A white tee might be labeled as one of the most basic pieces in your closet, but that doesn’t make it any less interesting or versatile! In fact, a quality white t-shirt is one of the most important wardrobe staple items in your capsule collection. It’s the start of so many great looks, and can also shine on its own. Don’t believe me? Keep reading for 9 ideas all about what to wear with a white t-shirt for year-round style.
1. blazer + trousers + white t-shirt + hoops + tote bag + loafers
t-shirt | blazer | trousers | tote bag | earrings | loafers
Use your white tee to style a chic black and white look for a business professional outfit. Prep for your next big meeting in style with a white tee layered underneath an oversized black blazer and trousers. These two pieces make your look office-appropriate, without detracting from the basic, effortless look of your white tee showing through underneath.
Next, accessorize with leather loafers and a classic leather work tote. You’ll need a bag large enough to carry your laptop and any daily essentials. Finally, finish your look with a pair of small huggie hoops in gold. These add a subtle but elevated touch to your look.
2. light cardigan + white skirt + white t-shirt + pendant necklace + raffia tote + sandals
t-shirt | sweater | skirt | sandals | tote bag | necklace
Looking for something a little more casual? You can’t go wrong with a white t-shirt and a midi or maxi skirt, especially in the spring and summer. Embrace a bright, light look for warmer weather with a white poplin skirt in one of these longer lengths. This skirt helps you to embrace a classy and feminine aesthetic, and also stay cool in the heat.
In case it gets chilly, don’t forget a second layer. A thin ribbed cardigan is perfect! You can tie it around your shoulders during the day, and easily slip it on over top your white tee once the sun sets. Then, choose seasonal accessories to embrace the rising temperatures. A pair of strappy leather sandals and a raffia tote bag are perfect. A gold pendant necklace completes the look.
3. crewneck sweater + jeans + white t-shirt + sneakers + watch
t-shirt | sneakers | jeans | sweater | bag | watch
Get the perfect off-duty model look with this casual chic outfit idea. When it comes to what to wear with a white t-shirt, you don’t have to overthink it. Try layering it underneath your go-to sweater paired with your favorite denim for a look that has depth, dimension, and an effortlessly cool vibe. The collar of the white t-shirt will poke through underneath the collar of your sweater. It adds a little twist to your favorite look, and the perfect amount of contrast between the black and white color combination. You could also swap out the sweater for a leather jacket if you’re feeling edgy!
When it comes to your jeans, look for a pair of straight-leg or slim jeans for the sake of this look. Next, go for a silver watch to coordinate with the silver hardware on this puzzle-style handbag. Round out the office with a pair of white sneakers.
4. button-down + linen pants + white t-shirt + earrings + straw bag + bucket hat + sandals
t-shirt | button-down | pants | sandals | earrings | bucket hat | straw bag
If you live in a warmer climate, try this linen look for a classy summer outfit idea. First, start with one of your favorite white t-shirts. I’ve included my own favorite throughout these looks: the Everlane box-cut tee. I’ve purchased multiple so that I’m never without my go-to cotton tee, even if some are in the wash! This quality white tee has the perfect amount of thickness, isn’t see-through, and falls at just the right point on my torso. It might truly be the perfect white tee.
Lean into the elevated coastal aesthetic by pairing it with an open striped button-down shirt and breezy white linen pants. Linen is the perfect texture if you like to cover up throughout the summer, but want to avoid overheating. It’s my favorite fabric for effortlessly cool looks.
Next, use your accessories to upgrade your whole look. Pearl stud earrings, classic leather sandals, a woven tote, and a straw bucket hat take your outfit to the next level. Add your favorite pair of chic sunglasses and you’re ready for the perfect summer day.
5. floral skirt + white t-shirt + gold earrings + straw bag + espadrilles
t-shirt | skirt | espadrilles | earrings | bag
Have fun with a flirty, feminine look for a spring or summer outfit. Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, but they are classic for a reason! You can dress up your crewneck tee with a flowy midi skirt. This pink floral pattern from Madewell is perfect.
Next, have fun with your footwear. Try a pair of espadrille heels – they’re a French girl’s favorite shoe for a reason. Then, accessorize with two more French girl-approved accessories: a pair of understated gold hoop earrings and a raffia market tote.
6. trench coat + mini skirt + white t-shirt + earrings + Mary Jane flats + leather bag
t-shirt | mini skirt | trench coat | flats | bag | earrings
Short-sleeve t-shirts are ideal for layering underneath outerwear for transitional spring or fall temperatures. The day might start off cool and chilled, but then warm up enough later on that you can ditch your trench coat and embrace your chic outfit of a black mini skirt and crew tee.
Accessories are key to making your basic outfit foundation look more intentional. Try a pair of Mary Jane flats, pearl stud earrings, and a structured crossbody bag. These pieces will take your look from casual to classy with little to no effort.
7. half-zip sweater + white jeans + white t-shirt + baseball cap + earrings + tote bag
t-shirt | sweater | white jeans | sneakers | tote bag | earrings | baseball cap
Embrace a sporty look to run errands in while still looking chic and put together. First, start with your simple white tee. Next, add on a half-zip or quarter-zip sweater. This is a great swap for your favorite hoodie if you want to look slightly more elevated without sacrificing comfort.
Keep your accessories casual and practical. White sneakers, a slouchy tote bag, and a baseball cap are the perfect additions to your look. When it comes to jewelry, go for a low-key pair of gold stud earrings to complete the outfit.
8. sweater blazer + earrings + white t-shirt + gold jewelry + mules + tote bag
t-shirt | sweater blazer | leggings | shoes | bag | watch | earrings
Looking for your perfect work-from-home uniform? Embrace a true business casual aesthetic by pairing a white tee with your favorite leggings. Then, add a sweater blazer to elevate your look. Your top half will look professional, while you can enjoy all-day comfort in the stretchy leggings. This could also double as a chic airport outfit!
Workplace accessories could include a gold bracelet watch, a large leather tote, mules, and gold earrings. If you need a change of scenery and head to a coffee shop to work, these are the pieces you’ll want to take with you!
9. red sweater + jeans + white t-shirt + leopard print flats + earrings + leather bag
t-shirt | cardigan | jeans | flats | bag | earrings
Do you love a pop of color in your everyday style? Layer a red cardigan over your white tee. This is one of my favorite looks to wear, and one that you can style year-round for an effortlessly chic outfit formula. Then, add in your favorite pair of blue jeans. If you’re going for classic style, avoid holes, rips, or any kind of distressing.
Take your look to the next level with the help of a pair of leopard print flats. These add both texture and pattern to your look to make it more interesting! A structured leather crossbody bag and gold stud earrings round out the ensemble.
Style Your White T-Shirt with Confidence
A white t-shirt might seem boring and basic at first, but hopefully, these looks have opened your eyes to the potential that this staple piece has in your everyday style! There are endless opportunities to wear your favorite white tee, but these 9 looks will serve as a great starting point for taking full advantage of this capsule wardrobe staple.
Ready for more tips about how to make your capsule staples feel more interesting? Up Next: 9 Simple Ways to Elevate a Boring Outfit
