Fall Basics: Fitted Tees, Turtlenecks, Henleys and Bodysuits

Nobody compliments your long sleeve tee, but it is the reason the rest of the outfit works. Fall basics are the layer closest to your skin: the turtleneck under a blazer, the fitted crew peeking out from a cardigan, the henley you wear alone on a mild Saturday. This season the best versions are slim without being tight, with clean necklines and a little stretch for comfort. Cotton jersey and modal are soft and easy to wash, merino and cashmere blends add warmth without bulk, and ribbed knits give a plain piece some texture. Keep the color story simple. Black, white, grey and chocolate will cover most needs, with a stripe or a single brighter shade for variety. Build a small stack of these first and every other piece you own gets easier to wear. I went deeper on a related idea in Base Layers for Cold Days: Henleys, Turtlenecks and Cashmere.

Think about what will go on top. A thin turtleneck or mock neck sits neatly under tailoring and coats, while a scoop or boat neck looks better worn alone or under an open cardigan. Bodysuits keep a clean line with high waisted trousers and skirts. Check that sleeves are long enough to reach your wrist when your arms are bent, and that the fabric is thick enough not to show every seam underneath.

We would rather own four great long sleeves than ten mediocre ones. Start with a fitted black crew, a white or cream version, one turtleneck and one ribbed henley, then add color once those are in rotation. Our tip is to spend a little more on the turtleneck, since it is the piece that shows most under a coat collar. Wash basics inside out on cold and lay them flat to dry so they keep their length and shape. If you only buy one thing from this edit, make it the black crew. If you want to keep going, James Perse: Los Angeles Basics From Soft Tees to Linen Tanks is the one I would read next.