Chances are you already have today’s essential wardrobe staple in your closet! I see white t-shirts aplenty in my style coaching client’s closets, but they are often not being worn to their full potential. I love sharing how to make basic pieces more versatile, so let’s discuss how to wear your basic white tee three ways.
The ‘perfect’ white tee can be a unicorn, as we want one that isn’t too sheer or clingy, is just the right length, and has a flattering neckline. Not too much to ask, in my opinion! There are several brands of white tees that I love and also buy for my style coaching clients — those are listed at the end of this article.
SB Note: A perennial favorite of ours is the micro-rib crew tee from Everlane. At $40, we recommend this in a variety of colors — especially white, black, and grey — as wardrobe basics everyone needs! Great for layering under blazers, wearing with skirts, and looking polished, always. Find it here.
I always recommend considering how you would wear any garment at least two to three ways before you purchase it. This includes your basics, like a white tee. If the white tee currently hanging in your closet doesn’t check all your boxes and isn’t getting worn much, then it’s time to let it go and replace it with one that makes you feel better (aka the one you want to wear).
Once you have your perfect go-to white tee, you’ll be ready to style it multiple ways.
White Tee + Fun Skirt or Pants
I often see clients who either have a lot of basics OR a lot of fun, personality-packed items. However, to have endless outfit options, you need a nice balance of both in your closet.
This first outfit formula is a prime example of this philosophy. You take your basic white tee and pair it with something fun — colorful or printed — and voilà! You have a pulled-together outfit.
The bottom you select all comes down to your personal style. You can choose an A-line striped knee-length skirt for a more classic vibe or a paisley-print maxi skirt for a more bohemian vibe. A great pair of printed or colorful pants is fantastic if you love a bolder, more eclectic vibe.
Dotted Smocked Midi Skirt, $79.50, at LOFT | Image: LOFT
Briana Skort in Mini Nordic Lingon, $168, at J. McLaughlin | Image: J. McLaughlin
White Tee + Jeans + Third Piece
SB Note: A “third piece” is simply an extra layering piece that completes your outfit. Typically the term is referring to a vest, jacket, or blazer as that extra something that elevates the entire outfit – your “third piece.”
For fall and spring, this outfit formula is one of the easiest ways to feel effortlessly polished. A white t-shirt looks fresh paired with your third piece of choice. I personally love a blazer (even a knit one), but I have many clients who enjoy wearing a cropped cardigan, sweater vest, or denim jacket. The key is to half-tuck or fully-tuck your white tee into your jeans for a clean, flattering look. If you don’t feel comfortable tucking in your t-shirt, select a style that hits right at your high hip, so it doesn’t look sloppy with your third piece.
Complete this outfit with a sleek sneaker, mule, or pointed-toe ballet flat for a chic look that can go almost anywhere.
Rivet & Thread Sweatshirt Vest, on sale for $54.99 (reg. $78), at Madewell | Image: Madewell
REISS Larsson Double Breasted Twill Blazer, $520, at Bloomingdale’s | Image: Bloomingdale’s
C by Bloomingdale’s Tweed Contrast Trim Cashmere Cardigan, $238, at Bloomingdale’s | Image: Bloomingdale’s
White Tee + Jeans + Layering Necklace or Scarf
Layers really help jazz up a basic, but in the South, you’re often looking for light layers. Two of my favorite light layers are a small cotton or silk neckerchief and a great necklace.
I invite you to think about which of these two accessories best suits your personal style. I have some clients who aren’t really “scarf people,” so we opt for a layered necklace look instead. Other clients love a pop of color and texture and want to do a chunky statement necklace. There’s no right or wrong; it’s about which accessory feels authentic to you.
Add one of these accessories to your white tee and jeans, and out the door you go!
New Vintage Cotton V-neck T-shirt, on sale starting at $16.50 (reg. $29.50), at J.Crew | Image: J.Crew
Rag & Bone Odyssey 60 Bandana, $75, at Shopbop | Credit: Shopbop
Now it’s your turn to apply these outfit formulas to your own wardrobe. One of my favorite outfit-making tips is snapping photos of your ensembles on your phone for quick and easy reference. Spend a little time playing in your closet and snap pictures of your white t-shirt outfits you create using these formulas. By following these steps, you are sure to get dressed with ease, confidence, and style.
And, as promised, here are a few of my favorites t-shirt brands:
To shop more of my favorite items, join my style membership site HERE.
Megan LaRussa Chenoweth is a personal fashion stylist and style expert specializing in helping women look and feel their best through their wardrobes. For more style tips and inspiration, visit Megan’s website, follow her on Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for her complimentary weekly newsletter HERE.
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