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It doesn't get more basic than a white tee. Perhaps for that reason, it could be one of the most overlooked items in your wardrobe.
A great white tee can be the foundation for dozens of looks. It can also be styled a handful of ways. Finding a great white tee can be a little tricky, but it's worth the hunt! Keep reading for styling ideas and tips for getting the best fit.
One of my favorite white tees is this linen-blend v-neck boyfriend tee from Old Navy. It's light, drapey, and a bit boxy which I like for casual summer looks. Here are three ways that I styled this staple in my wardrobe.
You may not be able to show up for brunch in your actual pajamas, but this is the next best thing. Pairing wide leg linen pants with this tee is the perfect uniform for a late breakfast outing - especially if those pants have an elastic waist! Front tucking the tee defines the waist and reigns in a bit of the boxy-ness. This is especially important for ladies with a larger bust who risk looking larger in the midsection when a tee hangs straight down from their chest. A pair of low-heeled wedges and a bandana tied around your neck add just a touch of polish to this super easy look.
A white tee for date night? A casual white tee is an ideal basic for adding a bit of edge. Knot that baby up in the front, on the side, or in the back to whittle your waist and lengthen your leg line. I paired mine with a pleated faux leather skirt (one of my all-time favorite thredUP finds) and flat, studded sandals. Any short black skirt or black denim would work in this look too. A pretty bralette showing a bit under the tee would be a fun addition. Simple, layered necklaces keep the look simply and cool.
Finally, a white tee is the ultimate blank canvas for mixing prints. If you're new to print mixing, try them in small doses like shoes and accessories. If you've followed me on Instagram for any amount of time, you know I'm a stripes addict. In this look I paired my tee with a bright skirt, striped espadrilles and topped it with a striped, monogram cap. I have a longer torso and shorter legs so I decided to fully tuck the tee and visually raise my waistline in the process. I also rolled the sleeves to take up a little of the length. I love the potential for this look at a Fourth of July BBQ - note the elastic waist (wink, wink) - just add a pop of red!
These are just three possible looks from my closet, but Merrick has mastered the art of mixing the white tee. Here she shares dozens of looks with the closet staple across all seasons. Hopefully you're already following her, but if not, you should be - she's got three adorable boys and nails the pretty, classic, casual mom style.
My top tips for getting a great fit:
- if you have a larger bust, look for a moderate scoop or v-neck that opens up your neckline; a high crew closes you off and can make your whole torso appear larger.
- if you're not wild about your belly, avoid tees with stretch that will cling to every square inch; a drapey cotton-blend or more structured cotton will disguise and smooth.
- if between sizes, go up! You protect against a little shrinkage and you have more options with styling (e.g. tucks, knots) than if the tee is tight.
What other struggles do you find with white tees? Do you have a brand or style you swear by? If you'd like to get more use out of this classic piece, I'd love to have you join me in the Summer Staples Wardrobe Guide (there are at least 4 additional white tee looks included) that I'll be using to help me through my #PYBnoshopJuly challenge.