SIX BASIC WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR WOMEN

“Back To Basics”, by Caroline Jackson

Ah the classic t-shirt – the most-worn and most underrated basic for any wardrobe. The key to an affordable – but always stylish clothing collection – is to invest in quality basics tops in order to get a lot of mileage out of them. If you opt for well-crafted, versatile tee shirts, then over the years you’ll find yourself selecting this garment regularly to get you through off-duty days and for those mornings when your sartorial imagination is feeling somewhat rusty. Loyalty becomes the charm with a wonderfully basic tee shirt or top.

I have some basic pieces in my wardrobe that I wear on a daily basis and I’m always mixing and matching them with other pieces – whether with new season garments or my loyal staples such as the jean short and tailored cropped trousers. These six “Basic Wardrobe essentials” help me create different looks. I particularly love adding pops of color, vintage skirts, leather trousers and accessories to each of them. Because of their nature as a loyal, basic tee, these pieces get a lot of wear and so they need to last.

As well as buying from the usual places such as Gap, J. Crew and TK Maxx (for the odd treasure or two), my personal favorite for accessible but beautifully made tops is Arteecollage. With a collection of contemporary, plain tees that have a unique spin on femininity,  the 100% natural modal fabric which they use on all their garments means the innovatively-designed tops don’t loose their shape or quality for up to 400 washes.

Here are the six basic wardrobe essentials from Arteecollage:

1. A Long Sleeve Black T-shirt

These are great for layering, especially in cooler climates. They also help take an outfit from season to season. Layer under a chunky vintage knit cardigan.

2. The White Racer Back Tank Top

The basic and casual design adds to the overall versatility of the top, while the laid-back style means it can be worn on off-duty days or on holiday.

3. The Grey Modal Boat Neck

Characterised by an elegant boat neckline, this 3/4 length women’s modal top is a sleek and sophisticated staple for your capsule wardrobe. This luxuriously soft plain boat neck top comes in a silky, stretch fabric and features a slim fit.

4. The Long, Black Tunic 

Easily dressed up or dressed down, wear this Arteecollage long black tunic on casual friday with a pair of wet look jeggings or with a skater skirt and a structured blazer for a dressier look.

5. The Arteecollage Crew Tee

You can never go wrong with a quality crew tee – it’ classic, rather than Über and extravagantly  trendy so that it stands the test of time and won’t be outdated in 4-years’ time.

6. A Red Asymmetric Neck Tee

The details on this original – but still classic – top include an asymmetric neck, short sleeves, slim fit and stretch material. You’ll want to wear this chic style every day, so reinvent this women’s fashion top by wearing with everything from black skinny jeans to leather skirts.

- Caroline Jackson