The $8 Wardrobe Basic You Need In Your Closet

Few pieces in my closet work harder than this $8 cotton tee from Target. I first wrote about it on the blog in my July Favorites post, and it’s still going strong as one of my top wardrobe basics.

I have a small stack of these super-soft tees in white and gray and they’re in heavy rotation in my weekday wardrobe: I wear them alone with high-rise skinny jeans when it’s too hot to even think about outerwear, and layer them under sweaters, blazers and moto jackets for no-brainer outfits that never let me down. (A tip: These v-neck tees fit true to size, but I went up two sizes for an easy, laid-back fit.)

The best part: they’ve held up through lots of wear and laundry cycles, and they still look good as new; I’m still working with the same ones I bought 6 months ago and I wear and wash them all the time.

While the white t-shirt will always be an essential classic, I find myself reaching for the gray ones more often (probably because I’m clumsy and my subconscious knows that wearing white is asking for it). A note: the white version is 100% cotton, but the gray has a mix of cotton, polyester and rayon, which I think gives a nice weight and drape on the body.

Universal Thread Monterey V-Neck Pocket Tee, $8 at Target
(Worn here with Everlane high-rise skinny jeans)

While we’re here, let’s quickly discuss t-shirts and bras. I loved Victoria’s Secret t-shirt bras for years, but they stopped working for me when I hit my 30s. *sad trombone* The ‘stunning support’ full-coverage bra from Soma is my favorite everyday bra that lifts, shapes and supports with a seamless design that’s smooth under all kinds of fabric; it’s perfect to wear under tees and tanks. I stock up in nude and black when they’re on sale, and replace them every 6-8 months after regular wear. (Check out this HuffPo article about when/why you should replace your bras.)

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8 Comments

  1. 1.21.19
    shanon said:

    i absolutely love that being able to lounge around in style in a comfy but fashionable T! love it!

  2. 1.9.19
    Jillian said:

    the v-neck in gray gives me LIFE! it’s been my favorite tee for 6 months too! the white and black just don’t cut it for me after a couple months of washing (obviously due to the 100% cotton).. thank you for always sharing the products you like! i tend to have a very similar style (entire wardrobe Loft, Madewell, Nordstrom, Target.. you get it) and body type. always appreciate you sharing your loves!

    • 1.11.19

      I love that you love the gray as much as I do! As much as I want to be a chic lady who wears monochromatic black outfits every day, I don’t usually bother with black cotton; I hate when it fades after just a few washes.

      And cheers to sharing a similar style! Thanks for following the blog, Jillian!

  3. 1.9.19
    Alex said:

    I cannot recommend enough going to Nordstrom for a bra fitting! Best service I’ve ever had, and they fit a dream. They also carry all the weird sizes. Must do or everyone!

    • 1.11.19

      I have a girlfriend who also praises the Nordstrom bra fitting service! Bra shopping is one of those things that you don’t realize you’re getting wrong until you get it oh-so-right.

      • 1.11.19
        Alex said:

        It’s pricey but oh-so-worth-it. And then once you know your size and styles, it’s pretty easy to keep an eye out for deals at The Rack!