For as much as winter is about layering up with a bit of flair via one of the best sweaters for men — a shawl cardigan, a sweater polo or a sweater with some pattern and color, for instance — the basics and subtle style are also an important part of your wardrobe. Of course, you can get both from my friends at Taylor Stitch — more on that in just a moment.

Simplicity is sometimes best, whether searching for a stylish sweater as a base layer or scouring the market for a sweater you can wear easily and casually at home or on the road. And my friends, in my experience the Taylor Stitch Evans Crewneck just gets the job done when it comes to minimal, crisp and versatile style for winter.

Right off the bat, there’s the crewneck design — more casual and slightly more ready to wear with a wider variety of jeans in various washes than the traditional V-neck sweater. But the Taylor Stitch Evans Crewneck steps things up slightly (yet still simply) from a casual crewneck sweatshirt, thanks to the wool-polyester-nylon blend.

Plus, the crewneck design features a heavyweight rib for some structure — with the Taylor Stitch Evans Crewneck, it certainly doesn’t look like you’re just wearing an easygoing long-sleeve tee. And then, there’s the texture — again, subtle and eye-catching but no less suitable for wearing on its own with dark blue jeans or underneath a waxed trucker jacket.

It’s sturdy, it’s useful for travel as a base layer, and it’s suitable to wear as you play host to friends for a holiday whiskey tasting or gift exchange (two of my favorite things!). When it’s straightforward yet polished style you seek, rock the Taylor Stitch Evans Crewneck alongside dark denim — it’s an unbeatable combo for a crisp-yet-laidback look.