How come finding good basics always feels like such a fruitless search? The perfect piece has to fill so many criteria—fit, versatility, comfort, genuine love for the garment. We think we may have stumbled upon a great candidate with this slouchy t-shirt by Velvet. Everything from its cap sleeves to its worn-in texture and loose scoop neck make this the kind of top we’d absolutely live in. And like a great basic, we’d take this out with a skirt and heels, or wear it on laundry day. [$71, Shopbop]

Zelda Bow Top—One of our favorite small designers is Mint By Jodi Arnold and this top in particular has caught our eye – the single cross-back strap in the back is reminiscent of Korto from “Project Runway” and the simplistic bow embellishment could easily take you from the boardroom (with a blazer) to the bar. [$207.90, ShopBop.com]

Dressing for the Fourth of July doesn’t necessarily have to mean going all out with stars and stripes. Take this French Connection top, for example. There’s pink (which is in the same family as red), white, and blue on it, plus the neckline has navy blue sequins, which will shine beautifully in your sparkler picture. [$63.90, French Connection at Nordstrom.com]