Closet basics? Count me IN. White T-shirt? Oh, yes. 

I feel like I might need to wax poetic to truly describe my love for a plain white tee. (Half joking, half serious.) As much as my eyes might brighten up at all the fun microtrends going around, I can’t deny that I’m a simple girl at my core. (Fashionably speaking, of course). And if I had to tell you where to start with closet basics and how to achieve a minimal capsule wardrobe — start with a plain ole white tee. 

Some may snooze at the thought or think, “White tee? Groundbreaking.” (Name that film!) But hear me out: You can easily incorporate this super-basic item into allll of your outfits. And it does not have to be boring. 

Giving A Plain White Tee A Much-Needed Refresh: 5 Outfit Ideas

I’m no newbie when it comes to styling a white tee — hello, 7 Days of White Tee Outfits or, ahem, a little something for my nursing mamas out there. But I think we could always use a bit of an inspo refresh for the new year. At least, I find myself needing it.

I started with Linzi’s deep dive into the very best white tees (she’s tried 40. Yes, 40). Thank you, Linzi! 

Where did I land? Madewell’s Northside Vintage Tee that Linzi describes as the one that isn’t see-through. I personally love the shape of this tee (not tight, but not too baggy…fitted in the perfect way). And that price? It’s speaking to me. (And it’s often on sale!). 

So, I took this tee and styled it up five different ways for all the daily random activities one might find themselves in throughout the year. Let’s get to it!

White Tee Outfit 1: For City Explorin’

One thing about me: Going downtown with my girls is an excuse to break out somethin’ slightly fancy (as opposed to my typical athleisure) but still comfortable enough for all the dillydallying and window-shopping. 

My favorite way to do this is usually with something structured up top like a blazer, wide-leg jeans (that almost look like denim trousers), and shoes I know can take me the distance. I can’t deny my love for athletic styles, so sneakers and a classic baseball hat add in that sporty spice. (Sorry, I had to). Tuck in the white tee, and just add some sunnies and your best backpack.

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White Tee Outfit 2: For Running All The Errands

I’ve had my eye on leather bomber jackets for months now. It screams “model off-duty.” (A look I like to think I’m obviously serving when I run to the grocery store in anything other than sweatpants. Heh.)

I’ll always have love for my classic leather jacket, but something about the oversized, menswear-esque style of this bomber is calling my name. It’s like the cool cousin of a structured leather jacket. A fitted white tee and some flared leggings (or yoga pants, as us early 2000s adopters call it) help offset the bagginess of the jacket.

Oh, and UGG boots + yoga pants are back in full force. I don’t make the rules! If they’re not your speed, classic white leather sneaks always look good too.

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White Tee Outfit 3: For School Pickup

I recently bought this cropped puffer jacket from Gap (in green…I know. Me? In colors? She’s changed). But it’s selling out fast, so I opted for H&M’s green puffer that actually turns into a puffer vest! It’s the little things.

Needless to say, my adventuring into green puffer jackets has been inspiring my outfits big time. So, that’s how we landed here: white tee, black wide-leg jeans and high-shaft, platform booties. It’s been a comfortable, go-to outfit for me recently…so much so, that I’ll probably wear it every weekend. But that stays between us.

Once I added in the accessories, all I could think was: I’d be a dang-cool mom in this outfit. And I had to include that ridiculous shearling backpack. It’s definitely pricey, but I couldn’t resist including. Don’t sleep on Urban Outfitters bag section for all the funky designs your heart may desire.

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White Tee Outfit 4: For The Office

I forever stand by a pair of good trousers even for everyday wear. But they have to be comfy for me to reach for them. Recently, the long, wide-leg trousers are all the rage, and I’m lovin’ it. Shoutout to Amy for her pleated trousers post that I’ve been consistently going back to for my own inspo. But how do we make a white tee look not too casual against the trousers for work? Pop on a sweater vest, a long wool coat and cool lug-sole loafers. (Also s/o to Laura for having me drool over all the loafers right now).

Another thing I really wanted to show with this outfit is how beautifully warm brown tones, navy, black and white can all work together. Slowly but surely, I’m working my way into the warm family and straying away from my usual cool-toned grays, but I wanted to do it in a way that could blend with the rest of my closet. I didn’t think it was possible, but we did it!

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White Tee Outfit 5: For Date Night

This outfit style is definitely nothing new to me (or probably you guys, either, if you’ve been following us for some time). But I wanted to give it a 2023 update with a longer-length silk slip dress and tall tan boots that go under. It’s my way of making the trendy Western styles fit my mostly black, modern closet. Edgy Western, if you will.

I like Madewell’s white tee under the dress to suit my not-so-fancy lifestyle. (Being super-fancy makes me…uncomfortable.) For warmth, add in a shorter, fluffy jacket and a pair of tights. As someone who’s always had a love-hate relationship with them (and constantly needs to buy a new pair after one use), I had to grab the Sheertex pair from Amy’s “unbreakable tights” post. Add a cute little purse + a glossy lip, and it’s time for a date night!

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Anything else you guys want to see styled up multiple ways? A graphic tee, perhaps?

-Danielle

Oh, hey, Pinners…