If you’ve been following me on IG for any length of time (@shanachristine), you may have noticed that I have a styling trick I keep trottin’ on out. In fact, I’ve been trottin’ this one out since 1993. (And you can just stop doing that math RIGHT NOW.) But this trick has stood the test of time — why? Two reasons: One, it’s cute. Which sometimes is enough. And two, perhaps most importantly…it’s useful.
Layering a t-shirt underneath a silk cami is not only cute (in a nonchalant, almost rebellious kind of way)…but it’s useful, too. It’s useful in making that cami a little warmer in the winter, and covering up a sunburn (or just strange tan lines) in the summer. It’s useful in that you can forgo the annoying strapless bra and wear a real, big-girl bra (the one you really wanna wear). And it’s useful in that this cami-over-t-shirt combo can be dressed up or down, paired with jeans or skirts.
cami (xs) | tee (xs) | skirt (in store only) – here’s similar | jeans (size 24) | bag | earrings
How To Layer Camis Over T-Shirts
I’ve been getting some questions about how to layer camis over tees recently, so I thought I’d try to pull together a few tips. Here’s what’s working for me…
1. Get The Right Kind of Cami
Worry about two things: fabric and fit.
For the fabric, 100% silk is the best, because it drapes so nicely AND slides over a cotton tee. That said, silky-feeling camis (like this LOFT one) also work.
For the fit, just make sure the cami isn’t skin tight — you want it to effortlessly glide over your tee. In general, the cami needs to fit looser than the t-shirt.
That said, you don’t have to stick to camis with regular straps — even a fancy, lacy one will work.
cami | tshirt | jeans | boots | bag | jacket
2. Get The Right Kind of Tee
You know those reallllllly thin white t-shirts that some people complain are too thin and you can see their bra through them? Yeah? Those? They’re perfect for layering under camis. Know why? Because even if they’re not skin tight, they still lie flat against your skin.
And the easiest t-shirt shape to layer is the classic crewneck. Not a v-neck. Not a scoop neck. Don’t be fooled by a boat neck — you want the classic crew.
NOTE: Graphic tees also work (and add an edgier vibe), but if they’re made from a thicker material, it gets tricky. If you are very small chested (or really thin), a thicker tee is OK.
3. Tuck In The T-Shirt (Or Try a Bodysuit)
For the best lines, the tee has gotta be tucked. In order to get properly tucked, the tee has to be fitted, without sacrificing length. (Anyone else cracking up over this sentence? Just me?)
Anyway. A bodysuit is perfect for this, especially if you really like clean lines. (I’m more of a slightly-rumpled girl myself, but every once in a while I branch out.)
4. Try Layering a Cami Slip Dress
Incidentally, if you’d like to layer a slip dress over a t-shirt, a bodysuit is amazing for this purpose. You won’t have to worry about the tee bunching up all night. (However, I’ve also had luck tucking my white tee into my tights, then pulling the dress on. Ridiculous, but it worked.)
Under that dress? There’s a white tee tucked into tights.
tshirt | dress | sparkly dresses (rented from Rent the Runway!!)
5. Don’t Forget About Turtlenecks
Still cold? Try a turtleneck. The neckline makes it almost foolproof to layer. Just like the t-shirt, choose a turtleneck that’s a little bit thin. (There are even some sweater turtlenecks that work…they just tend to be expensive, because the drape is so important.)
This is a great way to bring your silk camis into a more casual, daytime rotation.
cami (xs) | turtleneck (s) | jeans (24) | boots | rain jacket
Shop My Favorite Camis
My hands-down favorite camis are all from Cami NYC. Shopbop, Revolve and Bloomingdales have the best selection (my favs below). The downside? They’re pretty pricy. I’ve been getting a bunch of requests for lower-cost options, so I included my affordable favs as well.
Shop My Favorite Layering Tees
These are my favorite layering tees – most are ones that I’ve actually tried….
xo,
S
