Contrary to incendiary Instagram posts, the stereotypically avant-garde energy of runway collections does not abound as much as one might think. Some of the clothing is surprisingly wearable, especially this season as the marketing-spawned quiet luxury front claims its victims. Gucci, Tod’s, Bally, Proenza Schouler, Phillip Lim—most of their looks would not turn heads on the street unless the viewer merely appreciated the subtly fascinating outfit formula. One continuity, in particular, I couldn’t help but notice was the prolific use of simple layering staples–tees, tanks, bodysuits, henleys–all claimed their unusual place on the Spring runways. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorites to help emulate these strategic layering tactics this season.
Brandon Maxwell
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Scoop Neck Ribbed Modal-blend Tank Top
If you, too, have been bewitched by either Saint Laurent’s deeply fabulous reimagination of ‘80s silhouettes or Gucci’s new take on the Tom Ford era, all you need to achieve the look is a simple scoop neck tank. Pair yours with either a belted skirt or a pair of sleek trousers.
Tissue Turtleneck
J.Crew’s “tissue” tees are the perfect layering staples. They’re so thin you can easily wear them under numerous other garments. I particularly love the way Gauchere layered two turtlenecks upon each other with a blazer and a mini skirt.
Jamaika Stretch-jersey Bodysuit
Take a note from Alaïa’s stylist and layer a simple white bodysuit beneath a semi-sheer white button-down and fully sheer skirt—the belt is key here. And when it comes to bodysuits, Wolford is always a good option.
Max Organic Cotton Long-sleeved T-shirt
In Proenza Schouler’s Spring ‘24 runway collection, designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez paired a flashy sequin skirt with an ultra-simple white long-sleeved tee. Tibi created a similar formula with a simple white skirt and black accessories.
Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-shirt
No closet is complete without a great short-sleeve crew-neck white t-shirt. This season, Staud reiterated that notion, pairing their version with a full taffeta skirt—take note.
Dakota Cotton Henley Top
For a few seasons in a row now, Bottega Veneta has championed the sartorial validity of a slightly oversized henley shirt.
