Do You Own These Essential Tops?
One of my goals here at Style at a Certain Age is to help you establish a wardrobe that’s built on top of the basics. With that foundation in place, building new and interesting outfits becomes so much easier. Without that foundation, well, we’ve all been there.
Every Sunday this month, we’re going to run an entry in our long-running series: Back to Basics. Today, we’re focusing on the most essential tops in your wardrobe:
- classic fit tees
- crew neck sweater
- white button-down shirt
- blazer
- oversized blazer
- denim or chambray shirt
- graphic tee
- blouse
The way to read this post is simple: in each section, I’ve given you photos of different ways I’ve styled that top, with an assortment of links from tried and true retailers to shop the item. Where I’ve could, I’ve also provided links to pasts posts for more pictures and information about that top. So, without further ado, let’s get down to the most essential tops any woman should have in their wardrobe.
Classic Fit Tees
The foundation of any classic wardrobe is in fact a classic fit t-shirt. The mighty t-shirt serves as the foundation of any outfit. Whether you’re using the t-shirt to serve as your first layer; or whether you’re wearing it alone, every classic wardrobe needs at least classic tees in:
- whites, blacks, and greys;
- striped; and
- (additional) neutrals like camel or army green.
All of your favorite retailers are going to carry their version of the classic t-shirt. But you can’t go wrong with the Gap family: Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic.
White tee
Casual t-shirt (Target) | Modern Crewneck t-shirt (Gap) | Cotton crew neck t-shirt (Banana Republic) | Vintage V-neck (J. Crew) | Organic cotton striped t-shirt (Everlane)
Striped tee
Striped short sleeve t-shirt (Target) | Luxe striped crew-neck tee (Old Navy) | Cotton vintage t-shirt (Gap) | Striped crew-neck t-shirt (Banana Republic)
Green tee
Short sleeve scooped t-shirt (Multiple colors, target) | Crew-neck t-shirt (Multiple colors, Old Navy) | Cotton vintage t-shirt (Multiple colors, Gap) | Vintage cotton crewneck (Multiple colors, J.Crew)
Crewneck Sweater
The crewneck sweater is the backbone of any classic fall and winter wardrobe. Whether you’re a prepster at heart or something a bit more free-flowing, crewneck sweaters are a must. Much like a classic t-shirt, crewnecks can serve as the mid-layer of any well-layered outfit. Wear them on top of a white button-down or a classic t-shirt; crewnecks pair with just about anything and everything. Again, you’re going to want to establish a wardrobe that includes crewneck sweaters in
- whites, blacks, and greys; and
- (additional) neutrals like camel or army green.
And what can be more comfortable than cashmere? A cashmere crewneck. Again, your favorite retailer is going to carry a crewneck sweater, but you can’t go wrong with Everlane’s this year.
Grey crewneck sweater
Crewneck light weight sweater (Target) | Merino crewneck sweater (Gap) | Organic cotton crewneck (Everlane) | Cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater (J. Crew) | Merino crewneck sweater (Banana Republic) | Cashmere mock neck sweater (Anthropologie)
Black crewneck sweater
Crewneck light weight sweater (Target) | Merino crewneck sweater (Gap) | Organic cotton crewneck (Everlane) | Cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater (J. Crew) | Merino crewneck sweater (Banana Republic) | Cashmere mock neck sweater (Anthropologie)
Black crewneck sweater (2)
Crewneck lightweight sweater (Target) | Merino crewneck sweater (Gap) | Organic cotton crewneck (Everlane) | Cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater (J. Crew) | Merino crewneck sweater (Banana Republic) | Cashmere mock neck sweater (Anthropologie)
White Button-Down
The white button-down is just as important as the classic t-shirt. Wear it alone for a bit of simple elegance, or layer it under a cashmere crewneck. Dress white button-downs up with a pair of slacks and heels; or dress them down with a pair of boyfriend jeans. White button-downs can be styled any and every way. What’s more: white button-downs are seasonless. Arguably the most versatile and important top in any classic wardrobe, start with J. Crew and work your way backward.
