The white t-shirt…boring subject for a post right? Except it’s actually not at all. In this post I am going to share with you why a white t-shirt is your best fashion investment. Plus give you 10 ways to style it!
I went into the city the other day (Cologne, Germany) since we now live a 40 minute train ride from there. And I bought my new favorite white t-shirt from & Other Stories. I almost didn’t because I realized I already have quite a few white t-shirts, but I knew that this one was different. It would be a staple that I would wear again and again in many different ways. Then, I started thinking how my white t-shirts are actually a staple of my entire wardrobe. I am going to share it all with you! So get ready for some inspiration!
What is definitely true (and sometimes tricky to navigate) is the world of fashion is constantly evolving, trends come and go, but thankfully certain wardrobe staples remain timeless. Hence, the white t-shirt. It is often overlooked for its simplicity, but it’s actually a very versatile, essential item that deserves a prominent place in every wardrobe. This post was more fun than I expected, so read along to discover why a white t-shirt is your best fashion investment and I will also provide ten creative ways to style it, ensuring you can make the most out of this classic piece!
***This post may contain affiliate links, but only to products I genuinely love. It won’t cost you anything extra. You can read the full disclosure here.***
Why a White t shirt is you BEST fashion investment:
Timeless Appeal
The white t-shirt is literally timeless. I don’t think there has ever been a time that I didn’t own at least 2. They are simple and versatile but also easy to dress up or down for the current style. I really don’t have a lot of trend-driven items in my closet, because they quickly become outdated. But the white t-shirt transcends seasons and styles and I just love how clean and put together you can look with it. Of Course, it can have a lot to do with how you style it, but don’t worry, I have you covered there too!
Versatility
Two words: Blank Canvas. This is one of the main reasons I love white t-shirts. You can wear it many times, but people will hardly notice because it’s all about HOW you style it, it really is a blank canvas to work with! Whether you’re dressing for a casual day out, needing to look spiffy for a business meeting, or a night on the town, a white t-shirt can be adapted to suit whatever the occasion.
Affordability
Fashion investments can often be expensive, but a white t-shirt is an exception, (although it can vary, I have some that I have spent $7 on and then others $30 but still super affordable). It offers great value for money, as high-quality options are available at various price points. Even designer versions are relatively affordable compared to other luxury items (personally I would never spend more than $30 on a white t-shirt, since I just don’t think it’s worth buying a designer version, save your big bucks for something more obvious). I would suggest having some that are cheaper, and then maybe 2 that are a little more expensive so that they are good quality, since the cut can be a very important distinction for some outfits to look a little more classy. However, it is definitely a cost-effective addition to your wardrobe.
Universality
The white t-shirt works for everyone! However, if you want it to look stylish and to suit you, you do need to know what looks good for your style and body shape. I have seen women who wear white t-shirts that have thinned out due to the cheaper quality and it becomes almost see through. When it is paired with the fact that the t-shirt is a little too tight or small it can be quite unflattering. But wearing a tank top or singlet underneath, ensuring it’s not wrinkled, and an appropriate size is an easy fix and will ensure it is always a flattering choice.
Endless Styling Possibilities
This is where this post gets more fun! The true power of a white t-shirt lies in its ability to be styled in countless ways, literally, even I was surprised when I started researching!
So I put together 10 creative ideas to help you maximize the potential of your white t-shirt, but I want to mention that I use some different white t-shirts that range in cut and quality. I am doing this on purpose so that it will encourage you to have some variety and not keep wearing the exact same white t-shirt as it will not hold its quality for as long, and it’s just more fun to change it up a bit!
10 Ways to Style a White T-Shirt
1. Casual and cool
Pair your white t-shirt with jeans for a cool yet casual look. Add sneakers and little to no accessories to keep the outfit relaxed. This combination is perfect for weekend outings. I find that wearing my hair out with a pair of sunglasses elevates the look, yet keeps it casual. It is important to note that with this style ensure that the t-shirt fits well and is a little over sized if you have tight jeans (this looks great with a belt!), or a little more snug if you are wearing a relaxed pair of jeans.
2. Chic Stylish
For a more upgraded appearance, tuck your white t-shirt into high-waisted trousers or a classy skirt. I usually add heels or a coat jacket to elevate the look even more. This combo is ideal for business casual settings or smart-casual events, or when you want to go out for coffee and like to feel like it’s an actual outing, not just a quick stop.
