Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Soft fabric, neutral stripes and a slim fit check all the boxes for a great T-shirt.

First of all on this fine Saturday — happy Fourth of July! Wearing anything from the Fourth Of July style suggestion earlier this week at all? Now, onto this week’s Style Pick. As with other weekly selections in recent months, like this short-sleeve henley from Pistol Lake or this pocket T-shirt from Gustin, some might wonder — what’s the point of featuring a T-shirt? It is, after all, perhaps the most basic men’s style item out there. But a slimmer-fitting T-shirt with some unique texture and styling potential is an excellent upgrade over a  standard tee (like the ones you might wear to the gym or to do yard work). A T-shirt with horizontal stripes specifically accentuates the wearer’s chest and shoulders while remaining casual in nature. Most importantly, this cotton-linen blend from Club Monaco is everything you could want in a warm-weather tee — trim-fitting, stylish and flattering, with a neutral stripe mix of black & white. It’s also pricey, unfortunately — like other stylish warm-weather picks from the same brand. If a bolder striped tee (and a cheaper price) is more your thing, give this V-neck from Old Navy a shot.

Behold the versatility of a slim T-shirt. Pocket tee by Everlane. Unconstructed navy blazer and linen dot pocket square by J. Crew.

With high-low style combos continuing to fly down the runways and pop up in street style shots (exhibit A here), a striped slim-fit tee is still a warm-weather go-to option for layering under an unconstructed blazer, as seen above, or pairing with a great set of chinos. It’s also the best pick up top for simply throwing on with some tailored shorts. Casual touches like low-profile white sneakers can pair seamlessly with any of the aforementioned get-ups at an agreeable price, too– a must if you’re dropping about $80 on a T-shirt.  But for the coming summer months, a striped tee is nearly indispensable — and you can also get mileage out of it as a layering piece in the fall and winter. Worth the price? I’d say so.

Do you own any Club Monaco tees? What’s your favorite way to style a slim-fit T-shirt in the warmer months?