Basics or Essentials?
pattern: 6x2 Pullover
yarn: Höner och Eir Nutiden
Q: I have noticed that many fashion and style bloggers have started to use the term Essentials instead of Basics, but not sure I understand their explanation why! As a designer who actively uses the term Basics, can you perhaps shed some light on this?
Oh my! This multi-faceted question involves not only linguistics and philosophy, but also the can of worms that is the world of fashion and style blogs. But you know what… I am going to go for it and try to give a coherent answer.
While many seem to use the terms basic and essential interchangeably as synonyms, this is incorrect. The two words have distinct meanings:
basic = foundational, simple
essential = necessary, needed
When discussing clothing, both terms have their place - depending on context.
Here is an example of both words used correctly in a sentence:
For me, a basic sweater is a winter essential, whereas an embellished sweater is reserved for whimsical special occasions.
It is also worth noting here, that the concept of essential is more subjective and person-specific than the concept of basic. So while a plain, solid-colour stockinette crewneck sweater can be objectively described as basic, whether it’s essential depends on the individual.
Example:
For Kate’s romantic style, intricate lace dresses are wardrobe essentials, whereas basic pullovers are seldom if ever worn.
When in doubt, think of it this way:
If what you mean to say is simple/plain/foundational, then using basic is appropriate.
If what you mean to say is needed/ necessary, then using essential is appropriate.
So, referring to all of the above… When I describe my designs as basics, I mean that they are simple/plain/foundational.
Whether on not they are essentials is not for me to say, but for you (the person considering the pattern) to decide, as it pertains to your personal style and preferences.
Moving on to the question of why fashion and style bloggers seem to be switching from the word basics to the word essentials… I have noticed this too, and here is my theory:
Because the word basic means plain/ simple/ foundational, clothing described in this manner can have connotations of being boring or generic. In colloquial terms, calling someone’s style ‘basic’ is an insult, implying that the person themselves is boring/ generic, or lacking in character.
To dissociate themselves from this, bloggers and stylists are moving toward the term essentials - which is actually more correct in the context of personal style.
For example, while the phrase ‘wardrobe basics’ technically means the plainest pieces in your wardrobe, the phrase ‘wardrobe essentials’ means the most go-to pieces in your wardrobe. And arguably, it was the latter phrase they meant all along.
