March 25, 2025

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5 Ways to Wear a White T-Shirt: My Go-To Outfit Formulas

There’s pretty much nothing I love more than a classic white tee and denim combo. It’s classic, easy, and endlessly wearable; but even the best basics can start to feel a little repetitive. Whenever that happens, I like to switch things up in small ways that still feel true to my style.

These are a few of my favorite ways to wear a white tee right now—all simple ideas that make this everyday staple feel fresh again. Also, most of the jeans and t-shirts featured in this post are on sale right now! I tried to call them all out where applicable.

Classic Combo: White Tee, Jeans + A Great Jacket

This is hands down my favorite outfit formula for transitional seasons. You really don’t need a ton of different tops—just a few good basics and a variety of outfit-completing jackets. Swapping out the outer layer is one of the easiest ways to make a simple tee-and-jeans look feel new again.

This Rocky Two Pocket Utility is a perfect example. It’s super flattering, and the stretchy rayon-twill fabric makes it really comfortable too. I styled it with my favorite v-neck tee and flare jeans, then kept things casual with white leather sneakers. A belt, pendant necklace, and a pair of chic sunglasses pull the whole look together. I also love how the raffia tote with black leather straps ties in with the belt and the jacket—it gives the outfit a cohesive finish without feeling too matchy.

Rocky Two Pocket Utility (M) // FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee -25% off (XS) (option) // Pistola Kinsley Flare (29) // similar belt // white sneakers (8) // straw tote // Anna Beck necklace // Celine sunnies

Here’s another look with the same tee, jeans, sneakers, and belt—but this time I swapped in my Frank & Eileen Mini Belfast. It was a chilly, rainy night in Florida, and this jacket was the perfect mix of cozy and chic.

Frank & Eileen Mini Belfast in navy (S) // FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee – 25% off (XS) (option) // Pistola Kinsley (29) // similar belt // Paul Green Hadley (8) // Anna Beck necklace

And here’s one more! I didn’t even realize we ended up photographing almost the same look three times on that trip. Had I known, I probably would’ve swapped out the jeans and shoes for at least one of them, but it just goes to show how much difference a jacket can make. Same base, totally different vibe.

LOFT Topstitched Bubble Hem Jacket – on sale (S) // FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee – 25% off (XS) (option) // Pistola Kinsley (29) // Paul Green Hadley (8) // similar necklace // Tom Ford sunnies

Here’s a similar look with wide-leg crop jeans, raffia sandals, and a bright pink jacket. This was one of my favorite outfits from last year—even though the jacket sold out in this color, it’s still available in four other great options. (I actually have the Tree and Ecru shades sitting on my rolling rack right now!)

Also, these jeans are my favorite wide-leg crops for spring and summer, and they’re currently on sale at both Saks and Bloomingdale’s. If you’re looking for a similar style at a lower price point, the KUT from the Kloth Meg is a great alternative.

KUT from the Kloth Amanda (S) (pink option) // FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee – 25% off (XS) (option) // PAIGE Anessa – 25% off (29) (budget option) // Sam Edelman Bambi (8)

Preppy Twist: Tee with a Sweater Draped Over

This one’s such a classic look, but for years, we didn’t really see it around. Lately, though, the sweater-over-the-shoulders trend is everywhere—draped over everything from dresses to other sweaters. A t-shirt makes the perfect base for this preppy-inspired style.

It might feel a little fussy at first, but after trying it a few times, I’m hooked. It actually adds a bit of extra warmth, and I love how it brings in a pop of color, pattern, or texture to a simple tee-and-jeans outfit.

In this case, the chartreuse cardigan is such a fun way to brighten up the white cap sleeve tee and wide-leg crop jeans. It adds just the right amount of color without overwhelming the look.

Z Supply Camino Top (L) // Splendid Dre Cardigan (S) // PAIGE Anessa – 25% off (29) (budget option) // similar belt // Veronica Beard Via (8) (budget option) // similar bag

Here’s a similar look with a v-neck tee and a red and white striped sweater. The red, white, and blue color palette feels classic and slightly nautical—perfect for spring and summer. Draping the sweater adds that preppy touch while pulling the whole look together.

red stripe sweater (M) // FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee – 25% off (XS) (option) // similar belt // PAIGE Anessa – 25% off (29) (budget option) // Veronica Beard Via (8) (budget option) // Tom Ford sunnies (option)

And I shared this look yesterday. The light wash wide leg jeans are a take on the “sweatshirt jeans” trend I mentioned in my Spring Denim Trends post, and while they aren’t a knit material, they do have that same relaxed, drapey look.

I like how the pink sweater adds a subtle pop of color and a bit of texture, and this $10 tee is such a good value. It runs true to size, or size up for a more relaxed fit. In fact, this entire outfit is very budget-friendly—plus, you can use code GFEXTRA for an extra 10% off your purchase.

Textured Crewneck Sweater – 50% off (M) // Favorite V-Neck T-Shirt – 50% off (M) // High Rise Drapey Soft Seamed Wide-Leg Jeans – 50% off (30) // Paul Green Hadley

Monochrome Moment: White-on-White Styling

White-on-white always feels fresh, especially in the warmer months. Pairing a white tee with white jeans creates an easy column of color that you can dress up or down depending on your layers and accessories. Just add a great bag, polished shoes, or a pop of contrast, and you’re good to go. I also always belt a monochromatic look to break it up a bit and define the waist—it adds structure and keeps the outfit from feeling too flat.

