Choosing tops for my capsule wardrobe is pretty straight forward. I’ve nearly forgotten what life outside of COVID is like so maybe I will need to adjust my style slightly once the world starts reopening but for now, all of my tops have to be kid friendly and most have to be as easily worn with jeans as with leggings.
Or maybe I just should say that all tops need to be legging friendly. The end.
Over the last 4ish years (exactly how old my son is), I’ve been on a constant search to find shirts that are long enough to cover the booty which is increasingly hard to find in our current crop top world. That ship sailed for me a looong time ago but major props to all 30+ year olds that can pull them off. I am seriously rooting for you from the sidelines!
The other key items I need in all my clothes are that they require no special care (big one for me!), they can transition to at least 2 seasons, and they are high quality enough to last multiple washes. When working around a ‘capsule’ almost all my clothes are washed on a a weekly basis so standing up to multiple regular wash and dry cycles is essential. (Many clothes have been ruined before this strict rule was enacted.)
(The pictures are linked to the product info if it was still available for the item.)
Target Long Sleeve Ruched T-shirt in Ivory
I saw this on someone’s Instagram feed and passed by it 3 different times in Target. When I saw it on the rack I wasn’t sure how the lady on Instagram could make it look so good. However, it was the perfect price point for the puffy sleeve trend and the light weight makes it a great transition piece. One of those shirts that looks so much cuter on than when it’s hanging on the rack. It comes in a couple of different colors but the ivory is the most versatile for my wardrobe. Not a legging shirt but great for jeans and shorts.
J. Crew Happy T-shirt
I kind of love the new ‘graphic’ tees like this one. Basic navy with a pop of fun. I will be wearing this all year round! Wait for a good sale- I just snagged it for $12.50. The material has a good weight and I think it will stand up to multiple wears and washes. Again, not a legging shirt but for jeans and shorts!
Carly Jean Los Angeles Favorite V-neck Tee in Rose
This t-shirt is 3 years old. I bought it when we moved to the south after the world’s worst move left me for 3 months with clothes from a suitcase meant to carry me through the snowy weather we encountered on the drive down. It lays like a dream on your body and is easy to dress up with some accessories but also casual enough to put on with slip-ons. Only downside is that sweat can be seen on it from a mile away so unless you can make up a great water fight story this is best for layering in winter or on it’s own in early spring.
Z Supply T-shirt in Tan Oatmeal
I love a good camel/ tan colored shirt and sweater. TBD how this handles humidity ::I mean my sweat::. Great with leggings, joggers, jeans, etc. Looks terrible on a hanger but great on your body. Long enough in back to cover your booty.
Z Supply Side Slit T-Shirt in Charcoal Gray
I bought this t-shirt at a local boutique along with the t-shirt above. I can’t find a link to it anywhere on Z Supply’s website but it’s perfect to wear with a pair of high waisted leggings. The slits in the side do go up a bit high but I throw on a tank underneath and it’s super cute with a pair of jeans.
J.Crew Factory Vintage Cotton Tank in White
J.Crew Factory still doesn’t have their tank tops on their website but I’ll keep checking. They go on major sale and I find myself replacing my white tanks on an almost yearly basis because I can’t for the life of me keep them clean (and yellow underarms). However, I wear this tank with everything and it’s not to sheer to wear on it’s one with a nude bra underneath. And a nice bright white tank is such an essential staple piece of my wardrobe year-round. Note- not long enough for leggings but is so great under sweaters in cooler weather too! Or under a chambray shirt. Or jean jacket. Or…
the tall minimalist mama 