The older I get, the less interested I am in complicated dressing.
Most of us eventually reach a point where we stop wanting wardrobes full of pieces that only work occasionally or feel trend-driven after one season. Instead, we start looking for clothing that feels easy to wear, works across different parts of our life, and still looks refined without requiring too much thought.
That’s often where good basics come in.
Not basics in the sense of plain or forgettable, but well-designed wardrobe foundations - pieces with thoughtful proportions, refined fit, natural texture, and enough subtle detail to make them feel elevated without trying too hard.
The Difference a Well-Cut Linen Shirt Makes
A well-cut linen shirt is a good example of that. The sleeve shape, shoulder line, fabric weight, drape, collar placement, and overall balance all change how a garment moves and feels on the body.
I’ve always been drawn to clothing with a softer structure and a little more consideration behind it. Pieces that feel relaxed, but still polished. The soon to be released Eira Shirt - with a soft raglan sleeve and slightly edgy sculptural shape, is the kind of piece I keep reaching for myself - easy to wear, comfortable through the body, but still refined enough to feel chic and put together.
Why Refined Basics Become the Most Worn Pieces
The same applies to a premium cotton tee. A refined everyday basic should integrate naturally into a wardrobe, layering easily with relaxed tailoring, linen separates, denim, or softer structured pieces already hanging in your wardrobe. These are often the garments that end up worn most because they simplify everyday dressing.
For many women, getting dressed becomes less about chasing trends and more about ease, confidence, and longevity. We already know what suits us. We want clothing that moves with the body, feels comfortable throughout the day, and continues to work season after season.
That’s very much how I approach design for Twill & Tee.
I’m always thinking about how pieces will layer together, how fabrics soften over time, and whether a garment will still feel relevant years from now. Natural fibres, relaxed silhouettes, refined basics, and trans-seasonal dressing all play a role in that process.
I also think there’s something understated but powerful about clothing that doesn’t ask for too much attention. Quietly designed pieces often become the hardest working parts of a wardrobe because they create balance and make getting dressed easier.
Building a More Thoughtful Wardrobe
At this stage, I’m far more interested in designing clothing people genuinely wear than pieces designed purely for newness or short-term trends. I want Twill & Tee garments to become familiar favourites - worn often, softened through use, and kept for years.
Because most wardrobes don’t need more clothing. They need better foundations.
Jo Appel
Founder & Designer, Twill & Tee
A new series of refined basics arrives next week. Soft cotton tees and relaxed linen pieces designed for everyday wear. Subscribe for early access.