic white sneaker and white tshirt and loght colored jeans. I just wouldn't grab those things often. I also buy mostly secondhand now especially for those more expensive basics like jackets or bags.
Very interesting topic with lots to digest. One of the “elevated” basics im trying to buy is the Patagonia organic cotton plain tees. However at the price idk if I can justify it. I do have their other organic tees with graphics on them but those feel like I’m getting something extra since they have graphics. I can usually layer them up and hide the logos for sure. With those I feel like I get more uses out of them with so many outfits. Which really always leaves me with not buying the basic logo less ones. Another thing you touched upon is the exploration angle. The one shirt I keep using is the Uniqlo linen band color button up shirt. I’ve gotten compliments on it and it’s the only item I own with that unique collar. It’s def breathable for the summer/hot weather and It’s been able to pair well with so many items I already wear. Now would I buy another one from Uniqlo? Maybe. But what if I look for other brands that have similar collars or use linen. I think that’s the more important part. And you’re right. I feel like an “elevated” anything needs to have something a little extra. Sort of like when you level up items in video games. 😂
If you already own the logo versions I'd say they're a very safe bet - there'll be situations where a logoless tee will be more valuable, so great to have something where you're happy with the base product quality to rely on. I know exactly the sort of shirt you mean and you're exactly right, they're a great mix of conventional and unusual - especially with smarter clothing even small variations are enough to look unique and interesting. Gotta get those stat bonuses attached to your clothing 😎
This term makes no sense to me. If we consider elevated basics to be just the basic clothes made with higher quality materials and craftsmanship, then they are the same as basic clothes. Just better made. Nothing “elevated” to them. If they are more personal and directional, have some quirk to them or whatever - then they are no longer basic, in my opinion.
I would consider an elevated basic like a converse with a vibram outsole or Air Force 1 with gortex materials. Maybe even like a handmade Jean jacket from Levi.
i got called uncool in like 2011 when i was in 8th grade for not wearing sambas why are they back now i was under the impression they were always cool and are a staple since they still make them
Ive been rocking some g star raw and was unaware some of that falls in this category. I feel there is way to much thought put into all the sub genres of fashion, it starts to drive me crazy.
Hi, new (ish) subscriber here and I'm really enjoying your content a lot. Especially the humor in the graphics, which I often pause to read properly. One thing I've noticed though is that you "talk" with your hands and arms a lot, which is great, it shows your mentally engaged and passionate about the subject. But when you stop "talking" with your right arm it usually means a jump cut is coming up 🎬 and it gets a bit distracting. Maybe try using a foot pedal for a mouse? Or just put your mouse on the floor to keep that on camera action more fluid in relation to the dialogue and perhaps it will make editing easier too.
Thanks! I actually don't click anything while I'm recording - I just let the camera run and cut it down afterwards - so it's probably that I'm subconsciously coming to the end of my point so stop waving around as much 😅
Hello ANTWON! Thx for another banger of a vid! It’s 5am in Australia and I am on a local street/techwear website as I was keen for some Acronym big ol pants. Would you ever consider talking about size and image re techwear? I don’t have Twitter etc to harass you on there eee so here I am on an unrelated video 😢 Size runs are very limited, and as someone who has worked in fashion I get the defence as to why, however I feel that the image of who ‘should’ and can wear certain pieces is very defined. You’re not going to risk sizing on a 2k piece, and I think that some brands bank on that? A Google of plus size tech wear just gets you a lot of cheap imitations (Ali express etc), and the videos I’ve seen are of women (I’m a woman!) who are barely on the upper end of straight sizing. Anyway thank u favourite clothing friend 🎉
Well I agree with you, elevated should represent a better version of your "basics" in relation to your own style. The 2nd important point is the term "basics" which should represent different pieces of clothing for everyone. I can't understand why anyone would like to dress the same as everyone else when you are older than 18 years old ( 90% of videos for women will tell you that you need a black blazer, a white tee shirt, a white button down, a pair of jeans, black pants and a trenchcoat....)
I mean you're not necessarily wrong but I do have some similar pieces that probably fall into the category of 'elevated basics', for example the UHF ombre flannel shirt from ironheart. I really love wearing it and bought another last winter, even though it's 10 to 20 times the price of an 'amazons essential' flannel shirt
Honestly, my personsl experience on the quality front is so difficult. My uniqlo thermals haven't bobbled after years. Meanwhile their white supima and thick cotton stuff has bubbled and faded. A nike black tee of mine has survived 8 years, but a modern one won't. Its a shame that the longevity of these pieces is not consistent within brands and changes over time. Ots just annoying when a piece you like for the fit or design falls apart and you lose a staple in your wardrobe well before you want to
I work at theory so my closet has taken shape into mostly “elevated basics” everything is really nice quality and have held up very nicely compared to all of the stuff I used to own.
In my opinion elevated basics is a thing. A 40-60€ tshirt can be washed up to 100 times and still holding it's shape, but a 20€ one lasts only for a few years. I've been wearing a 60€ tshirt for 5 years and now is starting to become thinner.
quite honestly, even your "basic" basics (if cared for properly) can still last a few seasons. basics by nature are meant to be replenished/replaced every few seasons as new cuts & colors are introduced, so sure, if you can afford that $120 USD t-shirt and want to justify the cost by alleging that you much prefer the way it drapes on your body, then knock yourself out... but that $14.90 USD on sale t-shirt (looking at you uniqlo airism...) will do the exact same thing for the average person.
I know I'm probably just very lucky, but I have literally never had any clothing fall apart from just general use. I just outgrow it after a few years of use. I literally still have a plain t-shirt I found at a supermaket a few years ago and its still in good shape, it cost 3.50 maybe? So when I hear certain buzzwords like "elevated" it just sounds like b.s to me.
