If you ask me, there are a few clothing items that are essential to building a well-curated wardrobe. There's the white T-shirt, which comes in various silhouettes, shades, and levels of opaqueness; the pair of jeans that fits just right; a slightly slouchy trench coat; a white poplin shirt that doesn't easily wrinkle; a leather jacket of your choosing (I prefer a Prada-inspired oversize version); and of course, a bevy of white tank tops, which are the ultimate base layer or only layer for that matter.
As shown at the most recent Prada show, the basic that can likely be found in every T-shirt or underwear drawer is more than just an afterthought. Rather, it's an essential piece of the puzzle that is your wardrobe, one that can be worn in dozens of ways—with sheer midi skirts, big bomber jackets, Mary-Jane pumps, and more. On the Milan streets outside of the shows, another influential name in fashion debuted an alternative way to wear a white tank: Bella Hadid.
In between Milan Fashion Week shows, the supermodel was photographed styling the basic with a knit shorts-and-sweater set, knee-high Prada boots, and black tights. Accessories-wise, she mostly went the Chanel route, adding a vintage pair of sunglasses and a black top-handle bag. Suffice to say, she looked effortless and chic, in part due to her top of choice.
Where Hadid got her white tank top remains TBD, but I know where I get mine, and it won't set you back any more than $13. For years, I've been purchasing—dare I say—the perfect tank in packs of three or more on Amazon. And while I'd like to keep the secret forever, after seeing it at Prada and on Hadid this week, I can't in good faith gatekeep my go-to tank any longer. Shop my favorite basic and more wardrobe essentials below.
On Bella Hadid: Prada boots; Chanel handbag and sunglasses
Shop my go-to white tank top:
I grew up stealing these undershirts from my dad and brother, preferring the fit, price, and shape to the women's styles that most of my friends were spending way more on. Usually, I'll get the smallest size in the men's shirts or even buy the biggest size in the boy's alternative for an even tighter fit. I swear I always field questions about where I got my tank when I wear one of these, and every time, the person asking is shocked when I AirDrop them the link to this three-pack of tanks for just $13.
Get Hadid's look:
Wear it, wrap it around your shoulders, tie it around your waist—whatever you do, this cozy sweater will definitely come in handy.
These may not be Bella's exact shorts, but they're pretty darn close.
Other Stories makes one hell of a pair of boots.
These go everywhere with me.
Commando makes impeccable hosiery.
Checkmate!
Do these look designer or what?
More wardrobe basics I swear by:
Wear this top buttoned up on its own or open as a lightweight topper.
Leather pants are as essential as jeans these days.
I take white T-shirts very seriously, and this one passed my test. Other favorites? Check Uniqlo, For Days, or, again, Hanes.
I just got these jeans, but I've already worn them dozens of times.
I'm still not over the fact that this coat is under $100.
Once you've checked a white poplin shirt off your list, blue is an obvious next purchase.
There's a reason why these socks made it to our MVP list last year.
I'm not a huge fan of oversize blazers anymore. Instead, I think a fitted long blazer like those frequented in the '90s is more classic.
Good trousers are hard to come by.
Turtlenecks are the ultimate layering piece.
This coat will make everything look 10 times more elevated.
It's almost white-jeans season (unless you, like me, believe that it's always white-jeans season). Time to prepare.
The coziest.
If the oversize-poplin style isn't your vibe.
Proof that basics don't have to be boring.
Simply perfect.
The softest.
This miniskirt is just right.
Yes, yes, 1000% yes.
No explanation necessary.
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