Suddenly it’s March, and I’m feeling hopeful that spring might just about be on its way. As we all know, the British weather is a constant teacher in the art of layering, and we’re getting to that time of year when leaving the house in a heavy knit and bulky woollen coat can be a real mistake. In fact, if you are getting on a busy Tube, it’s almost always a mistake. 

Spring or not, lightweight layers that can be easily folded into a tote bag are the order of the day. This is where the sleeveless knit comes into its own.

What I love most about it is its versatility. Firstly, what you layer it over really changes its vibe. I have a funnel-neck version in black that I wear non-stop layered over a crisp white T-shirt with wide-leg pleated trousers. There’s something about this combination that just screams ‘pulled together, yet chill’, and I am here for it. If you need things to be more formal for the office, the addition of a shirt will instantly up the smartness factor. And finally, when the weather is warmer, I’ll be wearing mine with bare arms, a slimline belted midi and flat sandals for the perfect summer-in-the-city look. Then, back to commuting and unpredictable weather, a fine knit version will fold up to almost nothing when you’re on the Tube but will keep away the chill of the office air-con on arrival. This is the type of multitasking wardrobe hero that we all need more of.

I’ve opted for bold block colours for my favourite picks, but there are also detailed statement versions that are more than worth a mention. A favourite of mine is Molly Goddard. She regularly pairs fair isle knitted tanks with feminine skirts for her catwalk shows, as seen with the Gabi vest below for spring/summer 2024 styled with a matching cardigan and available to buy here. Although not cheap at £490, this piece will elevate any look from the humble jean to a voluminous midi skirt.  

There is an air of traditional earnestness to the knitted tank, which really appeals and will be a pillar of your wardrobe from now until autumn. Read on for my edit of three of the best to buy now.

Add To Basket is a new franchise from Stylist, headed up by our fashion director, Lucy Reber.

Every two weeks, she’ll zone in on the piece you should be buying and why it’s going to elevate your wardrobe in an instant.

Follow her for more style advice @le_reber.

Images: Victoria Adamson; Ben Broomfield; courtesy of brands