I'm sure I've seen a video like that before! I think that's a better topic to cover in the US as there's more choice than here in UK. Would be a fun one to do though
I bought some Sambas as a young teen a long time ago. Definitely the most hard and uncomfortable shoe I've ever had. Even if I liked the look now I couldn't do it
'invest in timeless, high-quality items that you can always come back to' - finally some justification for my extensive Philipp Plein collection.
Yikes 😂
I've only had one experience with Philipp Plein and it wasn't pleasant. Walked into one of their boutiques, lifted (read: held in hand with the most delicate touch) one of their shoes, a model with a glittery Captain America shield. 4 of the plastic jewels fell from the shield as soon as I lifted the shoe, and I didn't even touch that part of it. Safe to say I never gave them a dime.
@@PocketUauphilip plain is one of the greatest designers of our generation and any generation before or after
philipp plein is a copycat, he steals logo and made it like his own
When everything you own is covered in crystals and glitter it gets real easy to match them all together 😎
@@ThisIsAntwon is he your brother?
ruclips.net/video/TUQKSv8ihYY/видео.html
"Buy it nice or buy it twice" my grandma says who was a seamstress ...
The word "fashion" kind of guarantees an eternal quest for "something new". The term "style" is the category I look at. Seeing throughout recent history the well dressed and the well mannered. There are examples in movies and books to gain knowledge about this. We can certainly emulate the stylish and not the trendy. We can "up our game" as we learn more about classic style. We can adapt to those stylish gents as we see fit for our current situation, where we go, our climate and our own finances. The latest microfiber or t-shirt certainly has nothing to do with me.
Very true - the closest we can ever get to true timelessness is when clothing is an authentic representation of our personality and expression of what we like. Even if the individual items become 'unfashionable' by that point it doesn't really matter if you're truly living what you're wearing.
I live in the tropics my guy. Cheap microfiber shirts are my go to. I go through 3 to 5 shirts in a day. It's so hot and humid here in the Philippines unless you're posh af that negotiating hygiene needs to be your number one style consideration.
Sometimes, you need a lot of practical considerations to be stylish. If I didn't do this, I'd be stylish and stinky which is far less effective than tailored cheap shirts and fresh.
Genuine facts, no BS
Your content is worth giving my time to
🙏 couldn't ask for a higher compliment
Sambas are merely a particular model _within_ the Silhouette of an _German Army Trainer._ Doesn't matter if it's from Adidas, Martin Margarinella, H&M or AliExpress. Same as a Stand Smith is just a particular example within the ur, archetypical, Platonic, silhouette of a Minimalist Sneaker. Of which other examples include the Common Projects (the "It" shoe of 1,000 trends ago), Koio, Gustin, Beckett Simonon, and a hundred others. These are all riffs on a known ideal.
In Classic Menswear, nobody would ever accuse an Allen Edmonds of "ripping off" Meermin because they both sell Long Wing Blutchers. Everybody understands that these are all part of the same family of designs and everybody is individually modifying and tweaking elements to fit that brand's particular view of the ideal example by modifying elements like last shape, width, toe box, sole, heel.
Seems like the "community" is once again being somehow bamboozled by the media marketing machine instead of truly understanding what is happening. Buying an "elevated basic" of a GAT, Minimalist Sneaker, Dad Shoe, Runner, etc. will IMO get you more mileage out of shoes than doubling or tripling down on multiple models within the same family of designs. To me it is very dumb to own an Air Force 1 _and_ a Jordan 1 _and_ a Dunk _and_ an SB Dunk because they're all the same silhouette, same shoe, same style, all variations on a theme that ultimate results in the same overall addition to an outfit. To me, I see that behavior as "bad" style.
Like your other recent meta-takes, late-stage Ant is really moving fashion discourse to another level. You’re evoking Patagonia “do not shop” ad ethos, and I’m here for it.
At the end you talked about curating personally relevant elevated basics, and I want to point out how your channel has absolutely helped many of us establish these types of wardrobe collections over the years. (“But I style Uniqlo DIFFERENTLY from the models!”)
Tl;dr - it was great watching Antwon say the quiet part out loud with big “as per my email” energy
Hahaha really appreciate that! I still want to talk about cool clothing I like but fit it into a theme or topic people can derive more value from than "look, I'm buying stuff!" I have a few ideas for the future, but also having a lot of fun with the meta stuff
@@ThisIsAntwon I’m glad this isn’t just a phase
Agreed I appreciate the full discussions here versus Buy! Now!
It's always refreshing to hear honest takes on the fashion community. Good job mate
The most insidious word in use right now, both in fashion and design, is "timeless" because nothing is timeless. Imagine Roman aristocrats describing tunics and robes as "timeless." One look at the history of clothing and design trends will reveal that nothing is timeless. Even the modern t-shirt is a relatively new creation and it has probably been considered an acceptable way to dress in polite society for less time than your grandparents have been alive. I also don't like that it implies societal acceptance as the primary benefit. If your main reason for buying and wearing something is "society will approve of this forever" - which isn't even true - then I think it betrays a lack of confidence or fear of judgement. I don't believe we're given the gift of life so we can stay within the confines of what society deems acceptable.
"society approves of this" is a very refreshing way to look at what's trending - and makes it a lot easier to ignore if you'd rather wear something else! Appreciate your comment 🙏
It has nothing to do with confidence, it has something to do with sustainability that I could wear one single denim jacket in 1960 and today. So I do not really get your point here. Some people don‘t want to change their wardrobe every year. And I don‘t feel connected to new fashion trends. I simply prefer „classics“. And most of them aren‘t even really conform with most of the society. I see more people running around with trendy clothing than with a Levis Type II jacket for example. Or with Yeezys than with Red Wing Shoes. So it is actually really the other way around.
@@rudimussrodeln your idea of what constitutes a "classic" is shallow and you completely missed my point. pieces that we regard as timeless actually aren't as timeless as we think if you look at the history of fashion.
