Just like denim anything, or a leather jacket, a t-shirt is a staple of any wardrobe. Whether plain, printed, motifed, sloganed or cropped, a t-shirt is a stalwart to be layered over or under, worn to the gym, to bed, on a night out out, a night in, to work, to clean in, to have fun in, to slope around in, befitting all manner of moods, adventures and non-adventures. An outfit that requires no effort, no thought, no drama. The nondescript staple easily overlooked, but often the cornerstone of many a great outfit; a canvas of sorts, an emblem of nonchalance.
It was during one of my infrequent 'clear outs' that I noticed an apparent shift in taste, my wears 'then' and 'now', my progression of what I like and what I liked. And it was most notable in the white t-shirts that I have amassed of late, none of which possessed the scoop neck of yore. Despite my 2016 self actually living in low cut tees, the slouchy vibe is just not as practical for day-to-day life in almost permanent sub zero temperatures. I used to feel that they spoke of comfort and ease and framed my layered strands of necklaces with an insouciance revered by all as that 'French girl thing'. However, my current 'me' favours a slightly boxy fit with a crew neckline.
Perhaps it's my age (groan, eye-roll), but no longer do I enjoy looking a bit 'un-done', the peek of a bra brings a rouge to my cheeks now rather than a twinkle to my eye. I see it as a sign of sartorial growth. My proclivity no longer lies in the oversized t-shirt, worn as a half tuck, now they neatly reach waist band level and are of a more fitted ilk. And there's this thing called forethought that seems to speak more loudly to me the older I get. Living in the UK requires a heat tech vest - permanently. Previously, I may have ignored the draft about my cleavage, whistling down and around my stomach and encircling my back. Now baring anything other than my right hand to exchange money for my morning coffee, sends a literal chill that reverberates about my whole entire body.
Yet, this is not the only reason for my new t-shirt proclivity. It speaks of a classic-ness, up there with breton stripes and red lipstick. The clean aesthetic is smart, chic, no fuss, wear with anything, anywhere, even to work. Though admittedly I do save them for casual Fridays, there is something about pairing a crew neck with a smart pair of straight legged, cropped black trousers and a blazer. A smart/casual look that, with the switch out of brogues with white trainers, can transition to weekend wear, or alternatively pair with a stiletto for after work drinks.
And so my new fondness for the neatly fitted tee has begun. And though the premise of a clear-out is to actually clear out, I feel this a safe enough space to admit that my proclivity for a crew neck does not seem to be slowing down. Oh well, you can never have too many white t-shirts...right?
(Images via: Pinterest)
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