A Comprehensive Guide to the 'Avant Basic' Trend This Spring/Summer Season
You know exactly what we’re talking about here.
What do a granny, crochet lime green top and a purple checkered suit have in common? Well, according to Twitter user, Emma Hope Allwood (@emmahopeall), these items, alongside many others we’re seeing all over our Instagram feeds and TikTok FYPs, has been properly categorized as Avant basic. Yes, the viral trend that’s quirky, “vintage without the effort,” chic, and has all the e-girls in a complete frenzy has a name! Now, we’re here to break down its influences and how even the biggest anti-maximalists can incorporate the look into their spring/summer wardrobes.
Photo: Original artwork by Erica Capobianco; images from Lisa Says Gah Instagram
While it may feel like this style sub-genre fell into the mainstream almost overnight, the aesthetics that make up ‘Avant basic’ are far from unfamiliar in the realm of fashion. If there’s one thing to know when it comes to style evolution, it’s how everything that was once old always has a way of becoming new again.
You may recognize how the pieces frequently associated with this trend are reminiscent of the psychedelic fashion of the ’60s and the bold colors and patterns of the ’70s. At a glance, the ’60s and ’70s were notorious for their floral, geometric, and optic prints that took inspiration from abstract and expressionist art. Trending colors included hues of pink, pea green, and bright orange, (sound familiar?) as well as deeper colors and tones of purple, red, and green to contrast. In the early 1970s, thanks to the cultural phenomenon of the Woodstock music festival in 1969, the mixing of those clashing and mismatched patterns was widely popularized by the hipster counterculture.
And now, several decades later, an interruption of the minimalist movement, ‘Avant basic’ is taking back the iconic, retro, zeitgeist fashion in a new way. The online marketplace, Lisa Says Gah, is the one-stop-shop for fashionistas to achieve this trend, selling pieces by popular independent, female-founded brands like Paloma Wool, KJP, House of Sunny, and Susan Alexandra. You’ll find the internet-obsessed pieces like those psychedelic patterned pants, cow print straight-legged pants, daisy-tiled knits, and the infamous tornado leather sandals sold on the e-store. Though the brand behind the bubblegum pink and cherry red logo is doing things their way--only working with designers that are mindful of their ethical production and use high-quality materials, making shopping ‘Avant basic’ basically guilt-free!
In the case that you still have a hint of hesitation to shop this artsy trend, we’ve got you covered. Keep scrolling to see C&W’s roundup of proudly ‘Avant basic’ must-have, versatile pieces for your warmer-weather wardrobe that you can count on wearing more than just a handful of times!
Do bold prints intimidate you? If so, we recommend the Maddie Long Sleeve Top from Lisa Says Gah! After all, summer wardrobes are incomplete without this checkered, playful pattern!
Looking to give your white button-down top a face-lift? Experiment with this season’s hottest exaggerated collars and a funky black trim with Pastiche’s Elena Blouse!
Baby cardigans and sweater vests have been all the rage this last year. But, even with temperatures rising, cropped sweater vests can still make their way into your closets! Lisa Says Gah has an adorable purple vest that can be worn with bold pattern pants or mini skirts or layered over an effortless sundress. (Bonus! It’s on sale!)
Speaking of sales and sundresses, a babydoll dress is a serious must-have, but this time with ruffles and oversized collars! If you’re looking for a more minimal look, the Diana Frock Mini Dress in Ink is perfect to dabble with the trendy silhouette. But, if you’re looking to make a bit of a statement- there are three other novelty patterns with your name on them!
Mint and sage green have been huge colors on our spring radar! This adorable, super lightweight button-up will cure your envy and add a subtle touch of playfulness with its heart-shaped buttons.
Bye, bye skinny-legged pants, hello straight leg! Add a little interest to your wardrobe’s latest staple pants with a daring, exotic zebra print that you can definitely wear all year long!
Paloma Wool Chess Sandal or Paloma Wool Tornado Sandal
Any of the Paloma mule heels are an absolute must on our list! Made from 100% leather, you are getting a high-quality shoe that is sold in neutral colors or a pop of color!
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I have not been compensated for mentioning the above products/brands.