@@FabulousResults A pair of jeans is worn since the 19th century pretty much the same style until today and will be worn in the future. Yeezys from 2017 are already out. I think you miss the point here. Obviously these classics haven‘t been worn in medieval times but what is the point here? Lmao. I think 150 years of wear is timeless enough in my opinion. And I don‘t see any scenario you won‘t be able to wear red wing boots, jeans and a chore jacket in 50 years. And a basic Levis Type 2 jacket is like 100$ so it isn‘t even part of this luxury staple piece thingy.
Sadly society as a whole seems to “approve” or is too heavily forgiving and influenced to dress with low effort and standards (urban/streetwear, overly loud and bombastic and unpractical clothing)
High weight being better/more luxurious is such a fallacy. The best fabrics are made with cotton/wool/cashmere with longer staple, giving strength, and extreme thinness, giving a soft hand; this means that the highest quality threads and fabric are extremely fine, not heavy. I think people confuse the durability of very dense, thick fabric with quality, but over time the fabric will become rough, will pill and look like garbage. Burlap lasts forever, but it's not luxurious!
You touched on this a little, but I think the thing that really puts me off of these 'elevated' basics the most is the elitism that it permits. It's no secret that the brand name, to me, offers a lot of value. I love buying into a history or a designer that I have researched and know a lot about. But, I don't like the idea that anything I buy is any better than what someone else buys, or vice versa. No matter how much I value that brand name or the designer, it doesn't mean it's the same thing that holds value for that other person and their perspective is just as valid. This idea that one's basic is in some way conclusively superior to another is just unkind and dismisses all the other factors that went into that purchasing journey for the other person. I might like a brand name and you might like the construction, both are valid reasons to buy something.
Very eloquently put and totally agree - wish more people took that view!
Elevated basics are a great idea if you define "elevated" not as cooler or better looking, but rather as having higher quality. Spending 2x on a pair of basic shoes because they look slightly different does not have the same value as spending 2x on a pair of basic shoes that are made using materials and techniques that will allow it to last longer, à la Terry Pratchett's "Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory". Spending big money on high quality basics not only gives cred to your wardrobe on their own, but they last much longer which over time means they actually cost you less than cheaper alternatives.
That being said, spending more on high quality isn't always a good idea when it comes to clothing that is meant to be consumable. For example - socks, underwear, t-shirts, tennis shoes, sweat-pants, etc. These items are not meant to survive in your wardrobe for long, and so spending more on higher quality versions has a steeply diminishing return on investment.
Rather, you should spend more on items you expect to never leave your wardrobe. Some good basics to choose expensive quality over cheap fashion are: oxford shirts, jeans, dress shoes, boots, watches & watch straps, belts, blue & grey suits, jackets, LBDs, black heels, purses, wallets, ties, etc.
I've always thought that elevated basics mean something that is less plain and fits your style more rather than what's so common. For example, instead of a t-shirt with a v-neck, go for sth different like a sweetheart neckline. The trick is to know that it suits you better because it adds a little more *flavour*.
I like that you state that it should make you a little more excited to wear it.
I bought some expensive classics as a woman and ended up never wearing them. Either it made me feel too old and out of fashion or they cost so much, I was afraid of ruining them!
I bought this sweater with huge bishop sleeves (puffy until the middle of the forearm then with a tight long wristband) this fall. Back then it fit into a popular trend in the stores around here, that I doubt will be back this year, but I'm sure I'll wear it for a long time as a basic with a little something extra -- whenever I want to replace a lowkey black turtleneck with something more dramatic. Your point about the idea of elevated basics being more relevant when applied to the clothes someone likes to wear specifically, in their own habits, really made sense.✨
Thanks! Sweater sounds pretty cool as well - the Huni hoodie I have is a little like that cut and it's super fun to wear
Elevated Basics shouldn't be a written-in-stone, one-size-fits-all kind of category. It should just be your personal experience with your personal and cultivated wardrobe. If there's something you've had for months to years that you love to death but then you've found something that is the same thing but also better in quality, pricing, color, etc. then that's what I'd called an 'Elevated Basics'.
As always, fantastic video from my favorite fashion guru!
Elevated basics works for me, but I think it works because I'm not looking for it to say so much about me(just a tiny bit, but not much). I just want it clean, presentable, and make me look good.
If you see outfits more as near artistic expression of yourself, then I think this type of focus on basics would look too predictable and boring(10:10). But for most layman outside of this type of interest, the basics and elevated basics work well.
Can we talk about customization & accessorization as a form of personally elevating your basics?
I love the broader subject matter of these recent videos man, they are genuinely insightful and original. Thanks for the great content
Elevated basics are a good concept, a sort of sister-trend to Techwear in its pure form - Emphasizing quality over quantity. I for one buy basic tees at H&M, but only their pima cotton and polyester blend ones. The basic basic ones are actual trash that disintegrates in three washes.
This is an intesting topic but imo I see elevated basics as "maturing" and "regression". I think that basics should be seen more as a statement of efficiency rather than a whole style in itself. I think that as we get older, become more settled, and begin to raise families we start to realize that clothing just isn't all that important and you don't feel an incessant need to express yourself to the world all the time. I remember looking at my parents when they were young and they had a lot of style. They wore there flared jeans, permmed hair, massive sunglasses and platform shoes. But now, they just wear a hoodie and jeans because it just works. It's almost as if the fashion journey is just a phase of our youth and as we get older we let it go. You rarely see the elderly talk about their 'personal style' or 'aesthetic' because they don't feel the need to project that part of them anymore. And in that sense, you regress back to the days when you didn't care about clothes, but at least now you have a wardrobe of quality essientals to fall back on. I also just believe basics do not need to be elevated, they are basic for a reason and its simplicity and effortless/not-trying look is what makes them effective. The more you try to elevate basics the more try-hard it comes off imo.
