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Sponsor Story
This is paid content produced for an advertiser by New York Stories. The editorial staff of thecut.com did not play a role in its creation.
Sponsored By Free People Sponsored By Free People
July 26, 2019

The Best Place to Stock Up on Elevated, Under-$50 Basics

Portrait of Indya Brown By Indya Brown@indyabrown
Photo: Courtesy of Free People

No season presents a more appealing opportunity to show off your style, free from the shroud of outerwear, than summer. But the biggest caveat is figuring out how to not sweat through all your great-looking clothes. How have I adapted to dressing for swampy-hot weather? For one, I rely on an arsenal of less pricey, no-fuss neutral tops — think minimal halter bodysuits and strappy tanks you can wear alone, or with bold-printed skirts and high-waisted shorts. Or for a workweek look, under a tailored linen blazer.

For these types of basic foundation pieces, I find myself repeatedly coming back to Free People. The brand recently updated their intimates collections, creating more seamless lingerie and under-layers that are made of materials like lightweight neoprene. The result are undergarments that feel smooth and substantial, and with most pieces ringing up under $30, I can buy essential styles in several colorways. Scroll below to shop 11 of my favorites.

The Bra You Can Wear as a Top

Reviewers love that this bra can double as a top, and the cropped length styles well with high-waisted pants (which I wear practically everyday).

Ali Low-Back Seamless Bra
$30 at Free People

The Fun-and-Freeing Bodysuit

My former take on halter tops was that they belong in the ’70s and should stay there. But they’ve recently become one of my go-tos when I want a top that’s both cute and sweat-proof. Basically 50 percent of it’s backless, so I don’t have to worry about embarrassing sweat stains showing through.

Landry Bodysuit
$30 at Free People

The Easy Sleeveless Layer

A loose, easy crop top to throw on over a swimsuit for a trip to the beach. It’s a simple cover-up that looks much better than a faded logo tee from college.

Got It Flaunt It Crop
$30 at Free People

The Bralette You Can Go Out In

The perks of a halter top (did I mention they’re partially backless?), but in bralette form. I’ve been known to use one as an occasional late-night going-out top.

Amber Halter Neo Bralette
$38 at Free People

The Bra-Meets-Cami Top

Dubbed a “brami,” this top marries the light coverage of a bra with the shape of a camisole. It makes getting dressed with as few layers as possible more of a reality, and with 23 different colorways to choose from, I can have one ready to go with any outfit color palette.

Skinny Strap Seamless Brami
$20 at Free People

The Supportive Bandeau

Unlike most bandeau tops, this one is actually supportive, thanks to its sculpting scuba material. I like to wear it under thinner layers, like organza or other sheer tops, for added dimension. This combo also achieves the impression that I spent a lot of time thoughtfully layering my outfit, when realistically it only took seconds.

Nina Neo Bandeau
$38 at Free People

The Modern-Day V-Neck

The most universal white tee gets an update with a slightly cropped silhouette, shorter sleeves, and a clean V-neckline.

V Easy Tee
$20 at Free People

The Everyday Bodysuit

When I have nothing to wear, bodysuits are my savior: They’re simple and can be paired with anything. Plus, no more constantly checking to make sure my shirt is neatly tucked in. This season is all about the bust-flattering square neckline, which plays nicely against vintage-style pendant necklaces.

Basique Bodysuit
$30 at Free People

The Bra for Plunge-Neck Tops

Not only is this bra seamless, but its plunging neckline makes it great to wear underneath all of the little summer tops in my closet.

Sage Longline Neo Bralette
$38 at Free People

The Bra for Bra-Haters

When wearing an actual bra is an absolute must, let me introduce you to the Ari Underwire. You’ll still feel supported, without the overbearing sensation of underwire digging into your chest.

Ari Underwire Neo Bra
$48 at Free People

The Classic to Buy in Bulk

For only 20 bucks, this fitted muscle tank is a versatile staple. I stock up on them to wear with everything from casual suits for work to leggings for my morning workout.

Cropped Seamless Muscle Tank
$20 at Free People

All images courtesy of Free People.

This is paid content produced for an advertiser by New York Stories. The editorial staff of The Cut did not play a role in its creation.

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  • free people intimately summer 2019
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