A solid color T-shirt

We bet there’s no item of clothing that a basic T-shirt can’t be matched with – it's perfect for layering or wearing on its own. The key to its quality is the material: look for 100% cotton or cotton with minimal additives; and in the case of light colors, make sure it’s not too transparent. According to this experiment, white T-shirts from Sela, 13 Sector, and Eto Baza are the best among such items within a budget below 2,000 rubles. In addition, shirts in the trusty white or in muted colors like gray, black, and beige can be found at MUTED and SHU.

White shirt 

This wardrobe essential works wonders – official by its nature, it will look equally great in a more casual outfit, adding a pinch of neatness and thoughtfulness. The most universal model would be with straight sleeves and a mid-length cut, so you could tuck it into trousers or wear it loose. While women can take note of white shirts by Olesya Chugunova, men can find great choices at Mango, Tom Tailor, and Mark Formelle.

Sweaters and cardigans 

Cardigans and sweaters are indispensable not only for showing off your layering skills, but also for achieving comfort in any weather conditions. Items made with wool, such as those from aim clo and Finn Flare, are the warmest, while synthetic materials like acrylic are easier to care for. You can find a wide selection of the latter at Sela, Befree, and Ostin, which frequently release new collections. 

Jeans 

If you would like to own jeans that can complement both casual and more classic outfits, a safe choice would be a pair in darker shades of blue. To maximize compatibility, opt for a classic length with no statement details; the fit is up to you – whether wide or skinny, choose what flatters your body type. Luckily, shops are now bursting with fits and colors for any taste, and affordable options for both men and women are available at Gloria Jeans, Sela, and Befree.

Dress 

Sometimes, a single dress can resolve multiple dilemmas – making you shine in the theater, at a party, or simply during a feel-good day. A classic black dress, in particular, is a great example since it can be effortlessly styled and transformed with accessories. Head to Nume, Vremya Peremen, or Usta k Ustam for the perfect one – all these outlets offer a variety of lengths, shapes, and materials, from linen to wool. 

Sneakers 

Sports shoes have gone beyond the gyms and running tracks into everyday life. Some people wear them for comfort, while others use them as statement pieces in their outfits. Nowadays, you don’t have to choose between the two – comfort and style are included in every modern pair of sneakers. At Sportmaster, you can find pairs from Nike and Reebok, as well as local brands like Termit and Demix. In addition, check out Dva Myacha – a local touch on Converse.