I will say that lemaire fits irl are super weird and interesting. Because of the proportions and monochrome nature, people who are all about timeless style tend to lean on brands like the row more since the cut and colors are a bit more traditional
outlier has been my favorite "elevated basic" of late. i know i'm late to the hype wagon but ive been moving more towards outlier (and similar brands) because i appreciate the technical properties and attention to textiles in a minimalistic package. i like the idea of waking up and looking at the day like a puzzle- i'm going to be doing x activity today in y weather, what can i wear today that suits these criteria the best (durability/breathability/insulation/weather protection, etc)? it also makes me consider a use case when buying new clothes. rather than thinking "oh i need this to fit in" or "oh that looks cool" i think "how am i going to wear these and what makes them different from my other clothes?" this kind of consideration helps caerfully fill in the gaps where i realize "i need this piece for this activity with x y and z properties" (although sometimes this means i spend a long time looking for the perfect piece). jeans and cotton tees are kind of the jack-of-all-trades, but they don't excel at anything. i'm liking the side of techwear that means i can dial in exactly how i want to feel each day.
I think that attitude works super well if you want to focus more on what you're doing rather than what you're wearing - solving the problem (or getting close enough) just lets you forget about it and enjoy whatever you do. That said, it's always nice to have some fun too and chuck on some unecessary-but-cool pieces. I can't resist dressing a little overkill out hiking just because I like more technical looks
@@ThisIsAntwon to be clear, i also love to splurge lol-- finally got a pair of bbs bambas and love to show them off-- so I'm not all function over form. but i like the simplicity of outlier because i never worry if it doesn't quite gel with those "fun" pieces. when not in school, i have to report to an office so i tend more towards the greyman side of techwear. i wish i could justify getting a pair of acronym pants but i just wouldn't have much call to wear them in the office, and i'd be afraid to damage them while hiking.
anyways, as i've said before, i love this new meta-fashion direction. please keep up the great work.
Man, them custom Gundams are sick! 😮 Especially ones with flourescent paint. 🤩
I am really enjoying the depth that you exploring the fashion realm. Thank you as always for your great content. I always look forward to it.
The quality of this channel compared to other fashion channels is just mindblowing. What an outstanding man with such critical analysis. Love your content.
Tip: Buy the items the brand is known for
ex. Buy tennis/polo shirts from lacoste not shoes or watches
Buy denim from Levi's not T-shirts
Very solid advice!
Your fashion discussion videos are refreshing. You actually have your own opinion, and actually have an honest conversation with fashion where you are actually willing to follow the logic until it breaks or succeeds. So much better than the, "Buy a $50 t shirt because everyone else says so" mentality that is so prominent on RUclips and Reddit.
Me personally, I'm a basic bitch with my style, and I LIKE elevated basics. $200 jeans? Sign me up. But unlike other people I'm not gonna pretend that that purchase is objectively better than a pair of $70 Levis which are perfectly fine on their own. There's a lot of reasons to buy expensive basics(appreciation for craftsmanship and history of item/brand, quality of construction and fabric, fair wages towards workers) and it's not at all always the objectively better purchase.
WOW Ant, maybe the best advice you've ever given. For me, and I say this from experience, "Elevated Basics" took a turn to ubiquity after FOG. Now it is just a marketing term that allows new brands to release basics and call it a season. It is much cheaper to produce some t-shirts and sweats than actually take the time to create a design language. Too many people wanting to get into fashion because 'fSHoN' without really thinking about what they want to say with the fashion they produce.
9:50 you actually made this point really well on a recent video when you talked about (among other things) the current trend of larger wider pants/ trousers vs the previous decade and a half of skinny tapered jeans/trousers being the staple.
If you had bought a pair of skinny Japanese selvage jeans in 2013 for £600 (or whatever they cost at the time) thinking that it was a great investment you’d have looked like an idiot inside 5 years.
As an aside; the only clothing item I can think of that is genuinely timeless and everyone should have one is a Barbour waxed field jacket. I got one for my 17 birthday and there hasn’t been a year of my life that I haven’t had at least one occasion where it’s been absolutely necessary. I wear it almost every day in the months of September and October when I’m shooting.
For sure, although if you weather the storm given enough time those same jeans will go back to being the coolest thing ever (even cooler because they're vintage and authentic)
Waxed jackets are so linked to genuine workwear they have that aura of heritage style about them - that quality definitely helps things transcend trends
Recessioncore
Your latest videos have been absolutely stonking, I am thoroughly enjoying them all and really love this deeper dive into theory behind fashion. 🔥
Must be one of my favorite videos on this channel, clever integration of jokes to balance the rant-y mood
Yooo thanks! Gotta keep it 1 step away from "conspiracy theorist ramble" at all times
I feel like elevated basics sounds like a promising way to be kind of passively stylish. It's surprising how little connection there can be between quality and price (with the caveat that I can't afford past a certain price level). I feel like sometimes a brand will get lucky working with a high quality factory and the resulting product for that season is good almost by accident.
I don't think I've ever bought anything sold as an elevated basic, but a lot of my wardrobe is quite plain pieces in the highest quality I can find and afford. And there's definitely a design element even to those plain pieces - they might have some subtle details and simply look a little bit more focused. I love and wear a lot of Jil Sander, and they have plenty of stuff that might be considered "elevated basics" both in the sense of higher quality and that little something extra. Their knitwear is fantastic. It is one of the pricier brands, but as Vivienne Westwood said: Buy less, choose well, make it last.
from living in a third world country i came to hate big logo shirts, because they are the ones that are always fake, even if you have a real branded one everyone else will think that you have a fake one, so it kind of pushed me to go for better quality with minimal branding, because i know its value and it doesnt make other people think i wear replicas
You guys're out here saying 60-80$ shirts are elevated basics, meanwhile i'm chilling in my Wrangler button up shirt thinking it's the most durable piece in my wardrobe. Nah but fr: pleated trousers are great; bummed two of 'em from my dad's closet and have been wearing them for a couple weeks, completely replaced my 511s!
