Just the Basics
Updated: March 16, 2009
A sexy T-shirt or some great leggings are sometimes all you need to look good in this city. Forget that ruched smock top and that fancy bubble skirt! Look hot by keeping it simple at these five shops.
Clothing Basics
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Uniqlo
Read Reviews546 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 (map)
Why does it seem like the coolest stuff always comes from Japan? This hip import has all kinds of innovative basics, from Heat Tech long sleeve shirts to Supima cotton T-shirts, for men and women at prices just a tad over big-box discount stores.
American Apparel
Read Reviews104 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (map)
Look beyond the sexy, near-underage models and you'll find "basics" like a neon blue hoodie or a T-shirt that changes color with temperature. The chain's skill at taking a basic and turning it into something eye-catching translates into cheap, sexy clothing in a million different styles and colors. And, of course, everything's made sweatshop-free in L.A.
James Perse Enterprises
Write a review411 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014 (map)
Californians are experts in casual extravagance ($200 sweatpants, really?) and James Perse is no exception. His tasteful basics are so incredibly soft to the touch that you won't mind dropping $65 on a plain white T-shirt.
Theory
Write a review40 Gansevoort St, New York, NY 10014 (map)
Nobody does flattering office wear as well as Theory. Simple work-ready basics, like silken charcoal and white cotton tops, look just as good at work as they do lounging around on the weekend.
Basic Basic
Read Reviews710 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 (map)
A store with the name Basic Basic might not sound like the most exciting place in the world, but these aren't your everyday tees and undies. This NYU-adjacent shop carries everything from incredibly soft Splendid long-sleeves to cute tanks from Petit Bateau to luxurious V-neck T-shirts from Daftbird.
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