The simplest things are often the hardest to find. The perfect pair of blue jeans needs to be just the right wash, the right length and rise, and really fit your body. An everyday T-shirt bra needs to give you support and comfort, but also work with every cut and fabric of the T-shirts you own.
Investing in good basics isn’t about looking basic – it’s about having those trusted items in your wardrobe that function like building blocks, so you can turn your attention to the other, more fun parts of your outfit, like a stack of bangles or a pair of vintage Prada slingback heels. Importantly, your basics need be lived in to have that authenticity.
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From the best socks to the perfectly-cut suit pants, here’s where we’ve found our favourite basics.
The perfect T-shirt
Birgitte Herskind Larsson T-shirt
My best basics have come from Birgitte Herskind, a Danish designer I stumbled upon by chance when I realised I’d forgotten to pack a jacket for a winter wedding in country Victoria. A local boutique happened to be a stockist, and the oversized cut was exactly what I’d been searching for for years. I later found the label again at Stable in Albert Park, where I bought the perfect white tee. It’s a high quality firm cotton, with a slightly boxy, cropped cut. It seems Birgitte has an eye for creating shapes that feel contemporary but still ‘essential’. While the designer doesn’t exactly specialise in basics, I still keep my eyes peeled. – Giulia Brugliera, Fashion Journal’s Managing Editor
St. Agni Organic Cotton Ballet Top
I spent an embarrassing amount of time searching for the perfect black T-shirt online (this is why I hate online shopping, the options and comparisons never end) and eventually settled on this one by St. Agni. The boat neck and low back make it feel slightly more elevated than a basic tee. But if is a basic T-shirt I’m after, I can’t go past the off white mini tee by New Zealand label Buddy – the best vintage-inspired fit, made from the softest hemp cotton. – Lara Daly, Fashion Journal’s Features Editor
Cos Clean Cut Regular T-shirt
This T-shirt is my holy grail. I’m in a constant back-and-forth between wearing it as many times as I can, washing it and then waiting for it to dry so I can put it back on again. It is the perfect thick material that still hugs for a nice shape and is sturdy enough to be washed constantly when I spill something, without losing its structural integrity. It’s by no means the cheapest white shirt you can own at $65, but you absolutely get what you pay for. – Molly Griffin, Fashion Journal’s Advertising and Partnerships Manager
The crisp cotton shirt
Deiji Studios Day Shirt
I like streamlining my work wardrobe, and what better way to do that than with an unnecessarily large collection of shirts? My favourites, time and time again, are from the Australian label, Deiji Studios. I’ve picked up a range of classic colours but I also have one with a giant oversized collar, and another with a fun cut-out and tie to mix it up. Keep an eye out on Depop for some good steals, or head straight to the source and check out their new collection (all so gorgeous!) – Daisy Henry, Fashion Journal’s Assistant Editor
The cosy sweater
Paire Unisex Classic Crewneck Sweater
Having just become a Melburnian, I dove headfirst into the search for warm, wearable layering pieces. I landed on Paire’s SilKnit Classic Crewneck Sweater and haven’t looked back. I love it as it’s lightweight yet impressively warm thanks to a blend of silk and Australian Merino wool. The comfort, wearability, and warmth of this piece have made it worth every cent. – Holly Villagra, Fashion Journal’s Branded Content and Production Coordinator
The tailored suit pants, to dress up or down
E Nolan made-to-measure trousers
I treated myself to a suit from Melbourne tailor Emily Nolan when she first launched her label, and have lived in the pants since. I’m now a firm believer that everyone should have a custom tailored pant, and recommend the idea to almost anyone needing a wardrobe upgrade or wondering what to gift for a milestone birthday. The experience of a one-on-one fitting in Emily’s apartment is extra special (she’s a hoot and makes everyone feel so at home) and I promise you’ll never get more mileage from a pair of pants. I’ve since had a second pair made. Yes, they’re an investment (mine cost around $600) but if you can forego a few frivolous purchases, it’s well worth saving up. – Giulia
The supportive T-shirt bra
Nala Support Wirefree Bralette
If you’ve got a bigger bust like I do, you’ve probably dealt with the pain of poorly designed bras, with shoulder straps that dig in, wires that pinch, and zero support when it comes to bounce. I finally threw my hands up and decided enough was enough. That’s when I found this bra from Nala. It offers real support, the wide straps are actually comfortable, and with the cute colours, it doesn’t look like something out of your grandma’s lingerie drawer (sorry, Grandma). – Holly
Skims Fits Everybody Unlined Demi Bra
I don’t love plugging a Kardashian brand here, but this bra has been a game-changer. Again, I spent far too much time looking for a simple T-shirt bra that was comfortable, supportive, and not hideous. The underwire of this bra is wide enough to properly fit my boobs (a struggle I was having with a lot of other brands) and it fits no matter what time of month it is (important!). Thank you, Kimmy. – Lara
The trusty singlet
Cos Ribbed Tank
I think every wardrobe needs a trusty ribbed singlet. My favourite is this one from Cos – it’s an ideal layering piece in the cooler months, but still nice enough to wear with a pair of pants, as there’s something about the ribbed texture that elevates it from a plain cotton. Cos also have a range of colours and they’re $35 each. – Daisy
Kahe Fatale Tank
Merino is the ultimate transeasonal fabric to look for when you’re buying basics, which is one of the reasons I like the Fatale Tank from Kahe so much. The other reason is its cut – a sexy low square neck and high back, that you can wear both ways. It adds so much warmth under your outfits in winter, but also keeps your temperature regulated in summer. – Lara
The perfect socks
Deiji Studio Woven Socks
Among the multitude of reasons I adore Deiji Studios, I find myself constantly going back for these socks. It’s been years and I’ve steadily built up a collection – from white, to marle, black and brown, they’re perfect for lounging around the house, pairing with shoes for work or keeping your feet toasty on long plane rides. – Daisy
Levante Rib Midi Sock
If you venture far enough into the depths of David Jones, you will be rewarded with a very good sock department. Here you’ll be bombarded with many options, so take my advice and go for the Levante Rib Midis. These aren’t your sturdy, thrash-in-your-sneakers socks, they’re a thin, ribbed ‘fashion sock’ to be worn with loafers, Mary-Janes and ballet flats. I get them in black and grey marle, $17 a pair. – Lara Daly
For more Australian labels we love for basics, try this.
This article Where the Fashion Journal team get their basics from appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-05-14 08:44:00
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