elevated basics
elevated basics on Chiara Bransi: a running collection of 21 stories we have gathered and hand-picked because they are worth your time. Every post here touches on elevated basics in some way — the news, the analysis, the deep dives, and the occasional surprise find. Who Chiara Bransi Is Chiara Bransi is a German-born lifestyle and fashion influencer, blogger, model, and entrepreneur. She rose to prominence by sharing fashion, travel, and… New stories are added to this page as we find them, so check back if you want to keep up with what is happening around elevated basics, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get them as soon as they are published. Browse the collection below, or head back to the homepage to see everything Chiara Bransi is covering right now.

I'm a Former Nordstrom Buyer—I Put These 6 Fall Items on Pause, and I'm Wearing These 6 Trends Instead
As a former Nordstrom buyer, I'm attuned to the cyclical nature of fashion. This fall, certain styles are gracefully stepping aside to make room for fresh perspectives. I've paused six key items—including a particular jacket silhouette—and instead, I’m embracing six emerging trends. Discover what's currently capturing my attention and shaping my autumn wardrobe. For a deeper dive into seasonal knitwear, explore "My Friend Asked Me Which Knitwear Trends Will Peak This Autumn—These 6 Will Define the Season."

Hold the Skinny Jeans—This Is the Denim Trend Fashion People in NYC Are Wearing With White Sneakers
The denim landscape is shifting, and the skinny jean’s reign is gently fading. Across New York City, fashion insiders are embracing a more relaxed, refined silhouette: wide-leg denim. This effortless trend offers a modern counterpoint to sleek white sneakers, creating a quietly confident and elevated look perfect for fall. Prioritizing ease and fluidity, the wide-leg jean embodies a sense of understated luxury.

I'm an Executive Shopping Director—These Are the New Fall Items I Keep Talking About (Chic!)
As Executive Shopping Director, I’m consistently scouting for those pieces that define a season—and Fall 2024 is shaping up beautifully. These are the new arrivals I’ve been championing, the ones sparking genuine excitement. Expect elevated essentials and statement pieces that effortlessly elevate your wardrobe. The jackets are particularly compelling this season, alongside a curated selection of bags and foundational basics. For more casual styling inspiration, explore our recent piece, "I’m A Shopping Editor Living In Los Angeles—27 Casual Fall Pieces That Look Put Together."

My 66-Year-Old Mom Asked for Fall Fashion Advice—I Told Her to Start With These Elevated Basics at Nordstrom
Navigating fall fashion at any age can feel like a delightful, yet daunting, task. Recently, my mother—a woman of impeccable taste at 66—requested my guidance. My advice? Begin with elevated basics. Nordstrom offers a curated selection perfect for building a timeless autumnal wardrobe, from luxuriously soft knits to effortlessly chic jackets. These foundational pieces promise enduring style and versatility.

20 Chic On-Sale Madewell Items I Can't Wait to Wear This Fall
Fall’s arrival calls for a wardrobe refresh, and Madewell is offering a curated selection of chic pieces at irresistible prices. I’ve handpicked 20 items—from cozy sweaters to perfectly worn-in denim—that embody effortless style and enduring quality. These are the foundational elements I’ll be layering and styling throughout the season. Hurry, these deals won’t last! For a deeper dive into denim trends, explore "Barrel-Leg Jeans Are Back for Autumn—5 Ways Fashion People Will Be Styling Them This Autumn."

The Chicest Women I Know Shop at Zara, COS and Reformation—9 Rich-Looking Buys on Their Autumn Wish Lists
The women who embody effortless style—those with a Row-coded eye for understated luxury—aren't necessarily frequenting designer boutiques. Instead, they cultivate a curated look with pieces from accessible, elevated brands like Zara, COS, and Reformation. These are the foundational investments they’re adding to their autumn wardrobes, pieces that whisper quality and timelessness. Discover nine rich-looking buys currently topping their wish lists, proving that impeccable style is less about logos and more about intentional choices.