Classic white button-down (1)
Long sleeve gauze button-down shirt (Target) | Cotton perfect shirt (Gap) | Riley tailored-fit shirt (Banana Republic) | Lightweight cotton poplin shirt (J. Crew) | Citizens of humanity button-down (Anthropologie)
Classic white button-down (2)
Long sleeve gauze button-up shirt (Target) | Cotton perfect shirt (Gap) | Riley tailored-fit shirt (Banana Republic) | Lightweight cotton poplin shirt (J. Crew) | Citizens of humanity button-down (Anthropologie)
Classic white button-down (3)
Long sleeve gauze button-up shirt (Target) | Cotton perfect shirt (Gap) | Riley tailored-fit shirt (Banana Republic) | Lightweight cotton poplin shirt (J. Crew) | Citizens of humanity button-down (Anthropologie)
Blazer
The blazer is up next, and what more can I say about this staple that I haven’t already said over the years? When adding blazers to your wardrobe, you’re going to want to start with
- a classic navy and/or black one; and then
- a herringbone and/or a houndstooth.
Blazers can be paired with any of the above tops. Wear it with a classic t-shirt for a more casual look or on top of a white button-down for business chic. If it’s cold outside where you are, blazers pair can be paired monochromatically with their crewneck counterparts. Or wear them with a cashmere turtleneck. The possibilities truly are endless.
Classic grey herringbone blazer
Wool-blend blazer (Multiple colors, Banana Republic) | English wool herringbone blazer (J.Crew) | Hutton blazer in Herringbone (Ann Taylor) | Park blazer (Multiple colors, J.Crew) | Hutton blazer in Houndstooth (Ann Taylor) | The two-button blazer (Ann Taylor) | Double-breasted blazer (Banana Republic) | Double-breasted blazer (Madewell)
Classic blue blazer
Wool-blend blazer (Multiple colors, Banana Republic) | English wool herringbone blazer (J.Crew) | Hutton blazer in Herringbone (Ann Taylor) | Park blazer (Multiple colors, J.Crew) | Hutton blazer in Houndstooth (Ann Taylor) | The two-button blazer (Ann Taylor) | Double-breasted blazer (Banana Republic) | Double-breasted blazer (Madewell)
Classic pinstripe blazer
Wool-blend blazer (Multiple colors, Banana Republic) | English wool herringbone blazer (J.Crew) | Hutton blazer in Herringbone (Ann Taylor) | Park blazer (Multiple colors, J.Crew) | Hutton blazer in Houndstooth (Ann Taylor) | The two-button blazer (Ann Taylor) | Double-breasted blazer (Banana Republic) | Double-breasted blazer (Madewell)
Oversized/long Blazer
Oversized blazers have gained more and more popularity in recent years, similar to the rise of boyfriend jeans. Just like the classic blazer, you’re going to want to start with
- neutral colors like blues, blacks, and greys.
But because oversized blazers are, well, oversized, you can have a bit more fun with colors like think
- reds, yellows, and pinks.
When choosing a long blazer, make sure to keep in mind one thing: proportions. When wearing an oversized top, you’re going to want to pair that blazer with a slimmer-fitting bottom. I’m loving Everlane’s oversized black blazer this year, but you can’t go wrong with their glen plaid one either.
Long blazer
Oversized khaki blazer (Gap) | Oversized denim blazer (Gap) | Oversized black blazer (Everlane) | Oversized blazer in glen plaid (Everlane) | Oversized blazer in herringbone (Everlane) | Glen plaid knit oversized blazer | Relaxed double-breasted blazer (Anthropologie)
Boyfriend blazer
Oversized khaki blazer (Gap) | Oversized denim blazer (Gap) | Oversized black blazer (Everlane) | Oversized blazer in glen plaid (Everlane) | Oversized blazer in herringbone (Everlane) | Glen plaid knit oversized blazer | Relaxed double-breasted blazer (Anthropologie)
Houndstooth blazer
Oversized khaki blazer (Gap) | Oversized denim blazer (Gap) | Oversized black blazer (Everlane) | Oversized blazer in glen plaid (Everlane) | Oversized blazer in herringbone (Everlane) | Glen plaid knit oversized blazer | Relaxed double-breasted blazer (Anthropologie)
Denim/Chambray Shirt
A chambray shirt is a must-have in your classic closet. It’s just as versatile as a white button-down: pair it with a black pair of denim or go full Canadian tuxedo and wear it monochromatically. Denim shirts work well with any neutral layering scheme. Try it under a white sweater; or wear it with a camel blazer. And don’t be afraid to let a good chambray shirt stand alone on its own two feet.
