EDIT: The long sleeve base layers we're wearing this autumn/winter

From fitted and sexy to slouchy and cool, we've shortlisted the best long-sleeved base layers to wear this season.

Soph and I caught up over the weekend to bask in the last exhalation of warm weather before the Melbourne Greys settle in for the long haul. Shout out to Brico for taking such excellent care of two friends/business partners/mothers on a mission to consume everything on the menu (new favourite way to serve fish: drowning in tamarind butter).

It was a rare excuse for both of us to put on real clothes, and we took advantage by taking possibly the worst outfit selfie of all time? Still, for those who have the imagination to see past the less-than-ideal camera angle — Sophie is wearing old-season COS bandeau (similar here) and shorts (try these instead), Elleme bag, Cotton On cord pendant necklace and a pair of python-print heels by St. Agni which are now sold out everywhere (but you could try looking at Depop or eBay — they’re called the ‘Minimal Low Wedge' in Python — similar vibe here). Annie’s wearing E Nolan’s Oversized Shirt in the perfect French blue, an Olga Joan longline silk skirt (chocolate brown and cornflower blue is the best autumn colour combo), a Bella Clark cupid’s harp necklace and the same pair of shoes as Soph but in white.

Now, onto this week’s newsletter!

A strange quirk of fashion’s marketing machine is the way certain wardrobe staples get almost no attention. Take long-sleeved tops as an example: they’re a key staple in a versatile cool-weather wardrobe, but — like socks and scarves — they’re tricky to merchandise, so brands rarely give them the same airtime as their more ‘flagship’ items like coats, knitwear and boots. Proof point numero uno: the drumbeat of DMs we’ve been getting lately asking us where to find some great cool weather layers. So, Soph has this week been building a bank of the best long-sleeved base layers on the market. From oversized options you can tuck into a tailored pant or layer with a boxy tee (for extra 90s thrill), to sheer, fitted options you can feel sleek in, she’s edited down her finds into:

Fitted: Clean and slimline though anything but boring.

Loose: Oversized, boxy, draped, flared.

Detailed: A statement seam, a raw hemline, a double layer — those with a special detail.

We cover core ‘neutrals’ including white, cream, grey and black, plus some colourful options thrown in at the end, too. For inspiration on how to wear them, check out our Pinterest board below.

Up next, easy everyday autumn outfits ♥️

Thanks for being here with us. It makes us so happy.

Annie & Sophie

xo

We really gotta get better at this.

White and Fitted

They’re completely necessary so why not make them completely cute: we like ours ribbed or textured and even a little sheer, so there’s interest in the otherwise simple wardrobe staple. Slightly sheer allows for a statement undergarment, or nipples. Or a nipple undergarment even — all extra added points of interest to a final look.

Loving the below Khaite v-neck reference. It’s only recently that the horror of early naughties raver v-necks have thankfully begun to disintegrate from our psyche in time to make space for their resurgence.

Khaite Resort 2025

1. ELKA COLLECTIVE / Nola Long Sleeve Top — $89

2. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The FWF Merino Crew Neck Top — $169

3. ZULU & ZEPHYR / Rib Hemp Jersey Long Sleeve Top — $100

4. WITCHERY / Hi V Rib Knit — $119

5. JAC & JACK / Davies Organic Cotton LS — $110

White and Loose

We like a thick neckline, longline and even slightly flared sleeve and hem for extra oversized 90s vibes.

Staud Pre-Fall 2025

1. ASSEMBLY LABEL / Dana Relaxed Long Sleeve Tee — $50

2. MARLE / Yelena Tee — $171

3. INCU / Overture Long Sleeve T-Shirt — $90

4. VENROY / Long Sleeve Lightweight Cotton Tee — $130

5. DEIJI STUDIOS / Knit Long Sleeve — $205

6. BASSIKE / Circle Long Sleeve T-Shirt — $170

White and Detailed

The detailed base layer is our favourite of layers: those with a little added extra something. A statement seam, a raw hemline, a double layer. We wear these base layers most days so it goes a long way for an everyday piece to have something slightly special about it. They’re basics but that doesn’t mean they have to be basic.

Friends With Frank / Merino Top — $159

1. BASSIKE / Front Seam Rib Long Sleeve T-Shirt — $170

2. FRIENDS WITH FRANK / The FWF Merino Top — $159

Cream

When white isn’t quite right.