I Yap About Shopping All Day Long—These Are the 4 Fall Elevated Basics I'm Telling People to Try First
As the leaves turn and the air cools, a refined edit of essentials becomes paramount. I'm sharing the four fall basics I'm consistently recommending—the foundational pieces that elevate any wardrobe and promise enduring wear. These aren’t fleeting trends; they’re investments in effortless style. You’ll find yourself reaching for these pieces time and again, building a capsule wardrobe of quiet confidence. Curious about identifying the hallmarks of elegant autumn style? See "How to Spot an Elegant It Girl in Autumn 2026" for further inspiration.

15 Minimalist-But-Cool Outfits All the Chicest Women Will Be Wearing This Fall
As the leaves begin to turn, a quiet confidence settles into our wardrobes. This fall, the chicest women are embracing minimalism with an undeniable edge. We’ve curated 15 effortlessly cool outfits that prioritize intention and timeless style over fleeting trends. These looks whisper luxury, embodying a sense of self-assuredness and refined taste. Discover pieces that elevate your everyday and reflect a considered approach to personal expression.

How Leset Turned Elevated Basics Into a Celebrity Uniform
Leset has quietly become the uniform of the discerning, a go-to for celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Dakota Johnson, and Katie Holmes who prioritize understated elegance. The brand’s appeal lies in its elevated basics—thoughtfully designed knitwear and separates that embody a sense of calm luxury. Leset isn't about fleeting trends; it’s about enduring style and effortless chic. For a deeper dive into the beauty routines that complement this refined aesthetic, explore our article, "Beauty Girls Are Skipping Salon Appointments Thanks to These Root Touch-Up Products."

Not Stilettos—The Heel Style Taking Over LA, NYC, and Paris Right Now
Move over, stilettos. A new heel silhouette is quietly commanding attention across fashion capitals—from the sun-drenched streets of Los Angeles to the bustling avenues of New York and Paris. This isn't a statement shoe; it’s a subtle elevation, a refined detail that speaks volumes about considered style. The rise of this chic heel reflects a broader shift towards quiet luxury and effortless elegance.

I'm a Shopping Director, and Here Is My First List of Fashionable Fall Items at Nordstrom—Go!
As Shopping Director, I'm delighted to present my curated selection of fashionable fall items at Nordstrom—go! This edit embodies a modern and chic sensibility, reflecting a quiet confidence and refined taste. These pieces are designed to seamlessly integrate into your existing wardrobe, elevating everyday moments with effortless style. Discover thoughtfully chosen staples and emerging trends, all reflecting a commitment to understated luxury. For further inspiration on building your autumn wardrobe, explore "Easy, Effortless and Elegant—5 Chic Outfits That Will Be My Go-Tos This Autumn."

Mary-Kate and Ashley Are Backing This Tasteful Shirt Trend for Fall
The Row, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's renowned brand, is quietly signaling a major fall fashion trend: the understated elegance of the crisp, white shirt. This isn’t a loud declaration, but rather a subtle affirmation of timeless style, reflecting The Row's signature commitment to refined simplicity. The trend embodies a quiet confidence, prioritizing quality and enduring design over fleeting trends. For a deeper dive into mindful consumption habits that influence our wardrobes, explore our article, "Can laundry change how we shop?".

Cool Girls in Copenhagen Don’t Do Boring—They Do These 9 Fashion Trends Spotted at Fashion Week
Copenhagen Fashion Week consistently proves that understated elegance reigns supreme. Forget fleeting trends—the "cool girls" of Copenhagen are setting a new standard with effortlessly chic choices. This season, we spotted nine key trends defining Scandinavian style: bold bandanas, unexpectedly sophisticated bermudas, and a pervasive warmth of mustard yellow. It’s a masterclass in quiet confidence. For a deeper dive into elevated escapes, explore our recent piece, "Inside My Stay at the #1 Resort in France."