Any of your favorite retailers are going to carry a classic-fit chambray shirt. But you cannot go wrong with Gap’s perfect denim one.
Pefect denim shirt (Gap) | Classic fit chambray shirt (J. Crew) | Classic fit denim shirt (Banana Republic) | Denim buttondown (Anthropologie)
Denim shirt (1)
Pefect denim shirt (Gap) | Classic fit chambray shirt (J. Crew) | Classic fit denim shirt (Banana Republic) | Denim buttondown (Anthropologie)
Denim shirt (2)
Pefect denim shirt (Gap) | Classic fit chambray shirt (J. Crew) | Classic fit denim shirt (Banana Republic) | Denim buttondown (Anthropologie)
Graphic Tee
Ok, ok. I’m sure you’re asking, “are graphic t-shirts really classic tops?” Yes ma’am, indeed they are. Just like the long/oversized blazer, the graphic t-shirt is no longer a trend: they just are part of any well-built, classic wardrobe. Graphic tees are where we get to let our hair down a little bit and have some fun. (And remember, “classic” is not synonymous with “boring”.) Just like classic t-shirts, graphic ones can serve as the first layer of your outfit: wear them under a blazer for a fun, chic look. Or wear them alone with your favorite denim.
Companies like the Gap have innovated the classic t-shirt, making it a staple of their seasonal lines. If you’re looking for something a little bit more on-trend, don’t forget Urban Outfitters.
Graphic tee (1)
The gen good graphic t-shirt (Multiple assortments, Gap) | Love peace graphic tee (Anthropologie) | Royce heart tee (Anthropologie) | Vintage graphic t-shirt (Old Navy)
Graphic tee (2)
The gen good graphic t-shirt (Multiple assortments, Gap) | Love peace graphic tee (Anthropologie) | Royce heart tee (Anthropologie) | Vintage graphic t-shirt (Old Navy)
Graphic tee (3)
The gen good graphic t-shirt (Multiple assortments, Gap) | Love peace graphic tee (Anthropologie) | Royce heart tee (Anthropologie) | Vintage graphic t-shirt (Old Navy)
Blouse
Ah, yes. I would be remiss if I didn’t include the blouse to close things out. Any and every woman should own a handful of blouses. Just like t-shirts, crewnecks, and blazers, we’re going to want to start with
- neutrals like blue, black, and grey; and
- work our way outwards towards plaids, prints, and more colorful options. (Are you sensing a theme yet?)
Just like the white button-down, blouses are seasonless and pair with just about everything. Wear them alone with an A-line skirt or your favorite pair of slacks. Dress them up with a blazer, or dress them down with a pair of distressed denim, the possibilities are again limitless. If you’re looking to incorporate some new blouses into your wardrobe, start with J.Crew or the Banana Republic. They’re both tried and true; you cannot go wrong.
Plaid blouse
Plaid blouse (Chicos) | Gathered-sleeve popover shirt (J.Crew) | Essential popover top (Banana Republic) | Cotton flannel bishop-sleeve blouse (J.Crew) | Tie-neck raglan sleeve top (Ann Taylor)
Silk blouse
Plaid blouse (Chicos) | Gathered-sleeve popover shirt (J.Crew) | Essential popover top Banana Republic) | Cotton flannel bishop-sleeve blouse (J.Crew) | Tie-neck raglan sleeve top (Ann Taylor)
White blouse
Plaid blouse (Chicos) | Gathered-sleeve popover shirt (J.Crew) | Essential popover top Banana Republic) | Cotton flannel bishop-sleeve blouse (J.Crew) | Tie-neck raglan sleeve top (Ann Taylor)
Essential Tops in Your Wardrobe
Alright ladies, those are essential tops every woman should have in their wardrobe. Think I missed one? Make sure to let me know in the comments below.
In case you missed it
Last weeks’ closet cleanse will help you audit your wardrobe as you look to introduce the basics like the tops we discussed above.
I live in Wisconsin, where winter temperatures are COLD! (16 degrees below zero one day this week) So, I will have to add layering turtlenecks in basic colors to the list of basic tops. While I get that they are not always considered ‘fashion forward’, I can’t live without them in the winter months.
