3 min readLeset has become a staple in the closets of many Bazaar editors, myself very much included. I was first introduced to the Margo tee a couple years back and immediately became a fan not only because of the fit—slightly cropped but not too much, boxy but not shapeless—but by how well it wears. I slip these T-shirts on constantly, layering them under crewnecks and polos to the office and sweatshirts and hoodies when at home. The small stockpile I have accumulated has been washed and dried countless times, and yet they still look fresh.
Leset’s ability to design clothing that women actually want to wear is evident in structured basics like its bestselling Margo and more fluid silhouettes like the Barb and Kyoto pants. The combination of durable yet lightweight fabrics and contemporary tweaks to classic designs—you have your choice between a straight wide-leg and a tapered barrel—lives up to the demands of modern living. They’re the dream basics—the ones you don’t have to spend too much time thinking about because you know they’ll look good day after day, this year and the next.
While Leset rolls out a handful of new styles every season, the “Classics” are still the best in my opinion. Below, I share my favorites along with how I’m styling them this spring.
The Margo T-Shirt
I own five of these T-shirts, short and long-sleeved, in black and white, and wear each one religiously. Thanks to their slightly cropped fit, they make the perfect layering piece, with just a sliver of tee peaking out at the neck or beneath the hem of a sweater. But the heft of the cotton means they work exceptionally well on their own, too. As the weather warms up, I’ve been wearing mine under crewnecks, hoodies, or solo with straight-leg denim or fatigue pants. (I should mention that they also make the perfect canvas for bold, statement jewelry like this Julietta x Moda Operandi necklace.)
Leset
Margo Long Sleeve Polo
The Kyoto Pants
My closet is stuffed with denim, but this season I have the strong urge to convert strictly to trousers and skirts. Maybe it’s a desire for lightness that comes with making it through the winter, or maybe it’s a shift in my personal style journey. I was initially drawn to the Kyoto for the funky, bow-legged cut and drawstring waist. What has kept them in my weekly rotation is the feel of the crisp cotton and how easy they are to style. You can wear them with a casual crewneck and ballet flats for appointments, or with a silky button-up and kitten heels for a dinner where no one will know that you don’t have a zipper on your pants. Currently I have them in black, but I’m looking to add the Chalk and Vert to my collection very soon.
Leset
Kyoto Carpenter Pant
Leset
Kyoto Carpenter Pant
Leset
Kyoto Carpenter Pant
The James Sweater
The James crewneck is made from extra fine merino wool and is one of the few pieces made from the natural fiber that didn’t irritate my skin immediately upon contact. The finish is silky, soft and so lightweight that I often forget what it’s made of and simply enjoy the gorgeous wash of cobalt blue. Spring weather is always a toss-up—sometimes 65 degrees is balmy, other days it feels closer to 50 when you factor in wind chill and overcast skies. I like to have a light sweater in my bag or at my desk just in case I need to quickly cover up, and the James is perfect for that.
The Stirrup Pants
References to the eighties have started edging out the ubiquitous design codes of the ‘90s this season. Big—sometimes padded—shoulders, peg leg pants, jazz shoes and now stirrups have finally escaped the bottom of your favorite thrift store’s bargain bin, and I’m here for it. The latter of the bunch is great for days when you want to wear leggings to work but don’t want to copy the unofficial uniform that reigned during the mid-aughts. Leset’s version, the Rio Pant, is one of my favorites. It’s made from a thick, soft jersey that hugs the body and maintains its elasticity throughout the day, meaning I don’t worry about stretched out knee caps or puddle ankles.
Shop more pieces from the Classics collection below.
Leset Pointelle Slim Fit Tee
Leset
Barb Wide Leg Pant
Leset
Lauren Sleeveless Turtleneck
Leset
Yoko Oversized Button Down
