The Simple White Top that Does It All

October 05, 2018 | Filed in: Your Closet

A classic white button-up. A pair of well-fitting pants. A neutral, goes-with-anything underpinning. Isn’t it great when one of your go-to classics also becomes one of your all-time favorites? Recent college grad Linley experienced this phenomenon as she started building her professional wardrobe. Below, she makes the case for the Peggy top—a piece that looks simple and unassuming on the hanger, but has become the most valuable (and loved) item in her closet.

Anna Wintour has her sunglasses, Hillary Clinton has her pantsuits, and I have my Peggy top. The story of how we came together is unremarkable—I bought it because I felt like a white v-neck tank, a step above a T-shirt in formality level, would be useful as I entered the workforce. I had no idea this simple top would become the most-worn piece in my closet. Allow me to sing its praises: 

Linley wears the Peggy top, the Woolf jardigan, and the Harlem skirt.

The Peggy fits well—really well.

Tanks are often cut to be skin-tight so they’ll layer well. What I love about the Peggy is that it’s tailored without feeling constricting, and still looks great underneath blazers and jackets. The wide V-neck highlights my collarbones, and there are snaps that keep my bra straps from ever peeking out.

It’s the most versatile piece in my closet.

The Peggy is made from a knit blend that’s smooth enough to tuck into a skirt, but thick enough to wear on its own over a pair of pants—meaning it works as an underpinning and a stand-alone top. Recent grads, take note: The Peggy is a perfect layering piece if you’re entering the brave new world of suits. I’ve worn the Peggy as part of a full knit suit, with the Harlem skirt and Woolf jardigan, for a look that’s both sharp and ultra-comfortable. On weekends, I’ve worn it over a pair of jeans to dinner with friends.

Linley wears the Peggy top, the Angelou shawl, and the Noho skirt.

The fabric holds its own.

All it took was one muggy subway ride last August for me to realize I needed an underpinning that didn’t just look good, but was also lightweight, breathable, and machine-washable. The Peggy checks all those boxes, and since the fabric is thick enough that I don’t have to worry about my bra showing through, I can shed any top layers and wear it on its own during sweaty commutes.

It’s travel-friendly.

My favorite part about the Peggy is that it’s perfect for travel. The stretchy knit fabric can be stuffed into a carry-on and emerge virtually wrinkle-free. I’m from Vermont, and when I fly home, my plane uniform is the Peggy top, a basic bottom like the Noho skirt, and a cozy layer like the Angelou shawl (which doubles as a blanket for the flight!). I also love loosely draping the shawl to show off the Peggy’s elegant V in the back.

Linley wears the Peggy top, the Woolf jardigan, and the Harlem skirt.

Ready to fall in love with the Peggy? Shop here.