I agree that turtles and mock turtles are good base layer options in WI winters. I have also found that a silk or merino crew oe scoop neck base layer under a sweater or blouse works well and to keep my neck warm, I use scarves which add interest and color.
thanks for sharing!
love turtlenecks! classic and chic.
Hi Beth; I really lIke your outfit combos! As a large-chested woman, do you have recommendations for blouses that won’t gap and/or can v-necks be subbed for crew necks?
have you tried a popover top? it’s similar to a button up but is a bit roomier and doesn’t button all the way down. if you like a v-neck instead of a crewneck then feel free to substitute. this list created for tops isn’t exhaustive so feel free to inject your personal preferences.
Hello Beth,
My favorite photo is you in the Grey crew neck sweater. A simple outfit that makes you stunning from head to toe! It reminds me of Mary Tyler Moore casual during her Dick Van Dyke show days. Gray is my favorite neutral color in my wardrobe.
Great post! Can you link the short sleeve white shirt you have pictured?
the short sleeve white blouse was featured this past summer. it’s from Banana Republic. it is no longer available but here is a blouse very similar https://rstyle.me/+frads8FNA3ND51aEb0MPnw
Thank you!
Great post! I too would like you to link the short sleeve white blouses. Love the blazer options.
the short sleeve white blouse was featured this past summer. it’s from Banana Republic. it is no longer available but here is a blouse very similar https://rstyle.me/+frads8FNA3ND51aEb0MPnw
Terrific information packed post!
I’m curious; do you find that you wear blazers often?
I live in the NE and find that I don’t reach for my blazers in retirement. I know they have always been a classic piece, but here, I either need a coat over them in the winter or they are too hot for the summer. I do use summer weight ones as a substitute for a cardigan in air conditioned places, but otherwise the ones I have go unworn.
Also, just to comment on. white blouses; I’ve tried so many because they are always suggested by stylists, and just don’t like them on. Either they are too stiff, or too subject to static cling. I never layer them with sweaters because that’s too hot.
Anyway, 2 classic styles you mention that I love the look of on others, but not me! All the rest…yes, yes yes! I do love your styling ideas. Can’t wait for “the bottoms!”
i wear blazers all the time. i even sized up with a winter coat or two just so i can wear a blazer. Theory has a beautiful knit white blouse that is comfortable and chic. just a thought.
Thanks so much for this very informative post, Beth! I’ve be a subscriber for several years and have learned so much from you! A couple comments:
1. Instead of a crewneck, would a v-neck sweater suffice? The v is much more flattering on me!
2. The chambray shirt…I’m just not into them. I bought one b/c you and other bloggers highly recommend them, but I find I never wear them.
3. Your blogposts are always well-written and professional. However, I’m so sorry to say this one was filled with typos. That takes away from the polished image I’ve always loved about you. But it doesn’t mean I’ll stop reading! 🙂
personal preference is the cornerstone to style. if you feel more comfortable in a v-neck by all means wear a v-neck. i have just found they are not as versatile as a crewneck.
and if you never wear a chambray shirt i hope it’s in the donate or sell pile. someone else will love to wear it.
typos. well, we do have those even though the post is proofread. gosh, darn that human err!
Excellent post, Beth. Thanks for reminding me of the basics in a wardrobe. This post will help me in pairing down my wardrobe to a capsule wardrobe of sorts which I’m working on achieving this coming year. Fashion is so much fun!
good for you for working on a capsule wardrobe!
Hi Beth,
My name is Maria and I have been following you since lock downs have began and i live in Melbourne the most lock down city in the world ha ha. I am 62 years old and just love your advice and information you give to your followers. You always look beautiful and chick and you certainly have inspired me to always try to look my best. Looking forward to your posts every week.
Lets hope for a healthy and safe 2022 with no more lock downs but somehow i doubted it.
Hi Maria! Thanks so much for writing. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2022.
xo
Great post. . . again. Could you provide and shopping link to the last pic of the pink V neck sweater and white shirt. Thanks.
that sweater was featured in November. here is the link: https://rstyle.me/+aCl48mepQCA7k41GHrxJmQ
Dear Beth,
I’ve been following you since the Pandemic started. I enjoy your posts and think you have excellent taste in fashion. Everything you wear is something I would chose when shopping for clothes, shoes and bags.
You are chic and lovely!
Keep those gorgeous fashions coming!
Sincerely,
Arlene Clark
Vero Beach Florida