(i think i mentioned this before: but prices for Levi's and Wranglers here are astronomically high)
I really appreciate your take on this, and the timing of it. I've been exploring this very idea, but I've not been very happy with the kind of content I was finding. You really helped me finish connecting the dots on this one!
Awesome, glad I could be of help!
Sub culture allegiance as well as brand allegiance are probably the two things that will ensure a somewhat stable „timeless“ wardrobe within the given confines of the sub culture or brand you’re adhering to. Unless of course the subculture or brand drastically changes directions within a very short time frame. Punks, Skaters, Greasers, Rick Owens fanboys could even be considered a subculture at this point, you name it, the overall aesthetic has been more or less consistent. For people who want to look socially acceptable without spending big bucks like some of us do on technical flex or long lost archive pieces, elevated basics or just basics in general are a good option. For me it’s a bit of a mixture, I just make sure that whatever I buy fits me well, fits whatever activity I’ll be using it for and if it has any added technical properties, that’s a nice bonus. There are a couple of brands that I like the look of and „adhere“ to very loosely. One could even argue that certain types of fabrics that have been used for decades at this point create a sense of timelessness and „elevation“ depending on the specific material properties that give them an edge over other types of materials.
1:30 the issue with this is that it's entirely based on other people's perception and not your own taste. There was a time when 350v2s, vans, ultraboost 1.0s etc etc were the MOST fashionable option.. I gaurentee that the samba and other shoes will fall out of flavor in 1-5 years.
I swear I've just been binge watching your content today. Very in-depth research, interesting perspectives. Overall great content 👌
I like buying from brands where i can see the effort thats been taken and the attention to details been thought about. Wearing something thats not designed to last and cuts corners to make a make a profit doesn't sit well with me. Cheaper clothes are great for tighter budgets and they have many upsides but i hate the declining quality of products in our era and i would rather pay more to not support this. Im also very lucky that i can afford to do this.
For sure - if I'm gonna vote with my wallet I'd much rather vote in the direction of care and attention than mass production!
Man thank you sm for making this video - I’ve gone through this problem of justifying that “elevated basics are the best clothing” so many times, only to feel bored about it few weeks later. More ppl need to know that dressing minimally isn’t necessarily the end all be all style for everyone
To answer the thesis at the end for myself, I'd say through my lens it's mostly unusual and pleasing textures with a skew towards cuts and garment types that feel more alt world, like suburban starwars. Or what a hydroponic farmer would wear in blade runner. Anime shop owner.
So things that can make regular things feel tilted and special without drawing attention to themselves.
It’s easy to fall into a rabbit hole with elevated basics where you see a $50 t shirt and think it’s pretty cheap, since you’re exposed to basic t shirts that run for over $100. Or with jeans, you see a $150 pair of jeans and think it’s a good price since iron heart denim costs $400+.
I’ve spent more than I care to admit on pretty basic items of clothing just for the heritage and construction of them. I like it, as it’s a hobby and interest of mine, but to recommend that everyone go out and find the highest quality t shirts and sweaters is disregarding the fact that after a certain point your money is giving you very diminishing returns in terms of longevity and fit.
I cant actually think of a piece of clothing I’ve actually worn out except for $5 t shirts and various vans. If you find a piece that fits well and it is made decently and isn’t ridiculously cheap it’s gonna be a good piece of clothing. Spending beyond that may get you some nice details only you might notice, and maybe a little bit more lifespan, but you do not NEED to spend more.
This is all putting aside the fact that it’s legitimately hard to find true high quality basics. You really need to know where to look to find these good t shirts otherwise you may spend $100 on a designer white tee that has the same quality as a $30 one.
The better advice to give is to tell people how to wash their clothes. For the longest time I washed everything on max heat and I bleached all my whites. Dried on max heat until it was like a desert in the dryer. Clothes shrank and wrinkled and pilled and wore out very quickly.
Now, I have two laundry bins. One for stuff I don’t care about and another for important pieces. The important stuff gets cold washed and air dries. It makes clothes last WAY longer. Whites only get bleached if they’re stained. No need to bleach every wash if they’re still white. This has been a game changer. I also invested in a good clothes steamer. If I steam a shirt it kills bacteria and removes any smell. No need to wash it if you’re gonna wear it the day after. Then you could be washing 1/2 as often. Softens wrinkles in the shirts too so you look way better.
I was noticing this topic in recent times. I really like the basics and color blocking, and then I "elevate" this with my favourite colors, like black, purple, maroon, some plaid patterns, and I try to merge with my hobbies and stuff I like, i.e. I like gardening (so floral stuff), hardcore/metalcore music, kinda urban style, so I'm always searching and buying stuff that kinda gets in that "direction" you mention. I feel that there is space to experiment, I'm trying different kinds of pants, as in fabric or color or patterns, same as to shirts and sweashirts, but there was always this question in the back of my head, asking about the product quality, if I really needed that, and why some are REALLY expensive for something it is really not worth it in the end (talking about a product that says it is really good, superb material etc but it is not what I need or want).
Really great video and subject, Antwon, thanks for it :)
Thanks! It's so easy to feel like all those material/product innovations are 100% necessary - now I see them almost as "designed for clothing hobbyists" rather than "designed to make your life better". Gardening and metal is the perfect unique combo 🤘🌼
I don’t understand how their clothes are “falling apart after a few washes”. I have some fast fashion clothes that I still wear after 14 years and they’re still good.
