The workhorses of my winter wardrobe aren’t cashmere sweaters or wool coats; they’re the basic long-sleeve tees I layer on the daily. My collection includes virtually every color of the rainbow, and it’s become clear that not all basics are made the same. I’ve tried ones ranging from $15 to $250, but the one I reached for most last year was Free People’s So Soft Seamless Modal Long Sleeve ($40). Winter layering can feel bulky, but this style is thin enough to make even my tightest, itchiest wool sweaters feel much more comfortable. When I went to stock up on a few new colorways, I couldn’t help but notice the rest of Free People’s under-$100 offerings, including pointelle and thermal styles. To shop these affordable winter basics, keep reading.
I love this new colorway of my favorite long-sleeve top.
I also own this top in a few colors—it makes a great transitional piece for fall.
I love the cropped length and elongated sleeves on this thermal.
Henley season is upon us.
The favorite long-sleeve now comes in a cable-knit style.
The lace trim takes this plain black long-sleeve up a notch.
This is what I want to lounge in during winter break.
For a looser fitting thermal, I like this style.
The lettuce trim feels very ’90s-coded to me.
A paper-thin scoop-neck style for those who live in warmer climates.
Butter yellow is a nice switch up from a basic white tee.
A great turtleneck option for only $40.
Black and white are necessities, but I think more people should be wearing pink turtlenecks in the winter.
I’d buy this one to sleep in.
It’s not a basics roundup without at least one pointelle top.
