The overarching style theme of 2020 is undoubtedly a return to realistic, simple basics, with little black dresses and relaxed suiting reigning supreme on the spring/summer runways. It's the simple top trends however that I'm particularly excited to start styling this season, as there are lots of basics that are far more exciting than your average T-shirt.
According to Moda Operandi, fitted tank tops bodysuits and crop tops accounted for 20% of total top sales for S/S 20, which is coming under from revival of the '90s minimalism we saw at the likes of The Row and Bottega Veneta. Necklines are also set to plunge this year, with bodysuits and even cardigans exposing the décolletage and shoulders, so we can expect our base layers to reveal a little more skin than usual. The racer-back tank top is also going strong this spring, along with classic jersey tank tops. When Saint Laurent pairs a black tank top with a gold sequinned midi skirt at Paris Fashion Week, you know that the humble vest top is going to have a big year.
Keep scrolling to see the five basics tops that I'm excited to wear this spring—and beyond.
1. Bodysuits
Whether it's a simple black scoop-neck body or a knitted suit or a super '80s-style body with a statement neckline, bodies are the thing to wear with jeans right now.
2. Sleeveless Knits
Something particularly notable about the S/S 20 collections was just how much knitwear there was for summer. The likes of Prada and Miu Miu played with barely there fine knits and off-the-shoulder cardis. Trust me—the sleeveless ribbed knit (like this one above) is going to be a key basic this year.
3. Tank Tops
The tank top has been gaining popularity over the last few seasons and is now the key T-shirt style for 2020. Pair yours with denim and a shoulder bag for the ultimate '90s cool.
4. Polo Top
The preppy polo shirt is already proving to be a hero buy for 2020, with designers like Albus Lumen, Rejina Pyo and Gabriella Hearst creating chic, minimal knitted polos that you could wear to work or at the weekend. Net-a-Porter is so convinced that this is going to be a new wardrobe staple—so much so that it has bought over 1100 units.
5. Oxford Shirt
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next up, see our guide to the key trends for spring/summer 2020.