The Latest Zara New Arrivals Are No Joke—31 On-Trend Picks the Most Stylish People Would Love
The latest Zara arrivals are generating serious buzz, and for good reason. This collection delivers a masterclass in early fall trends—31 pieces that effortlessly embody modern sophistication. Expect a curated selection of elevated basics and statement silhouettes, reflecting a quiet confidence that resonates with discerning style. From impeccably tailored trousers to luxuriously soft knits, these pieces promise to elevate your wardrobe. For a deeper dive into minimalist style, explore our review of the H&M x Wardrobe.NYC collection.

Autumn's First Cult Buy Has Arrived, And Stylish Londoners Are Already Wearing the Affordable Piece On Repeat
Autumn's arrival signals a distinct shift in style, and a single piece is rapidly gaining momentum as *the* must-have item. Already embraced by London’s most discerning fashion enthusiasts, this affordable find is experiencing exceptional demand. It’s a testament to understated elegance and effortless chic—a quiet luxury that speaks volumes. Discover the piece everyone is wearing on repeat, and understand why it’s poised to define the season.

Not Messing Around—I'm a Shopping Director, and These Are the Chic Staples I Know Other Fashion People Will Like
As Shopping Director, I'm often asked about the pieces that consistently elevate a wardrobe. These aren't fleeting trends; they’re the chic staples I know other fashion people—and those with discerning taste—will appreciate. Think impeccably tailored pants, effortlessly gorgeous shoes, and timeless accessories. This curated selection reflects a commitment to quiet luxury and enduring style. For a deeper dive into seasonal footwear, explore our recent article on "Not Sandals—If You Want Your Summer Outfits to Look Rich, Wear This Shoe Trend Instead."

Suddenly, the Chicest Women in Their 30s and 50s Are Swapping Linen Trousers For This Trending Alt
The shift is undeniable: while linen trousers held court for years, a new silhouette is quietly commanding attention. Suddenly, the chicest women—spanning their 30s to 50s—are embracing a trending alternative for an instant upgrade. It’s a subtle yet powerful evolution, prioritizing effortless elegance and refined ease. This isn't a revolution, but a refinement, echoing the principles of quiet luxury.

Hold The Lace Dresses—Summer’s Prettiest Top Trend Will Elevate Your Skirts and Jeans
This summer, forget the dress – the prettiest top trend is undeniably the lace-trimmed camisole. Spotted everywhere from the streets of London to the shores of Ibiza and Greece, this delicate detail is elevating both skirts and jeans with effortless chic. It’s a subtle shift, a whisper of luxury that feels inherently *right*. Embrace the sensual yet understated appeal; it’s the key to unlocking a beautifully refined summer wardrobe.

This Fashion Editor-Loved Brand is On Major Sale in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—Here's Every Chic Item I'm Buying
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here, and discerning fashion enthusiasts are taking note. This season, a brand beloved by editors and style icons is offering significant discounts—a rare opportunity to elevate your wardrobe with understated elegance. We’ve curated a list of every chic item we’re adding to our carts, focusing on pieces that embody effortless sophistication.

If French Women Had Nordstrom, They'd Be All Over These 39 Incredibly Chic Anniversary Sale Picks
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has arrived, and we've curated a selection reflecting the effortless chic of Parisian style. Imagine French women discovering these elevated finds—a collection of incredibly stylish pieces, now offered at up to 60% off. These aren't fleeting trends; they're timeless investments in a refined wardrobe. Discover pieces that whisper luxury and embody understated elegance. For a deeper dive into essential Nordstrom basics included in the sale, explore our article, "I'd Describe These 31 Nordstrom Basics as Elevated and Cool."

I'm a Shopping Director and Can't Get Over the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale—Yes to These 53 Fashion and Beauty Items
As a Shopping Director, I’m rarely this excited, but the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has truly captivated me. The influx of new fall arrivals and exclusive beauty finds is simply irresistible. I've curated a list of 53 fashion and beauty items that deserve a spot in your wardrobe and routine – these are pieces I genuinely believe in.