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A list of my essential tops —
01. Leset Margo tee. My most-worn white tee. It’s a thick cotton that holds its shape well (not thin/drape-y) and I really like how it looks paired with jeans. I own this in multiples! I take an XS in this — has a boxy, loose fit.
02. Uniqlo U-Neck Tee. My favorite inexpensive white tee. The thick collar and substantive material make it look more expensive than it is. The material is thicker than the Margo, so I tend to avoid if I’m tucking into a skirt to avoid bunching. I take an XS in this — runs a tad slim/snug so size up if in question. I tried the COS tee that many people rave about in the same breath as Uniqlo and found it very cropped — even on me, and I’m petite (5’0!). I can barely tuck this into my pants. The style is similar, though: polished, with a heavy weight and a wide collar. I would vote for the Uniqlo, though! You can buy three of them for the price of one COS and they’re virtually identical in quality IMO.
03. J. Crew Essential Tee. These are a much thinner weight/handfeel than the Leset and Uniqlo — almost a burnout quality — so great if I’m pairing with something snug at the waist. They look more casual and dressed-down than the Leset/Uniqlo.
04. Xirena Lark Gauze Button-Down (seen above, paired with these pants — more sizes here). Sadly nearly sold out (a few more sizes here), but this is my go-to for tucking into white jeans/jeans when I want to look a little more put-together than with just a tee. The fabric is so plush and soft — only gets better with every laundering. Heaven on the skin. Runs TTS. Gap has a similar style available for only $50.
05. Frank and Eileen Patrick Popover. A Magpie described this as “young Diane Keaton mom vibes” and she’s spot on — it has that casual-but-polished Saturday morning feel. I love this as a top layer over a Beyond Yoga tank / legging situation, or thrown on with jeans and Birks for every day life. It’s a loose/boxy fit with a dropped shoulder seam that gives it a “borrowed from the boys” or “old rugby shirt” vibe, but the sleeves taper in beneath the elbow for a flatteringly fitted look at the wrist. Take your true size.
06. Vuori Energy Top. For walks with girlfriends / hikes, paired with leggings or shorts. This has a great boxy, slightly cropped fit that looks perfect with high-waist leggings.
07. SoldOut NYC Everything Shirt. Quality is insane relative to price — has a fabulous sheen to the fabric. Runs very oversized, but intentionally so. I like this untucked and paired with jeans and flats.
08. SoldOut Scoop Tank. Perfect for pairing with skirts. Has a tight weave to it that sort of holds you in.
09. Leset Kelly Tee. Very form-fitting. I call this my “Jennifer Aniston” top. It looks like exactly what she’d wear tucked into cargo pants circa 2002. I like this when wearing a maxi/midi skirt. Runs snug — I took and XS and it’s very fitted. You might consider sizing up in this style. Madewell has a style that is very similar that I also own and swap in/out with the Kelly — and it’s 1/3 the price.
10. Leset Pointelle Short Sleeve and Long Sleeved Tees. I lived in these all winter! So cozy and comfortable, and I like the texture contrast and vintage-feel neckline beneath a cardigan.
11. Lacoste Polo. I’ve worn these forever! I actually purchased several while living abroad in France that I still wear. I wear them less in my daily wardrobe now but still wear when golfing!
What are your favorites?
P.S. April agita is giving way to a peaceful May.
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