I feel like at this point it's just a phrase people like to repeat without it having actually happened to them (or maybe happened once), and now everyone says it
That is what I do, it’s called a Capsule wardrobe. A basic wool tshirt and pants from Outlier$275.:) looks wonderful, the sheen and comfort is upscaled and signaled to my coworker that I do make more money. Love Outlier brand. Top notch stuff actually. And ppl don’t remember what you wore yesterday any way, basics rock, Simply elegance
one of the main problem, which is also pointed out in the video, is that things come out of fashion sooner than they are worn out...or you simply get tired of it or replace it with something more recent because trend is a product on its own and if you want to look trendy, you have a hard job to do, especially if you are on the budget. so its always and never-ending cycle if you like fashion and wearing new gear. You can even see it with second hand popularity - people buy so much stuff (because its often cheap than retail) very often so they can come out with many looks/fits.
so you end up with three main options - "orthodox minimalism" (were you replace the piece only once the other one becomes unwearable instead of out of style/trend), "conservative consumerism" (you think twice if you really need that thing) and "buy it all & cry later" :)
I've been following the "buy better/buy less" mantra for many years, going back to my tailored menswear period. But if I'm honest, the reality is that the essential word here is "buy." I like clothes. I like buying new clothes. Frequently. The things I buy may age/age-out slower, but this has in no way reduced the rate at which I acquire them. And its not like the people selling those clothes to me remotely believe their own hype. They aren't going, "Oh boy, I hope that guy buys only one t-shirt from us, ever!"
Speaking of aging, our bodies can change significantly over time. I physically can't wear many of the "timeless" pieces I bought a decade ago. Tailored/slim fits just don't work on my body anymore, but when I *have* managed to lose some weight, I have to replace my wardrobe (and then once again, when I gain it back).
I always found basic dull, much less elevated. But if I’m honest as I’ve gotten older I wanted a more minimal look, where I have clothes that go with each other more often. So it while I do have basics such as polos, I’d like to make sure that they are from decent brands with quality material and things that will last. I will say that for me I have an extensive color palette versus the usual neutrals, and I’d like to use those with my basics. Also I am a huge fan of texture So I absolutely do a lot of that
Always respect the references in your introductions dude... Arbiter's Grounds has a great theme too, TP dungeons are top tier.
For sure! Been so long since I played TP - really hoping they give it a remaster/remake treatment on Switch as it came a bit too late in the Wii U's life for me to pick it up then.
some clothes looks better with time so by buying a higher quality item we can wear it longer to get them look worn in full with fades or patina or interesting looking scuffs and rich in character, perhaps that's a wiser choice it makes people want to wear their clothes more and longer and not buying too many, just like the raw denim ideal before people in their community like in other fashion community end up having hundreds of pairs
What I find "elevated basic" is for me, istaking blank stuff (hoodies, more specifically) and adding something to them by hand. For example, I have a generic black hoodie I bought at the bazar for like 15$ and I drew the assassin's creed logo on it with acrylic paint. I have another basic blank hoodie that has an art piece drawn by me on its hood.
Yes these are basic stuff. But the elevation was done by me, which make these clothes special and unique.
not necessarily elevated basics but theres a streetwear brand in australia that makes some cotton jersey t shirts with raw hems and elongated cuts. as someone who was searching for alternatives to rick owens, julius, and avant-garde brand t shirts, these have become my favorites pretty quickly. its very hard to find t shirts below the luxury price point made with unusual cuts and jersey rather than regular cotton.
So u gonna drop the brand name or something what
Really solid advice and love how thorough you are in your explanations and examples.
Reminds me of other hobbies, value of intent, and diminishing returns.
Examples:
Guitar hobby: Squier-MIM Fender-MIA Fender-Suhr-Fender Custom Shop. All while the basic Mexican or American Fender is amazing with a basic fret job, soldering, and new nut for most players…even pros.
Pistols: Canik-Glock-Colt-Wilson Combat-Full custom based on old Colt or completely new frame. All while Glock with a few upgrades to the slide, sights, and trigger out shoots 99% of people.
Etc.
Although my Samurai’s and Strike Golds are 1000% the jeans my Wranglers are.
Also have to add: My deadlift numbers, activities and friends irl, and yoga progress has always had more to do with my fashion progress than anything I could ever buy.
This is what happens when you can't find a genuinely interesting subject to talk about, 17 minutes to say
"hey I agree with this, I say this, but be careful guys".
Intersting look at different ways to define ‘elevated basic’. Well done
I love your channel and straightforward opinions on things about fashion, that's what made me subscribed to your channel even though we have different styles (I can see you're in Techwear now while I'm the basic "The Modest Man + Tim Dessaint" kind of guy) 😂. No BS, cut to the chase content. Thanks RUclips algorithm!
Also I highly agree or 100% agree that nothing is truly timeless if it's not super neutral hahaha. That's what I was aiming for to be exact 😅 following trends all the time can be too demanding on our wallets. Another thing that I agree is that buying neutral pieces with different textures, or added design in them sort of elevates them as well just as you mentioned. I can relate to that since that's the exact advice I got from my friend when I asked him what to buy next... since my essential pieces are almost complete.
Ayy thanks! YT algorithm doing us both a solid.
Texture was something I didn't really mention but it's another good point, and a great way to make your stuff look and feel more interesting.
Having lived past my teenage and young adult years, I'm cognizant of trends and fads and cycles. I'm completely uninterested in hypebeast culture and chasing high fashion. That's why I tend towards the basics or classics. I don't want to dedicate mental capacity to figuring out what's cool and what's not anymore, what the kids like these days, etc.
However, you almost certainly can still overconsume on Elevated Basics. It can become just another pathway to spending more on stuff you don't really need. If my budget didn't permit me, I think I'd still be fine wearing the Uniqlo Selvedge jeans. I guess the takeaway is to hone in on how you really want to dress, and shop and spend intelligently. For me, it really is tending towards classic menswear type outfits, which I like.
I tend towards having only a handful of favourite outfits (a capsule wardrobe if you must), so spending smartly into those pieces is the right choice for me.
