When it comes to statement items in your fall wardrobe, you likely gravitate toward that great power coat or wild shoe to instantly transform a look. The bolder, the better! But can a simple white tee or discrete pair of dress pants pack just as much of a punch?

Many editors at this very magazine have tried to convince me that spending a little more on elevated basics (tees, socks, sweaters, work bags) could drastically level-up my day-to-day style. If foundational pieces are made with quality—the argument goes—then anything paired with them will look just as great.

When it comes to my own closet, however, I have much preferred to shell out on items that warrant the price tag. I want pieces that get noticed! Think: a sequined Prada bomber, or a Cuban-heeled Saint Laurent boot. As someone who veers towards maximalism, the idea of prioritizing basics offered a fun challenge—a new way of dressing and being.

So, I went shopping. Over the past several months (because I do not have an unlimited budget to revamp an entire wardrobe in one weekend), I have tried out a handful of investment-level wardrobe building blocks. I wanted to determine if the argument for a collection of quality basics holds when tested IRL. (A secondary experiment: Would they get as many compliments?) Below, read on as I journeyed through the world of investment basics.

The white tee

I started by experimenting with the quintessential wardrobe classic: a white tee. Sunspel and Buck Mason’s versions (both of which can go for hundreds of dollars), have a nice weight to them—they just feel much nicer than the tees that I’ve had on rotation for years. Layered under sweaters or blazers, they more than suffice, yet they are also so nice that you can wear them on their own with jeans still feel polished. Add some fun jewelry, and you simply cannot go wrong. The verdict: A good plain T-shirt is definitely worth splurging on.

Sunspel

Sea Island T-shirt

Buck Mason

Japanese Cool knit tee

The button-down

Next up, I wanted to see if a classic (but luxurious) dress shirt could transform my work wardrobe. This one was a bit of a cheat, as I’ve long been a devotee of a well-made button down. In my closet, I have solid-colored styles from Prada, Armani, and even some vintage Yohji Yamamoto. For me, the biggest advantage is longevity: A well-made dress shirt will last for years (whereas more affordable styles can deteriorate after a handful of washes). While they may not appear noticeably different to the untrained eye, the investment styles wear better, and last longer.

Charvet

striped cotton poplin shirt

Brunello Cucinelli

striped cotton poplin shirt

The blazer

A classic tailored blazer seemed like a must. For my black blazer of choice, I zeroed in on a black single-breasted style from The Row, a label know for its timeless and stealthy-chic designs. It will never go out of style, but with a slightly oversized silhouette and sharp shoulders, it felt super modern and current. After a single wear, I instantly could tell it was worth the price (sorry to report); it simply hung from the body in a way my other blazers do not. I wore it day and night.

The Row

Sabriel jacket

Saint Laurent

wool blazer

The dress pant

Continuing on, I looked to upgrade classic black dress pants—a versatile item I wear pretty much every day to work. Though I have long been (and always will be) loyal to the affordable Wrangler dress jean, I tested an upgraded version: a black Prada pant with subtle white stitching I found at a sample sale. Much like the blazer, the elevated pant just has a different vibe to it. Paired with a basic navy sweater, it feels super sleek and put-together. Plus, they got a compliment from a co-worker—an added bonus.

Celine

straight-leg pleated trousers

Ralph Lauren

pleated wool flannel trousers

Prada

wool pants

The cashmere sweater

It’s no secret that cashmere is always worth the higher price point (because is there a cozier fabric?). When I invested in a collared polo sweater from Brooks Brothers, though, I wanted to see if the luxurious piece could trump my colorful knits. Sorry to sound like a broken record here, but the beauty truly lies in its simplicity: I could instantly dress it down with jeans and sneakers, or dress it up with dress pants and loafers. Having a luxe basic—versus a bolder statement style—gives you the freedom to create just about any look.

Brooks Brothers

crewneck saddle shoulder sweater

Loro Piana

Parksville sweater

The sock

I know, I know. . . investing in a pair of socks? Yes! We wear them every day, first of all, so why wouldn’t you want to walk around in an extra-plush pair? When I slipped into my ribbed Falke wool dress socks earlier this month, I felt like an adult who finally got their life together. One day, I even coordinated a burgundy pair to my brown loafers. There is something gratifying about taking a mundane sock and making it feel special—like a treat. Highly recommend.

Falke

N7 Finest ribbed socks

J. Press

ribbed wool socks

The loafer

When it comes to work shoes, there is no style I lean on more heavily than a classic dressy loafer. Recently, I splurged on two pairs of Manolo Blahnik penny loafers—one in chocolate brown suede, and the other a deep green leather. There is a sense of ease and sophistication to both of them. They have since become my go-to shoe, especially when I am rushing out the door.

Manolo Blahnik

Perry penny loafers

Lemaire

leather loafers

The work bag

For my biggest investment, I decided to spend some hefty cash on a chic work bag. It may not be the most practical or largest style, but a gray Balenciaga City Bag has given me joy as my everyday carry-all (yes, it even fits my laptop). The beauty of leveling-up from the ratty tote is that I can go out after work and not look like I just clocked in. Is there anything more embarrassing that advertising your 9-to-5 status after hours? One hundred percent worth it.

Balenciaga

Le City medium tote

Loewe

Puzzle Fold XL tote bag

The takeaway

After weeks of wear, I had to admit that a wardrobe of high-end basics really did give my wardrobe (and life) a different feel. While my new, subdued (yet elevated) pieces may have gone largely unnoticed by those around me, every outfit simply felt and looked better to me—the most important critic in this assessment. But the takeaway here is not to splurge on every piece in your closet. Rather, consider investing in one or two items—you may be surprised to find how much of an impact a well-cut tee can have.