Best everyday clothing basics

Start with the Uniqlo U Crew Neck T-shirt. Heavyweight 100% cotton, a relaxed unisex cut and a bound collar that keeps its shape — it's the one basic that works for both of you and survives constant washing.

Who the others suit:

• Uniqlo Supima crew tee — a dressier, smoother cotton for work or under a jacket; line-dry it.
• Uniqlo lambswool crew sweater — the cold-weather layer, fine 19.5-micron wool that reads smart over a tee.
• Uniqlo wide straight jeans — the one pair that suits most body types and most days.
• Ralph Lauren cotton crew tee — if you want a slightly more polished men's tee.
• H&M knitted tee — a looser women's option for layering.

Skip the thin fast-fashion tees: basics earn their keep on fabric weight and collar construction.