I'm a creature of habit, which means I've been shopping at the same brands for years now. In fact, there's one in particular that I've relied on for capsule wardrobe staples since the 2010s—Abercrombie & Fitch. If you only remember the early-aughts go-to for its graphic tees and dangerously low-rise jeans, then allow me to introduce you to its remarkably good selection of affordable basics.
From the linen pants I plan all of my summer outfits around to the white T-shirt I wear on a weekly basis, Abercrombie's basics take up a good portion of my closet. I'm not the only one in love with the brand, either—Marie Claire's editor-in-chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, regularly gushes over pieces from A&F in her Self Checkout newsletter, including the easy tube top on her summer shopping list and the ideal going-out tank she includes in her all-black summer outfit.
It's safe to say Abercrombie & Fitch deserves a spot in your closet. For further proof, see my curation below of the ultimate Abercrombie basics. Ahead, you'll find everything you need to update your minimalist capsule wardrobe for the rest of summer (and beyond), from must-have tank tops and tees to staple denim, all for under $100.
I got these linen pants a few weeks ago, and I've already worn them too many times to count—they're that good.
While Ogunnaike's black version of this top is nearly sold out, this cream shade is just as good.
These pants are also on her list of must-haves, so naturally, they're sitting in my cart, too.
Tube tops are as much of a staple now as they were in the '90s.
For when you don't want to worry about your top coming untucked, this bodysuit has got you covered.
Everyone needs a striped T-shirt in their closet—let this pick be yours.
I used to wear layering camis like this all the time in the early aughts, and I'm so glad Abercrombie is bringing them back in an elevated way.
This T-shirt offers plenty of support so you can go bra free.
A simple black dress like this can be styled in a hundred different ways.
I own and love this T-shirt. It's not too thick or too thin, and it hits at the perfect length to wear both tucked in or untucked.
I also have this tank top and it's one of my most-worn staples.
Dark wash straight jeans will forever be a classic denim choice.
You can't get through summer without a trusty pair of denim shorts in your capsule wardrobe.
The next time you're tempted to wear a simple T-shirt, opt for this knit instead and see what a difference it makes.
With a not-too-short length and built-in shorts underneath, I consider this the perfect mini skirt.
Sweater weather will be here before you know it, so it's not a bad idea to stock up on basic knits like this.
In case you're a fan of baggier denim, these jeans still offer an elevated vibe.
This Henley top would instantly elevate the simplest of outfits, like flip-flops and jeans.
This isn't your average tank top—it's so much more polished.
These baggy jeans are so good that I wear them on a weekly basis.
I wear this viral top constantly—it pairs with everything I own and looks so good with an easy updo hairstyle.
If you're in need of a new wear-with-everything tank, this one comes in all of the staple shades.
Bermuda shorts are the office-approved summer trend I'm currently obsessed with.
