I’m basically living in the non-boring style.
Recently, I’ve grown tired of 90 percent of my T-shirts. Unless I’m wearing a turtleneck or a cowl-neck sweater (two knits that conceal said tees), my shirts just don’t seem to fit right. The neckline is either too high, tight, or stretched out, and the sleeves too bulky under whatever I layer on top. Ugh.
That said, I was in dire need of a flattering basic that wouldn’t awkwardly stick out underneath sweaters, and something with a low-cut back that would allow me to wear said sweaters — or even cardigans — backward. I also wanted something dressy enough to wear on its own, with key design factors being a wide, oval neckline and a scooped back. I had almost given up, until I stumbled upon Everlane’s cap-sleeve tee.
The inspiration behind my flattering tee search was a recent rewatch of Rear Window, where Grace Kelly wears that iconic off-the-shoulder bodice with a deep V-neck and cap sleeves. The only similar item I owned prior to my new $40 Everlane buy was an old Lululemon scoop-neck ballet top; it wasn’t perfect, though, as it was a bit too thick to wear come spring. Most of the other options I came across were true bodysuits and leotards, which reminded me of the six-year-long drudgery of ballet classes I endured as a child. No, thank you. I almost gave up, until Everlane’s option landed on my radar.
Buy on Everlane.com $40
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “Ballet tee of your dreams,” they wrote, and, TBH, they’re right. It’s buttery soft, sleek, and tailored, making it the ideal top to wear with fitted pants, straight or wide-leg jeans, and A-line skirts (very Grace Kelly-esque!). It’s simple enough to make your bottoms the focal point of your outfit, while still leaning elevated and chic, aka, it’s a non-boring basic that’s made to be seen.
This, however, doesn't mean you can’t and shouldn't use it as a layering basel. The cap sleeves are fitted around the shoulder, so they won’t bunch up under a thin sweater or a form-fitting cardigan. The tee is also long enough to be tucked into low-rise jeans, if that’s your thing, or anything else that might require a longer length, and thanks to the thin but form-fitting material that hugs your body, it’s nearly undetectable when tucked into pants (which means no annoying bunching). The options are unlimited with this tee.
In short, I’m obsessed, and I already own this Everlane T-shirt in two of the three colors. Here’s to hoping the brand will expand the hues, but, until then, I’ll be stocking up on a third.
Buy on Everlane.com $40
Buy on Everlane.com $40