If I had to pick an item I wear the most in my wardrobe, it would probably be the basic tee. There’s actually nothing basic about it, because these wardrobe essentials can be styled so many ways. A basic t-shirt and jeans is a classic and timeless pairing, but you can also elevate a tee with a blazer and trousers. Even adding some elegant jewels can instantly transform an outfit with a basic tee.
From the classic white tee to preppy stripes, here are some tips and outfit inspiration on how to style simple tees. It just might become your new wardrobe hero (maybe it already is!).
How To Style A Basic Tee
tuck it in
This might seem obvious, but tucking in your basic tee instantly adds polish. Whether it’s jeans, sweatpants, trousers or a skirt, give the look shape and structure with a tucked in t-shirt. For a more oversized tee, you can do a half tuck so it doesn’t get too bulky.
add some statement jewelry
I love elevating a basic tee with statement jewelry. Pair it with a pearl necklace or try something sparkly like the Dorsey James White Sapphire Necklace or Moss Round Cut White Sapphire.
dress it up
Wear a basic t-shirt under a silk slip dress or pair it with a polished blazer to dress it up. You can make it work appropriate with trousers and loafers or chic for a night out with a midi skirt.
go oversized
Size up for a comfy oversized fit. The Saint James Breton in Unisex is a favorite for a chic oversized tee (in a thick cotton fabric). Tuck it in to give it some shape or do a half tuck.
keep it simple
Don’t overcomplicate it! A basic tee is a classic that looks great with jeans. Seriously, it’s that easy. You can accessorize with jewelry, add a chic tote bag or throw on sneakers and head out the door.
9 Basic T-Shirt Outfits
neutral and preppy White tee outfit
Is there anything more chic than a classic white t-shirt with a neutral sweater and white jeans? Pair it with loafers or flats in a neutral brown color. I added a belt to break up all the shades of white.
Outfit details: Sézane White Tee, AYR The Beat Jeans, Loafers, Cashmere Cardigan, Belt (use code JAKMOM25 for 25% off)
navy tee outfit
Another classic color for your wardrobe, navy is incredibly versatile and easy to style. If you’re afraid of staining white it’s a great option! Pair it with a stripe sweater, jeans and sneakers.
Outfit details: Navy t-shirt, Stripe sweater, Jeans and Sneakers.
slip dress with basic tee outfit
Elevate your basic tee with a gorgeous silk slip dress. You can still keep it casual with sneakers or dress it up with booties or heels.
Outfit details: Silk Slip Dress, Sneakers, White Tee, Everyday Jewelry
casual basic t-shirt outfit
Keep it casual with straight leg pants in a linen or cotton fabric. This pair from Alex Mill is SO comfy (I sized up because I wanted them a little baggy). Pair with comfy clogs and a straw tote.
Outfit details: Straight leg pants, Clogs, Straw Tote
navy t-shirt with blazer outfit
A little bit preppy, perfect for the office, pair a basic t-shirt with a classic blazer. I love navy and white together with neutral loafers for a timeless look.
Outfit details: Navy t-shirt, Blazer, White Jeans, Loafers, Everyday Jewelry
stripe tee casual outfit
Conquer the weekend or your to-do list in a casual look. Pair a stripe tee with comfy sweatpants and sneakers.
Outfit details: Stripe tee (true to size), Mate the Label Organic Sweatpants, Sneakers
stripe tee with jeans outfit
Such a simple combo but it looks so chic. Pair a stripe tee with a pair of straight leg or cropped jeans. For warmer days neutral sandals like Birkenstocks are a great option. This would also look great with loafers or flats.
Outfit details: Stripe tee, Jeans, Birkenstocks
basic tee with jean jacket and shorts
A classic pairing, layer your tee under a denim jacket. The Bailey denim jacket is a favorite because it has the perfectly broken in feel and it’s a great tailored fit (use code JAKMOM for 25% off). Wear it with linen or cotton shorts.
Outfit details: Bailey denim jacket, Shorts, Sandals
sweater vest and basic t-shirt with jeans
Sweater vests are having a moment (which I am fully on board with), and a super easy way to wear them is layered over a basic tee. Pair a sweater vest with a long sleeve stripe tee and jeans, or go super simple with a white tee and classic denim.
Outfit details: Stripe tee, Jeans, Birkenstocks, Sweater Vest (old Madewell, see more here)
Basic T-Shirts
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