"The Teen Basic Bastard" - Basic Wardrobe and Varied Inspiration Album

Basic wardrobe expansion packs

Firstly, thank you to /u/Metcarfre for this format, derived from the original Basic Bastard. This guide is the result of the discussion, suggestions, and collaboration of 26 teenage MFA users.

This is a wardrobe created for someone who is new to the idea of dressing better, specifically as it pertains to ages 13-18 (middle school thru end of high school). It is very simple, basic, and has relatively few items that should be available at most retailers, especially your local mall. We purposefully reduced the number of options in order to keep it as simple and inexpensive as possible.

It is made for someone who is going to school, which leads into a combination of sitting in classes filled with AC, classes without AC, and going outside to go to the next class. It is probably best adapted to an American environment (though that is not universal). Any and all items can be exchanged for something more to your taste or local preference.

This differs slightly from the College Basic Bastard in that the level of formality is lower and price points are also smaller in order to accomodate themselves into a teen’s back to school budget. If you want a little bit more formality, this guide is also very valid.

If you're just getting going, this could be a good place to start. We won't go into detail about why you should select particular items, but you can explore that on your own in time and in the comments. This is essentially a shopping list. There's a ton of room to grow from here. This is far, far from the be-all-end-all wardrobe. Treat this as the starting point from which you can add your own style as you grow and evolve as a person.

And finally, the obligatory READ THE SIDEBAR. There’s so much info on the sidebar it’s impossible to read it all and still not know what you’re doing. Just spend some time reading it.

Inspo Album (Compiled by /u/slider501 )

This album differs from the original post in the sense that it displays a much wider sense of styles than just the basic bastard uniform. Nevertheless, each outfit likely displays aspects of the uniform talked about in this post, and is meant to serve more as an insight into what teens wear more than a perfect display of the basic bastard. There’s also a lot of crossover here with /r/streetwear, who has an excellent list of inspo albums here.

The MFA Teen Basic Bastard Wardrobe:

Tops

Plain slim crew-neck t-shirts in white, gray, and black (1-3 each) - MFA's suggestions

Note: Graphic Tees, when done tastefully like Uniqlo’s selection, are perfectly fine to wear as well in addition to plain tees. Use your own discretion to determine what is right for you.

Flannels (1-3) - MFA's suggestions

Bottoms

Plain, dark, indigo or black jeans (1-3) - MFA's suggestions

Note : Slim Fit / Athletic Fit depending on body type

Beige or black Chinos (or both) (1) - MFA's suggestions

Plain-front chino shorts (not cargo shorts) in khaki, black, or navy (1-3) - MFA's suggestions

Black or grey sweatshorts (or both) (1)

Layers

Pullover Hoodie in black or grey (or both) (1)

Note: Just don’t get the H&M ones, they shed very hard.

and/or

Crew-neck sweatshirt in gray, oatmeal, navy, or maroon (1) - MFA's suggestions

Note - School merch can nicely fit into the hoodie / crewneck sweatshirt requirements

Outerwear

Rainy climate - (1) simple raincoat - MFA Suggestions

Colder climate - (1) warm coat such as puffer jacket (MFA Suggestions) or parka (MFA Suggestions)

Mild climate - (1) light jacket such as jean jacket (MFA Suggestions) or bomber (MFA Suggestions)

Shoes

Plain white sneakers (1) - MFA's suggestions

Black sneakers with white accents (1)

Note : Converse Chuck Taylors, Vans Old Skool / Sk8 Highs, Converse One Star all fit into this category

Active Sneakers (1) - MFA Suggestions

Accessories

Plain black belt

Combining Items

The beauty of restricting this wardrobe is that essentially every top works with every bottom. Shorts shouldn't be worn with heavy outerwear (i.e Parkas and puffers), but aside from that every combination should work together in color and style.

Fit

Most items should fit fairly slim without being restrictive. Pants should have a half-break or less on your shoes, they should not rest on your shoes excessively. Consult the Fit Guide for more information.

Additionally, keep in mind that for a fair bit of you reading this that your body is STILL GROWING. It might not be wise to invest money in a piece that you might outgrow in a matter of months. If you feel like you will outgrow things soon, err on the cheaper side with your purchases.

Thrifting

Thrifting for clothes IRL or online (Depop, etc) is pretty popular among teens and can definitely be a good option, especially on the conserving money front, but understanding your sizing and measurements before making purchases second hand is something that we would recommend.

Attitude

But what if i get roasted?

Listen. Kids will roast you about anything and everything. Middle and high school is a time where you can either establish who you are and what you’re about, or just drift along until you’re dropped into the frying pan that is college. I assure you, these choices are so generic that anyone roasting you for wearing a combo in this guide is probably just being a dick for no reason. Take it in stride. Carve your own path. In my own experience, school is turning more and more progressive each year anyway, and I’m sure many will compliment you as well.

Retailers

Most mall stores will carry most or all of these. Uniqlo, Gap, H&M, Urban Outfitters, and American Eagle are the usual suspects. Even Old Navy and Target will have some or all.