Good advice! Appreciate your comment 🙏
@@ThisIsAntwon Cheers. Perhaps to put it succinctly, I'd rather spend $100 on a shirt that I really love, as opposed to four $25 shirts I'm not so hot about for example. Your decisions in resource (money) allocation might not always be perfect, but that's the mindset I generally go with for clothes. Although it is certainly applicable to anything.
Basics may not shock and awe, but I enjoy the versatility of combining any of these basics together for a cohesive outfit. I think I'll look neat and presentable for years to come.
I think where I live is not too fussed about fashion either. If you live in New York or Tokyo for example there are plenty more participating in showcasing themselves on the streets (it might correlate to the higher use of public transport and a denser city center,) and so there is a bit more of a social acceptance or expectation of interesting outfits.
11:38 lmao same, I used to be a jordan/dunks guy until I thrifted some Y-3 Kusaris for 2 dollars, I haven't heard of Y-3 at the time nor do I know that it is an 'elevated basic', I just bought them because I thought they looked cool, but I did not have any clothes that go with the 'vibe' of the shoe.
Now I have even more Y-3 shoes and a some ricks, and am currently in the fast lane to a weird mix of techwear and vamp. I regret nothing
Good points and tbh I don’t even see a lot of elevation in this trend. Like thicker fabrics and neutral colors = elevated? idgi and I’m v bored w it and am going to keep wearing high contrast clowncore shit until the trend passes lol 💅🏼
I'm old enough to remember when Kanye tried offering us Elevated Basics with his APC collection and proceeded to get clowned on lol. Most of the clothes were actually nice for their time, but everyone saw that $80 blank tee and went in on him. I will say most of the time you're better off buying a basic clothing piece and just taking it to get tailored to your liking. Unless they have a big ass logo front and center most people will just respond with "Y Tho?" when you tell them you dropped $200 on a blank shirt.
hahaha yeah that did not go down well with the media - funny because even then high fashion brands would've charged a lot more than $80 for a t-shirt.
My Neo4ic blank long sleeves and tees are "elevated basics" and they're absolute staples in cooler weather. The fabric is dense and buttery and has incredible stretch. They're very well made and have thoughtful bits like a longer cut or droptail hems so I can lean over worry-free.
However, they get ignored in the summer because they're too thick/sturdy/dense. I have some of their beautiful patterned/artistic tees that get worn for conventions, but that's sadly about it in the summer.
I didn't know neo4ic did blanks but that's cool that they've had some care put in - even subtle details with stuff like that can be enough to make you reach for that every time over the alternatives
Watching this in my Theory Precise-T Crew Neck, Eclipse color, Neo-slub fabric, 100% Pima cotton eith my gray Uniqlo cargos nodding along.
This was genuinely good advice, thank you! I think it sums up pretty much what I think of as the sweet spot for almost any piece of clothing, basic, only slight better and more personal.
I’ve been looking for this type of well informed and thoughtful fashion for such a long time, thank you so much for making it!
Thanks so much for the kind words! Honestly that's exactly why I do stuff like this and always looking to make stuff better where I can
Credit where credit is due!
However I realize forgot to put “content” behind “fashion”, but I gather you got it. Keep up the good work!
that supreme undercover fallen angel shirt slaps tho, got one aswell in black
Great piece! I bought some Crown Northamptons and found myself endlessly explaining why they were better than Common projects that I really wish I'd had some little gold numbers written on them to stop me sounding such a dick. Everything lasts long enough but not everything wears in well. There can be another life for certain basic items once they've been broken in. But I guess that's a different episode?
Love your insightful videos, Antwon! I'd love to hear your take on what it means to "pull something off" when it comes to fashion. I've heard people say they don't want to wear something because they "don't think they can pull it off" but I don't quite know what they mean. Is it not knowing how to style an article of clothing; what to pair it with? Is it thinking something wouldn't flatter your body type? Is it not having the confidence to wear something bold or eye-catching?
Basics mean different things for everyone depending on your personal taste and style. I dress more alternative so my basics will also be more along those lines instead of the basic white sneaker and white tshirt and loght colored jeans. I just wouldn't grab those things often. I also buy mostly secondhand now especially for those more expensive basics like jackets or bags.
Very interesting topic with lots to digest. One of the “elevated” basics im trying to buy is the Patagonia organic cotton plain tees. However at the price idk if I can justify it. I do have their other organic tees with graphics on them but those feel like I’m getting something extra since they have graphics. I can usually layer them up and hide the logos for sure. With those I feel like I get more uses out of them with so many outfits. Which really always leaves me with not buying the basic logo less ones.
Another thing you touched upon is the exploration angle. The one shirt I keep using is the Uniqlo linen band color button up shirt. I’ve gotten compliments on it and it’s the only item I own with that unique collar. It’s def breathable for the summer/hot weather and It’s been able to pair well with so many items I already wear. Now would I buy another one from Uniqlo? Maybe. But what if I look for other brands that have similar collars or use linen. I think that’s the more important part. And you’re right. I feel like an “elevated” anything needs to have something a little extra. Sort of like when you level up items in video games. 😂
If you already own the logo versions I'd say they're a very safe bet - there'll be situations where a logoless tee will be more valuable, so great to have something where you're happy with the base product quality to rely on.
I know exactly the sort of shirt you mean and you're exactly right, they're a great mix of conventional and unusual - especially with smarter clothing even small variations are enough to look unique and interesting.
Gotta get those stat bonuses attached to your clothing 😎
Outlier is a great brand. Finding them lightly used for 50% off on ebay is also really easy to do.
Persona 5 theme 🫡🫡🫡
when I see a new antwon video I wait until I can give it my full attention cuz you can only view it for the first time once
Appreciate your dedication fr 🦩
This term makes no sense to me.
