THE 3 BASIC TOPS YOU'LL WEAR WITH EVERYTHING YOU OWN

Welcome to the era of your outfits working smarter, not harder. The key? Building your wardrobe around seriously good basics that'll see you through summer to autumn, office to out, daytime to date night. We've got everything from jeans and sweats to knitwear – but as it's the end of summer, we're showcasing our top-three tops and how we'd style them now. Scroll for your shortcut to effortless transitional dressing.

Just like a good shirt, an oversized tee can bring a crisp and clean edge to your look with zero effort. Pick a style with a little weight to it, in a plain colour – white is the go-to, obviously, while burgundy and dusky neutrals feel current for the coming season. Style it with baggy boyfriend jeans and pointed-toe shoes, and you've got the perfect everyday trio for your brunching, day-tripping or errand-running needs. It also looks great worn loose over a bias-cut maxi skirt or a cute mini. See? Versatile! 

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN oversized t-shirt in white, £14
ASOS DESIGN baggy boyfriend jeans in mid blue, £38
ASOS DESIGN Lotto slingback ballet in silver, £26

Raw-collar grey marl might give 'dancer off-duty' vibes – but styled right, a sweatshirt like this is the definition of comfy-cool. Liberate it from your loungewear chairdrobe and elevate it with your best earrings and a pair of capri trousers – the new staple for It-girls from Tokyo to Manhattan. A chic pair of mesh ballet flats nods to balletcore without veering into Flashdance territory.

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN off shoulder oversized sweatshirt in mink, £28
ASOS DESIGN capri trousers in black, £26
ASOS DESIGN Lou mesh mary jane ballet in black, £20

A shirred, waisted tee like the one above can be styled smart, chic or glam, all with added stretch – ideal! Try this top with a bias-cut satin skirt that drapes *just* right, and round it off with leopard and gold accents – some clippy Y2K slingbacks and an ankle chain to pep up the monochrome look. T-shirt for date night? Sold. 

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN shirred corset waist t-shirt in white, £20
ASOS DESIGN satin bias midi skirt in black, £28
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Stroll slingback kitten heeled shoes in leopard, £28