Happy Thursday, ladies! Every year about this time, I run my Back to Basics series, because 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.
Today, we’re focusing on the 5 essential tops every woman should own:
- tees
- (white) button-ups/downs
- blazers
- (crewneck) sweaters
- blouse.
The way to read this post is simple: in each section, I’ve shared an inspo outfit, with an assortment of links from tried and true retailers to shop the item. I’ve also rounded up 4 of my favorites of that item.
So, without further ado, let’s get down to the most essential tops any woman should have in their wardrobe.
The Summary
Today, we’re getting back to wardrobe basics with a focus on 5 essential tops every woman should own
For each top category, I’ve pulled in an inspo-outfit
Also, for each category, I’ve pulled in 4 items from my favorite retailers
Everything is shoppable via text- and image-widgets
New For 2023
All images are now clickable and will redirect you to LTK where you can shop the image directly.
Back To Wardrobe Basics: 5 Essential Tops
1. 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.
Inspo outfit
Board: Anna Cuff Sleeve Organic Cotton T-Shirt(AllSaints) | Jeggings (Talbots) | Textured Cotton Shirt Jacket (Talbots) | ‘Pisces” Sandal (Munro)
Shop the Board
The Tees
Board: Anna Cuff Sleeve Organic Cotton T-Shirt (AllSaints) | Puff Sleeve Crewneck Tee (Talbots) | Essential Crewneck Top (Vince) | Long Sleeve Crewneck T-Shirt (Caslon)
Shop the Board
2. Button-Ups/Downs
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.
Inspo outfit
Board: Stripe Lambswool Crewneck Sweater (Sunspel) | Relaxed Perfect Shirt (Ann Taylor) | Sculpt Straight Leg Jeans (Talbots) | Tish Chelsea Nappa Ankle Boots (Talbots)
Shop the board
The Button-Ups/Downs
Board: Relaxed Perfect Shirt (Ann Taylor) | Relaxed Poplin Button-Up Shirt (Open Edit) | Boyfriend Shirt (Talbots) | Relaxed-Fit Crisp Cotton Poplin Shirt (J.Crew)
Shop the Board
3. Blazers
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.
Inspo outfit
Board: The Hutton Blazer (Ann Taylor) | Easy Luxe Mockneck Tee (Talbots) | Amber Broken Hem Straight Leg Jeans (PAIGE) | Liz Chain Nappa Loafers (Talbots)
Shop the board
The Blazers
Board: Miller Dickey Jacket (Veronica Beard) | Willa BLazer (J.Crew) | Captain’s Blazer (Banana Republic) | The Hutton Blazer (Ann Taylor)
Shop the Board
4. Sweaters
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.
Inspo outfit
Board: The High Waist Straight Pant (Ann Taylor) | Supersoft Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater (Talbots) | Mabi Pointed Toe Pump (DKNY) | Signature Leather Bomber Jacket (Cole Haan)
Shop the board
The Sweaters
Board: Tiernan Cotton Sweater (Banana Republic) | Cashmere Slim-Fit Crewneck Sweater (J.Crew) | Wool & Cashmere Crewneck Sweater (Vince) | Supersoft Cable Knit Crewneck Sweater (Talbots)
Shop the Board
5. 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.
Inspo outfit
Board: Smocked Top (Talbots) | Everly Chelsea Boat (TOMS) | Brigitte High Waist Slim Boyfriend Jeans (PAIGE) | Twinkling Tweed Knit Jacket (Talbots)
Shop the Board
Similar outfit
Board: Rumple Fabric BLouse (Vince Camuto) | Una Denim Tie-Neck Blouse (Banana Republic) | Crêpe de Chine Tie Neck Blouse (Anne Klein) | Smocked Top (Talbots)
Shop the Board
In Case You Missed It
This morning, Kelly shared her fitness journey: from chronic pain to a regular workout routine. Click the title or image below to read the article.
Kelly’s Fitness Journey
About The Author
Hi Beth. I really enjoyed reading this post and seeing the example photos of how you made basics look so polished. I think you have great style and I look forward to reading your posts and watching your YouTube videos. After following you for a while I’m proud to say my closet is now much more versatile with many of the basics you shared here today. Happy Nee Year!
Thanks so much for your sweet words, Renee! I so appreciate you being here. Happy 2023!
Great post. Thank you for reminding us all of the STAPLES or building blocks. I always find you have something of value to say to me! (I have that Talbots blouse already or would buy via your widget.)
Awww, I’m so happy you’re finding value in the blog. That’s what it’s all about!