If we consider elevated basics to be just the basic clothes made with higher quality materials and craftsmanship, then they are the same as basic clothes. Just better made. Nothing “elevated” to them.
If they are more personal and directional, have some quirk to them or whatever - then they are no longer basic, in my opinion.
I would consider an elevated basic like a converse with a vibram outsole or Air Force 1 with gortex materials. Maybe even like a handmade Jean jacket from Levi.
i got called uncool in like 2011 when i was in 8th grade for not wearing sambas why are they back now i was under the impression they were always cool and are a staple since they still make them
I think it’s a great Segway into a exciting style. I have a lot of tattoos and piercings so I tend to gravitate towards a minimal look
Ive been rocking some g star raw and was unaware some of that falls in this category. I feel there is way to much thought put into all the sub genres of fashion, it starts to drive me crazy.
Heard plenty of good things about G-Star gear so nothing wrong with that! Ultimately "buy what you love" is as much as anyone needs to think about it!
Hi, new (ish) subscriber here and I'm really enjoying your content a lot. Especially the humor in the graphics, which I often pause to read properly.
One thing I've noticed though is that you "talk" with your hands and arms a lot, which is great, it shows your mentally engaged and passionate about the subject. But when you stop "talking" with your right arm it usually means a jump cut is coming up 🎬 and it gets a bit distracting. Maybe try using a foot pedal for a mouse? Or just put your mouse on the floor to keep that on camera action more fluid in relation to the dialogue and perhaps it will make editing easier too.
Thanks! I actually don't click anything while I'm recording - I just let the camera run and cut it down afterwards - so it's probably that I'm subconsciously coming to the end of my point so stop waving around as much 😅
Elevated basics is where you flex about how you spent £200+ on a simple jumper (ACNE Studios btw)
Hello ANTWON!
Thx for another banger of a vid! It’s 5am in Australia and I am on a local street/techwear website as I was keen for some Acronym big ol pants.
Would you ever consider talking about size and image re techwear? I don’t have Twitter etc to harass you on there eee so here I am on an unrelated video 😢
Size runs are very limited, and as someone who has worked in fashion I get the defence as to why, however I feel that the image of who ‘should’ and can wear certain pieces is very defined.
You’re not going to risk sizing on a 2k piece, and I think that some brands bank on that?
A Google of plus size tech wear just gets you a lot of cheap imitations (Ali express etc), and the videos I’ve seen are of women (I’m a woman!) who are barely on the upper end of straight sizing.
Anyway thank u favourite clothing friend 🎉
Well I agree with you, elevated should represent a better version of your "basics" in relation to your own style. The 2nd important point is the term "basics" which should represent different pieces of clothing for everyone. I can't understand why anyone would like to dress the same as everyone else when you are older than 18 years old ( 90% of videos for women will tell you that you need a black blazer, a white tee shirt, a white button down, a pair of jeans, black pants and a trenchcoat....)
always enjoy your perspective
Thanks!
I mean you're not necessarily wrong but I do have some similar pieces that probably fall into the category of 'elevated basics', for example the UHF ombre flannel shirt from ironheart. I really love wearing it and bought another last winter, even though it's 10 to 20 times the price of an 'amazons essential' flannel shirt
Getting stuff you love wearing is totally the point, glad you like 'em!
Honestly, my personsl experience on the quality front is so difficult.
My uniqlo thermals haven't bobbled after years.
Meanwhile their white supima and thick cotton stuff has bubbled and faded.
A nike black tee of mine has survived 8 years, but a modern one won't.
Its a shame that the longevity of these pieces is not consistent within brands and changes over time.
Ots just annoying when a piece you like for the fit or design falls apart and you lose a staple in your wardrobe well before you want to
I work at theory so my closet has taken shape into mostly “elevated basics” everything is really nice quality and have held up very nicely compared to all of the stuff I used to own.
You gotta put that employee discount to work 💪
In my opinion elevated basics is a thing. A 40-60€ tshirt can be washed up to 100 times and still holding it's shape, but a 20€ one lasts only for a few years. I've been wearing a 60€ tshirt for 5 years and now is starting to become thinner.
I've had $20 tshirts that have lasted me 10 years of regular wear, and still look new
Cool to see my fav brand get a shout out (Reigning Champ)
Got myself a Schott Perfecto from the 80s, was cool in the 80s, still cool now
quite honestly, even your "basic" basics (if cared for properly) can still last a few seasons. basics by nature are meant to be replenished/replaced every few seasons as new cuts & colors are introduced, so sure, if you can afford that $120 USD t-shirt and want to justify the cost by alleging that you much prefer the way it drapes on your body, then knock yourself out... but that $14.90 USD on sale t-shirt (looking at you uniqlo airism...) will do the exact same thing for the average person.
The Go-To >>> Anything In-House from HAVEN 😘
I know I'm probably just very lucky, but I have literally never had any clothing fall apart from just general use. I just outgrow it after a few years of use. I literally still have a plain t-shirt I found at a supermaket a few years ago and its still in good shape, it cost 3.50 maybe? So when I hear certain buzzwords like "elevated" it just sounds like b.s to me.
1:26 Ohh so it just means follow trends
2:16 Yes, thank you
Would you please cover the fashion niche of buying your clothes where you buy your groceries? (Costco / sam's/ Ikea)
I'm sure I've seen a video like that before! I think that's a better topic to cover in the US as there's more choice than here in UK. Would be a fun one to do though
I bought some Sambas as a young teen a long time ago. Definitely the most hard and uncomfortable shoe I've ever had. Even if I liked the look now I couldn't do it
This one convinced me to hit that subscribe button. Great, thought provoking video.
More holes your vans have more cooler they become
I like going to that cheap discount store in the mall and buying a shirt in every color off the $5 rack. Spending $50 on a T shirt makes no sense.
The Dimmu Borgir reference was 🔥