Basics (not basic)
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Actually Good Things is a Friday-morning newsletter with product recommendations from a flesh-and-bone shopping editor who’s tried a gazillion items.
This week—while staying up too late watching The Hunting Wives and trying to type with cloudy vision as I recover from PRK eye surgery—I’m taking inventory of my wardrobe.
Particularly, the tried-and-true, basic clothing items I wear all the time, have purchased in multiple colors, and have gifted to loved ones.
These are actually good things to add to your closet, lingerie drawer, sock bin, or armoire.*
Skims Fits Everybody undies
I’ve tried every single best-selling pair of panties from Nordstrom and can confidently report that the Skims Fits Everybody line shines above the rest. The thong is elite, folks—the waistband stretches like 4 feet wide. But the brief is cute, too, and the boyshort is nice for sleep.
Skims men’s boxer briefs have my husband’s stamp of approval, if you’re wondering.
A note: The Kardashians work with some of the best brand developers. A lot of their stuff is pretty excellent, and you have permission to buy it.
The best bra in the whole wide world
It’s a shame I met the best bra of my life at age 34 (I’m now 36). Better late than never, I suppose. This is The One. It smooths the back (no bulging in fitted shirts) and creates lift without looking unnatural. Though I typically take the pads out of bras, this bralette is just right as is—for small-to-medium breasts, that is.
Honeylove makes a good one if you’re open to spending more. Floatley has a similar, budget-friendly option.
Socks you won’t get bullied by Gen Z for
Artizia has the best slouchy crew socks. These are apparently what all the cool teens asked for in their stockings last year—you heard it here last! I have like 10 pairs and can confirm they’re also suitable for grown women.
Jazzy tap-dancing socks (a bit lower on the ankle) might start eclipsing crew socks. (Evidently, ruffly toddler socks are also in.) This fall, I’m wearing these sophisticated ones with loafers and jeans.
I appreciate that Aritzia socks come in two sizes because I hate when the foot portion is too big and causes bunching.
Must-have spaghetti-strap tank tops
Lululemon’s spaghetti-strap cami is absolutely pristine. It sells out quickly, so hopefully more drop soon. Artizia has a slightly more affordable (and better stocked) option.
My current favorite might actually be Abercrombie’s Bra-Free 90s Cami—everything I want from a spaghetti-strap tank is right there in the product name.
Stretchy pants, OK?
This category is not about being cool—it’s about being comfortable. I’m phasing them out, but the truth is, I still wear my Lululemon Aligns (the ones with pockets!) at least once a week. (According to the website, Align pants are currently trending, so I’m obviously not the only one.)
Quince makes the budget version here. The look and feel are nearly identical to Lululemon.
Trust me on this T-shirt
This T-shirt is so good and so cheap—no notes. I’ll die on the hill of Uniqlo’s impeccable tailoring. (There’s a men’s version too.)
Garage also has it going on. When you hold up this shirt, it just looks like a regular long-sleeve—and not even a very high-quality one. And yet, somehow, the stretchy material and form-fitting silhouette smooth the upper body and cinch the waist—without any embarrassing side ruching (no offense to maternity wear).
Willing to spend a little more on the perfect tee? Left on Friday is your guy. You can’t go wrong with the short- or long-sleeve.
*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission.
What I’m reading lately:
Business Insider | Unpacking Costco’s Chokehold on America
Men’s Health | The Protein Bar King and the Battle for the Holy Grail of Fat Substitutes
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