How to style a white T-shirt: 5 different outfits
Getting dressed in the morning has never been so easy with this essential basic wardrobe item.
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If there is one thing you should know about me, I love a white T-shirt. I probably wear one at least twice a week, usually three or four times. It’s the most worn item in my wardrobe by far.
I now even have different styles of white tees depending on the rest of the fit. These days I usually reach for a slightly oversized style (in particular, this $19.90 Uniqlo tee) but I do still have more fitted pieces for when the need arises.
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In saying this, you may think that my outfits may get a bit stale or repetitive. But that’s the beauty of a white tee. There are endless ways to style it so you’ll never get bored. It’s like that perfect secret ingredient you’ll always come back to.
Stylist and head of style at THE ICONIC, Nicole Adolphe, told news.com.au checkout that “a white tee is a great basis to create an outfit as it goes with anything”.
Whether you accessorise with elevated jewellery for a chic, modern silhouette or you pare it back with some wide-leg jeans and sneakers for that off-duty look, a white tee will never go out of style.
This also makes it incredibly reliable for those busy mornings when you just don’t know what to wear. My morning routine is now so simple because I know I can easily throw on a white tee and be happy with my fit. It’s definitely been a massive help in reducing any outfit breakdowns.
But after talking with friends and colleagues, it seems that not everyone sees the endless styling options a white tee can bring. With this in mind, I’ve put together five easy outfits for you to replicate. Whether you’re already a fan like me or need some convincing about the powers of a white tee, these five outfit ideas are sure to inspire your next great white tee fit.
WITH BLACK PANTS
What You Should Know
You can’t get any more simple than a pair of black trousers and a classic white tee. With this outfit, it is all about proportions. Too skinny pants and a too tight tee is, in my opinion, too 2007 and not quite the look you want to go for. Opt for a wide leg and slightly oversized tee for that cool, off-duty look. In summer, pair with slides or sandals and when the weather cools down throw a jumper over your shoulder and opt for a chic ballet flat or sneaker.
Black pants we love:
- Aere Straight Leg Linen Pants, $120 at THE ICONIC
- Country Road Cotton Wide Leg Pant in Black, $199 at Myer
- Dazie Rozalia Wide Leg Pants, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
WITH BEIGE LINEN PANTS
What You Should Know
This is probably my most worn outfit in summer. I love how effortless it is but it’s still put together enough for work or a casual weekend outing. Adding a black belt helps to break up the light colours as well as add some definition and shape too. I normally like to then match the belt to my shoes with some classic black sandals.
Beige linen pants we love:
- Lily Loves European Linen Blend Flat Front Pants, $50 at Target
- Aere Linen Wide Leg Pants, $120 at THE ICONIC
- Low-rise pleated linen-blend pants, $215 at COS
WITH A BLACK SKIRT
What You Should Know
I love the pared back look of this super long linen maxi wrap skirt and a slightly oversized tee. It is perfect for those long summer nights and really gives off that effortlessly cool look.
But, while my black linen skirt is most definitely something for warm days, simply swap it for a more tailored maxi, pair it with a trench and some cute ballet flats and you’re ready for winter in Sydney. Or up the ante with the sleek silk skirt that 100 per cent fulfils your childhood dreams of a day-to-night fit.
Black skirts we love:
- Atmos&Here Arden Linen Blend Column Skirt, $79.99 at THE ICONIC
- Silk Skirt, $134 at H&M
- Viscose jersey wrap skirt, $395 at Bassike
WITH A KNITTED VEST
What You Should Know
In recent years, the once daggy vest reserved for grandads and university professors, has become an item (along with my white tee) that I can’t live without it. It’s great for not only bringing a bit more character to a fairly basic white tee fit but also is ideal for transeasonal weather and adding another layer of warmth. I tend to go for vests with a bright colour so that I can easily pair it with my more neutral colours underneath.
Knitted vests we love:
- Ganni Two-tone ribbed-knit vest, $198 (down from $387) at The Outnet
- UNIQLO: C 100% Cashmere Sleeveless Short Sweater, $99.90 (down from $129.90) at Uniqlo
- Academy Brand Malibu Knit Vest, $99.95 at THE ICONIC
WITH WHITE JEANS
What You Should Know
If I am being completely honest, I used to not be a fan of the all-white fit. Don’t get me wrong, I loved it on others and thought they looked impossibly chic but I always thought I would never be able to pull it off. I’ve since learnt it’s all about how you style it. I tend to go for wide-leg jeans and a brown belt to break up the whites a little bit. I also love wearing some coloured sneakers for that pop of colour and personality.
White jeans we love:
- Levi’s Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans, $159.95 at THE ICONIC
- Country Road High Rise Wide Leg Jean in White, $159 at Myer
- Cotton On Original Straight Jeans, $59.99 at THE ICONIC
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you create the white tee outfit for your needs and budget, we asked Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC, for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when wearing a white tee. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best products from premium to budget to help you create the best white tee outfit. We also included pieces from our own wardrobe that we’ve loved and worn.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE EASIEST WAY TO STYLE A WHITE TEE?
According to Nicole, the easiest way to style a white tee is with denim.
“A white tee always pairs perfectly with denim,” she says.
For a casual look, she suggests wearing a white tee under a blazer with jeans for a “chic casual look on the go”.
If you’re after something more dressy, Nicole says to try a white tee with a denim midi skirt.
HOW CAN I DRESS UP A WHITE TEE?
“To create an elevated look with a white tee pair with either black jeans, black tailored pants, a silk satin midi skirt and add a black blazer to create a more structured look,” says Nicole.
“To complete the look layer some gold or silver necklaces and statement earrings.
“Some trends we are seeing this season are leopard print, bubble skirts and leather skirts.
“Popping them on with a white tee and little pumps can create a great look.”
CAN I WEAR A WHITE TEE TO THE OFFICE?
According to Nicole, yes you definitely can.
She says, “Layering a blazer on top is a great look for the office.
“A good quality white tee looks polished under a matching suit set.
“Depending on where you work, I also think you can get away with a boxy white tee with a tailored midi skirt and some jewellery.
“Coming into Autumn/Winter, a white tee under a tan trench coat with wide leg pants is another one to try.”
HOW SHOULD I WEAR A WHITE TEE IN WINTER COMPARED TO SUMMER?
“In summer your white tee can be your number one wardrobe staple paired back with denim, linen, wide leg pants, cute skirts or lighter neutral coloured blazers,” she says.
“In winter, where black is the usual go to colour, I would pair a white tee with darker colours such as burgundy, grey, navy and heavier fabrics.
“To elevate your look, layer the tee under knitwear and coats.”
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID WHEN WEARING A WHITE TEE?
“Lace or coloured bras don’t look great if the tee is slightly see-through,” Nicole says.
“To create the ‘cool girl’ trend opt for a black triangle bra to wear underneath.
“The most flattering shape for a white tee is a round neck or boxy cut, styles with a lower neckline, cap sleeves, a curved hem or that sit too tight looks less polished.”
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