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 tee 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. So it’s 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. Here we go!
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 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
Caslon Rounded 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.
A New Day Scoop Neck T-shirt From Target
Target has quite a few affordable t-shirt options. This first t-shirt is made of 95% rayon, so it feels a little more luxurious than cotton. The hem goes a little lower in the back than in the front, perfect to pair with leggings. Fits true to size. Size up if you want a more oversized look.
V Neck Cotton Tee from J. Crew Factory
This basic tee is a lightweight, thin cotton tee that holds up well in the wash. I ordered up a site in this since it’s 100% cotton and will shrink a bit in the wash.
A New Day Puff Sleeve T-shirt From Target
The puff sleeve detail is a top fashion trend this season. It gives the sleeve interest and a lot of sas. Definitely a good option to wear to work with trousers or a pencil skirt.
A New Day Slim Fit T-shirt From Target
This tee is great for casual looks. I love the slim fit. There’s no bulkiness and easily tucks into denim shorts or jeans.
Long Sleeve Slim Fit T-shirt From J. Crew
For added warmth, this J. Crew long sleeve t-shirt pairs well with vests in the cooler months. The fabric is incredibly soft and holds up well between washes. It comes in a variety of other colors too.
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 trainers. 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.
white tee with leather leggings
You know how much I love my Spanx leggings. Well those pair well with a plain white tee that’s a little longer in the back for extra back-end coverage. 😉 For fall weather, add a denim jacket with sneakers or a raincoat with boots.
white tee with a kimono
For a smart casual look, pair a white t-shirt with a pair of 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. Add a fedora hat, and you’ve got a perfect outfit to wear to a winery or out to dinner with your gals.
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 a good colored trouser 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.
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 perfect 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.
white tee with a slip dress
Slip dresses have been a popular fashion trend, but generally they aren’t warm enough for cooler weather that the fall season brings. You can wear a long sleeve white t-shirt, like the one from J. Crew, 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.
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. I’d love to hear how you style a white t-shirt or if you have a brand that makes an amazing one, let us know in the comments below!
