BEST OF THE BASICS

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Oh, basics! Understated yet essential, quietly doing all the daily hard work for which other items don’t have the range. Our unsung heroes. Our everyday favourites. The ones that never give up on us, even when we spill coffee down our fronts first thing in the morning, then again with spag bol over lunch. Where would we be without you? We love you even more when you’re designed to last.

If you’re stocking up on basics for some clever dressing in between seasons, you’ve come to the right place. Cotton On has you covered with its premium range, The One, made from sustainably sourced cotton that lasts longer than before, wear after wear. So we’ve rounded up a loveable list of our favourite The One basics, straight from the ones who know best – our team. Replenish your basics and let our editors’ picks guide you with the pieces they love and how to wear them best.

“Perpetually on the hunt for the perfect white tee, The One Crew Tee in white gets the nod from me. It ranks highly for that curved hem and back seam, which make for loose-fitting luxury. The white tee (which always needs replacing, by the way) works well with everything, but I'll get specific – pair with some distressed high-waisted Mom Jeans and a pair of loafers or barely-there sandals. And, when you're feeling extra energetic, a bright shade of lipstick does the trick for a pulled-together look that still feels like Sunday comfort.”

“If ever I’ve said something that would become quotable and noteworthy after I die, it would be, ‘Every great casual look starts with a plain black tee.’ The One Fitted V Tee in black pairs brilliantly with just about anything: light denim, white denim, dark denim and fancy pants alike. This unsung wardrobe hero comes to the rescue in all those throw-on-and-go situations that usually start with ‘I have nothing cute to wear.’ Is this an ode to a classic black tee? Ja!’

“My favourite has to be The One Fitted V Tee in white. It's simple and versatile, so it works with so many styles for different occasions. You can keep things classic and pair it with straight-leg jeans and white tennis shoes or a chunky brogue or dress it up and wear it under a slip dress with a strappy heel. It looks crisp with a little chic nonchalance, no matter how it's worn. Definitely a hero in any closet.”

“The One Crew Tee in white is the perfect white tee that can do just about anything. For work, wear a good crewneck tee with a pleated skirt and an oversized blazer and for a relaxed look over the weekend, pair it with jeans and a minimal white sneaker. It's a best base layer. A real hard worker. When you find your favourite white tee, buy a few.”