3. Layered Under a Slip Dress
Give your slip dress a modern twist by layering a white t-shirt underneath. I have been doing this for a while now, mostly because in Germany it isn’t always warm enough in summer to wear a slip dress on its own, I need to always have layers. However, I have found that it instantly made my look a little more stylish and the layer added some interest and kept the outfit a little more casual then if I hadn’t added the t-shirt. You can wear sandals (I usually wear chunky birkenstocks) or sneakers with this look.
4. Paired with Leather
Leather jackets, and pants keep coming back in style! They may go out for a while but don’t ever get rid of anything leather because it always comes back! Lately, I have seen white t-shirts being paired with leather jackets and I am loving this look! Leather jackets just exude confidence from the wearer, but it can look too much if you have a textured or graphic tee underneath. I find the white t-shirt is a perfect underlay to keep the leather as the main event of the outfit.
5. Athleisure Vibes
Embrace the athleisure trend! This one is easy peasy, just wear your white t-shirt with joggers or leggings (in Australia we call them tights, but just sporty tight pants haha you get what I mean). Depending on the whether you can add a sporty jacket and nice sneakers for a comfortable yet stylish look. This outfit is perfect for running errands or casual hangouts, coffee, or just looking nice at home. Personally, I opt for a longer white t-shirt, as I am not a fan of my butt getting all the attention 😉
6. Tucked in or over a Skirt
This is outfit is so cute. Tucking in your shirt, works best with a loose, flowy skirt. However, with a tighter skirt, a long overs sized shirt looks great! Paired with sneakers or sandals, this outfit works for any occasion!
7. Under a shirt or Cardigan
An oversized cardigan looks great with a white tshirt. This look works for going out and looking well-presented and stylish without a whole lot of effort.
8. Under a Suit
Wear your white t-shirt under a suit Jacket. (I loooove suit jackets!) Choose a slightly oversized suit jacket in either a classic block color, or a plaid or woolen suit jacket. Then pair with loafers, heels or sneakers. I love this look! Particularly for those days that you want to look sophisticated, but not over the top.
9. Casual with Shorts
During summer, pair your white t-shirt with shorts. This look can seem too simple, but if you do it right, it looks really lovely. Here are some photos to show you how it has been done right!
10. Statement Accessories
Sometimes a white t-shirt feels a little too bland, but there are so many ways to elevate this outfit. Firstly, I love wearing big, chunky earrings with a white t-shirt, or adding a small scarf. I also love layering necklaces or a vest. Get creative! As mentioned above, a white t-shirt is a perfect blank canvas to experiment with. Hopefully now you can see why a white t-shirt is your best fashion investment!
Bonus # How to keep it clean and last longer.
White t-shirts (even the more pricier ones) unfortunately do have a limited lifespan. However, I have managed to keep them in good quality and stain free and I’m going to share how!
- Have a few different white t-shirts. Right now I have 4 and they are all slightly different and this way I am able to wear the same one less often and rotate because I have more than one.
- To keep them stain free ensure that you don’t just throw it in the washing machine – treat the stains individually first. You can do this by using hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or oxy-cleaners. If it’s quite a serious stain sometimes bleach is the best cause of action, however I wouldn’t use it much, or often, if you are concerned about longevity. And of course ALWAYS wash white t-shirts in a white-only load, it absolutely will take away the crisp whiteness of a white shirt if put in a load with colors.
- Underarm stains. These can often be an issue with the tighter white t-shirts. You can treat this by mixing half a cup of baking soda, a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and a tablespoon of salt. Mix together, dab onto the stained area and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing or putting into the washing machine.
- Do not put it in the dryer. Your clothing will last longer if it is not put in the dryer. It will also reduce any stretching or thinning of the fabric. Always air dry if you can.
I would love to hear what your favorite look is. And now that you know why a white t-shirt is your best fashion investment, I’d love to know where you have bought your favorite one. I am always on the lookout for good quality t-shirts!
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:
-‘10 Summer fashion staples that will always be in style‘
-‘I created 5 Pinterest outfits with items I already owned’
-‘6 ways I’m improving MY health’
Thank you!!!
