the gray sweatshirt

I've been giving my old gray J. Crew sweatshirt lots of love lately. And I am glad to see Vogue editor Meredith Melling Burke, above, doing the same. It's just so easy and comfortable--the beauty of a basic--and best when deftly paired with more polished pieces (lest you look slovenly), like a long tailored blazer (demonstrated above), layered over a silk or print button-up blouse, or teamed with a metallic pencil skirt. Here are some variations of the wardrobe staple, from a classic, perfectly-cut version by Madewell to a luxe you'll-want-to-live-in-it cashmere one from J. Crew to a summer-friendly short-sleeved style by Splendid.