Baby Steps

The baby tee is back in every fall outfit I see online, usually tucked under a cardigan or shown off with low rise jeans. The shape is simple: short sleeves, a close fit and a hem that stops right at the waist.

I split this edit by neckline. The first group is crew necks, the easiest place to start. The second is the V neck, square neck and henley styles, which feel a little more dressed up.

These are the classic version: plain cotton, soft rib and a few ringer trims in white, black, navy, green, charcoal and brown. A couple have a slightly cropped hem and a couple are a touch longer, so you can choose your length.

My fitting room test: lift your arms. The hem should skim your waistband without riding up to your ribs, and the fabric should hug without clinging. What I would skip: tops so thin they show a bra seam, because a baby tee only works when the fabric holds its shape.

Same fitted shape, new neckline. The deep V and the square neck show off a collarbone, and the henley adds a row of buttons for something less plain.

What I check: how the neckline sits when I move. A good one stays flat and does not gap when I lean forward. What I would skip: a neckline cut so low you need a camisole underneath, since that defeats the point of a simple tee.

Layer a white or black baby tee under an open cardigan with baggy denim and flats for the easiest everyday outfit. For something sharper, tuck a ringer tee into a long skirt and add a leather jacket.

One tip: if the fit is snug, size up only if the sleeves feel tight, not the length.