fashion

The 'going-out top' is done. This $15 basic is replacing it.

If you want to support independent women's media, become a Mamamia subscriber. Get an all-access pass to everything we make, including exclusive podcasts, articles, videos and our exercise app, MOVE.

For years, we've internalised a very simple and effective style formula: statement top + basic bottoms = the go-to outfit.

Whether it was a printed blouse paired with jeans or an oversized shirt offset with leggings, the emphasis was very much on the top half of your outfit to carry the look.

But lately we've seen the whole equation flip on its head — literally.

Watch Leigh Campbell style Helena using the 'Style Maths' method. Post continues below.


Video via Mamamia.

Think about some of the biggest trends to emerge in 2025: baggy jeans, bright trackpants, lace skirts, even Bermuda shorts. These styles shift the focus to the bottom of your 'fit — and they're pieces that tend to look best teamed with (you guessed it) a simple top.

It explains why we've seen almost every brand come out with their version of a logo singlet. With all these fancy pants and skirts in our wardrobes, we need basics to style them back with.

ADVERTISEMENT

The humble tank has taken over this year, and influencers and celebrities have been quick to adopt the low-key staple. It's minimal, it's chic, it's… the opposite of a statement top. And that seems to be the point.

Rozazlia Russian, Leandra Medine Cohen, and Effie Katsaounis wear white singletsL-R: Rozalia Russian, Leandra Medine Cohen, and Effie Katsaounis wear white singlets. Images: Instagram/@rozaliarussian; @leandramedinecohen; @effiekats

A viral moment at a New York Knicks game cemented the theory: in case you missed it, Kendall and Kylie Jenner both wore cotton tank tops with leather pants while appearing courtside in May, with Kendall's reported to be a $2 steal from US chain Hanes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kylie and Kendall Jenner post from a Knicks game in cotton singlets.Kylie and Kendall Jenner post from a Knicks game in cotton singlets. Image: Instagram/@kyliejenner.

But there's more to it: the rise of the white singlet is a sign of the economic times, with some even labelling it a recession indicator.

As fashion lore goes, clothes get smaller when times get tougher. Boob tubes, bandage dresses, halterneck tops — the Y2k mood permeating style at the moment is no coincidence.

ADVERTISEMENT

Whether you believe the hype or not, the 'anti-fashion top' is a convenient trend to lean into as the cost of living rises. You don't have to opt for a boujie designer option; you can grab a white singlet from Uniqlo for 15 bucks and get the same effect. And if a tank feels too bare, a boxy white tee or long-sleeve option will sub in nicely.

Below, shop our edit of the best basic tops to pair with your high-key bottoms.

Shop plain white tanks.

Uniqlo Soft Ribbed Tank Top, $14.90.

Uniqlo tank.Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cotton On Byron Scoop Tank, $19.99.

Cotton On tank.Image: Supplied.

Bonds Organic Rib Scoop Tank, $20.99.

Bonds tank.Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bayse Cassia Tank, $49.95.

Bayse tank.Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

DISSH Theo Off White Tank, $49.99.

Dissh tank.Image: Supplied.

Shop plain white tees.

Big W &me Australian Cotton Short Sleeve Crew Tee, $6.50.

Big W t-shirt.Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

Next New White Cotton 100% Long Sleeve T-Shirt, $17.

Next t-shirt.Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

Cotton On The Boxy Oversized Tee, $24.99.

Cotton On T-shirt.Image: Supplied.

ADVERTISEMENT

MNG Cotton Short Sleeved T-Shirt, $49.95.

Mango T-Shirt.Image: Supplied.

At Mamamia, we independently curate and write about products we rave about in our group chats and think you should know about too. If you purchase a product we have recommended, we may earn a small commission.

Feature image: Instagram/@kyliejenner; @rozaliarussian.

Calling all holiday-makers! Whether that’s near or afar…we want to hear from you! Complete our survey now for a chance to win a $1,000 gift voucher in our quarterly draw!

00:00 / ???