One of the most basic, inexpensive items in your closet is also one of the most versatile pieces – a plain white t-shirt. The reason I love a plain white t-shirt is because it can be dressed up or down, and styled in a variety of ways. Plus, white is a great neutral that can be paired with virtually any color in your wardrobe. The perfect white t-shirt is a win-win all around!

In this post, I’ll show you how to wear a plain white t-shirt from casual street style to business looks. Spoiler alert – the options are never-ending. Let’s get to styling!

How to Wear a Plain White T-shirt 6 Ways 

The first thing to consider when you’re figuring out what to pair with your white t-shirt is the cut and fit of the tee. V-necks with a boxy fit tend to look more casual, while a scoop or crew neck with a slim fit looks a little dressier.

Casual Ways to Style a White T-shirt

• Pair a white shirt with black jeans and white sneakers for an easy street-style look.
• Add a leather jacket to a white shirt with denim jeans.
• Style a white shirt under a casual spaghetti-strap dress.
• Pair a white shirt with a fun, casual skirt, white booties, and a moto jacket for a smart casual look.

Ways to Dress Up a White T-shirt

• Add a white t-shirt to a pleated midi skirt with a strappy pump.
• Pair a solid-colored pencil skirt with a white shirt and a patterned blazer.
• For a business casual look, add a white shirt to capri-length black trousers with a cardigan and flats.
• Style a crew neck white t-shirt under a business suit with a pair of neutral pumps for a business professional look. 

My Favorite White T-shirts 

AirEssentials Cap Sleeve Top From Spanx

This white T-shirt is like none other! The AirEssentials fabric from Spanx is one of the most comfortable fabrics I’ve ever worn, and I love that they made this fabric into a classic white t-shirt that can be worn and styled in several different ways. As a bonus, use my code AMANDAJOHNxSPANX for a discount on this white tee!

Caslon U-Neck T-Shirt From Nordstrom

This T-shirt is perfect for a more casual look. I love the pocket on the chest, and how light the material is. I’d recommend sizing down on this one. 

Vintage Slub Cotton V-Neck Tee From J. Crew Factory

This basic tee is a lightweight, thin cotton tee that holds up well in the wash. I ordered a size up in this one since it’s 100% cotton and I expect it might shrink a bit in the wash.

Everyday V-Neck T-Shirt From Nordstrom

This V-neck is high quality and very affordable. This one is more of a snug fit, so to achieve an oversized fit, size up. However, I enjoy the fitted aspect so that you can layer and tuck this one into pieces such as skirts or trousers.

Heritage Crewneck Cotton T-Shirt From Good American

This classic crewneck white tee is made of 100% cotton and it’s extremely soft. It fits true to size as well. This one just has the classic white t-shirt look to it that will last in your closet for many seasons to come.

Puff Sleeve Rib Knit T-Shirt From 1.STATE

For a white t-shirt with a little visual appeal, this puff sleeve shirt is a slightly elevated version of the classic white tee. This top is also made of 100% cotton and would be a great match for tucking it into a midi skirt or high-waisted shorts.

White T-shirt Outfit Ideas

White tee with mom jeans

An easy outfit to throw on for running errands is a casual white t-shirt, mom jeans, and white sneakers. I usually tuck the t-shirt in to give a more put-together look. Add a dainty necklace and a crossbody bag, and you’re good to go.

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white tee with leather leggings

You know how much I love my Spanx leggings. Well, they pair well with a plain white tee that is a little longer in the back for extra coverage. For fall weather, add a denim jacket with sneakers or a raincoat with boots. 

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white tee with a kimono

For a smart casual look, pair a white t-shirt with short sleeves, dark wash jeans, a neutral bootie, and a kimono. Kimonos are a fun way to add a fun pattern or pop of color to your outfit. Wearing jeans with a white tee and a kimono is an effortless way to look put together in no time.

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white tee with a midi skirt

For a business casual look, you can wear a white T-shirt with trousers or a midi skirt. I love colored trousers like pink, kelly green or maroon. Add a pair of neutral flats to complete the look. I love flats for the workplace because they’re comfy and cute, especially if you’re on your feet often during the day. 

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white tee with trousers

If your dress code is business professional, don’t count a white t-shirt out of your workday wardrobe. White T-shirts go perfectly with pants or pencil-skirt suits. Not to mention, they add a much-needed layer of comfort if you want to take off your blazer throughout the day. 

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white tee with a slip dress

Slip dresses have been a popular fashion trend, but generally, they aren’t warm enough for the cooler weather that the fall season brings. You can wear a long sleeve white T-shirt under the dress to extend the wear of the dress. I’d recommend wearing sneakers or casual booties since the T-shirt makes the dress a little more casual. You could also wear a white tee underneath overalls, which is another fun fashion trend this season. 

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I could probably put together a lookbook for white t-shirts alone because of how versatile they are. There’s something to be said about great basics in your closet, and a white tee is no exception. It’s a capsule wardrobe piece everyone should have.

And for even more white t-shirt styling inspiration, see this post!

How do you like to style a white T-shirt? Let me know in the comments below!