This look is a couple years old, and it’s still one of my favorites. The FRAME tee is my go-to—it’s a splurge, but it’s on sale right now, along with these MOTHER jeans. I wore white sneakers with a bit of texture to keep the look monochromatic, then added a taupe belt and bag for a soft contrast. A layered necklace finishes it off with just the right amount of detail.

FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee – 25% off (XS) (option) // MOTHER The Insider – 25% off (30) // similar belt // P448 sneakers (39) // similar bag // similar layered necklace // YSL sunnies – 25% off

Here’s a similar look I wore in Florida, this time with a pink and white stripe sweater over my shoulders. I added a pair of fun green and white sneakers to keep things playful. And bonus—sweater and jeans are on sale!

Z Supply Camino Top (also at Amazon) (L) // Caslon Stripe Crewneck Rib Sweater – 30% off (S) // MOTHER The Hustler Ankle Fray – 25% off (30) // Steve Madden Verdict Mesh Sneaker (8.5) // Jenny Bird earrings // similar bag

This time, I threw my zestt organics The Dreamsoft Travel Scarf over a white-on-white look. It’s the perfect lightweight layer for travel and adds just the right amount of softness and texture to an all-white outfit.

zestt organics The Dreamsoft Travel Scarf // FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee -25% off (XS) (option) // MOTHER The Hustler Ankle Fray -25% off (30) // similar belt // Veronica Beard Via (8) (budget option) // similar rattan earrings

And this is the LOFT Bubble Jacket that I styled earlier with blue jeans and white leather sneakers. I love how the white contrast stitching ties in with the column of white underneath—it adds just enough interest while still keeping the look cohesive.

Also, these jeans are a really good value, even at full retail price, but they’re currently 25% off at Nordstrom. The fabric is a thick, stretchy denim with excellent recovery and almost no show-through, so they feel as good as they look.

LOFT Bubble Hem Jacket – on sale (S) // Z Supply Camino Top (also at Amazon) (L) // Good American Good Legs Straight – 25% off (10) // Veronica Beard Via (8) (budget option) // Tom Ford sunnies // similar bag

Layered Neutrals: Tee Under a Classic Sweater

I only have one outfit example for this, and inventory is low on most of these, but it’s a formula you can recreate with almost any crewneck tee and crewneck sweater.

I like how the white tee peeking out at the neckline adds a little visual interest—and as a bonus, it’s a great way to add some extra warmth without bulk.

Favorite Crewneck T-Shirt (M) // CashSoft Cable-Knit Crewneck Sweater (M) // High Rise Soft Vintage Flare Jeans (30) // HOBO Render // similar boots

Elevated Basics: Just Add Accessories

Sometimes all you need is a great white tee and blue jeans—then it’s the accessories that really make the outfit. Whether it’s a bold belt, statement earrings, a chic bag, polished sunglasses, or a combination of all four, those little details go a long way. I love how the right accessories can make even the simplest look feel styled and intentional without adding any bulk or layers.

This was one of my favorite date night outfits from last summer. When a look is this simple, the key is making sure the fit is just right—and that each piece has a little something extra to keep it interesting. This tee has a dramatic V-neck and abbreviated cap sleeves, and it’s made from a beautiful Peruvian Pima cotton. The wide-leg jeans add a bold, on-trend element. I finished the look with bold raffia earrings, a statement bracelet, layered necklace, belt, and a straw clutch.

FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee (XS) (option) // similar MOTHER Roller – 25% off (29) // similar belt // similar Kork-Ease sandals (8) // straw clutch // rattan earrings // similar layer necklace // similar bracelets

This outfit is from my Maine vacation last summer, featuring the same tee—this time paired with dramatic gaucho jeans and my comfy Birks.

FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee – 25% off (XS) (option) // Frank & Eileen Gaucho Jeans (29) // Birks (39) // similar hoops // similar necklace

This one’s a blast from the past… the ATM Schoolboy V-Neck used to be my go-to white tee before I discovered the FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck. I still have it, although I don’t reach for it as often these days. It has a great slub texture, a flattering wide v-neck, and a slightly shrunken fit that’s perfect for a front-tuck.

I styled it here with jean shorts and embellished sandals, then added some pretty jewelry for an easy, summery look.

ATM Schoolboy V-Neck – 55% off (M) // old jean shorts // old sandals // LV Graceful PM // Kendra Scott earrings // similar pendant // Victoria Emerson bracelet

And here, I’m wearing the same slub knit v-neck tee with light wash ankle jeans and chunky platform sandals. The brown belt helps tie the look together, but I think it would be even more fun with some statement jewelry. The bracelet is great, but I’d love to see it paired with those chunky raffia hoops and/or a bold link necklace.

ATM Schoolboy V-Neck – 55% off (M) // MOTHER The Hustler Ankle Fray – 25% off (29) // Kork-Ease Devan (8) // AllSaints belt (M) // Yurman earrings // similar pendant // Victoria Emerson bracelet

Here’s another look from my Florida trip (I shared it above with the sweater, but here it is without). This tee is another great option and a really good value, but I recommend sizing up. Also, definitely don’t put it in the dryer—I did, and now it’s way too small.

Z Supply Camino Top (L) // PAIGE Anessa – 25% off (29) (budget option) // similar belt // Veronica Beard Via (8) (budget option) // similar bag

And finally—one from last summer with a denim skirt! I know, it’s rare to see me in one, but I did wear this look one day last summer. This skirt is actually part of the Saks Friends & Family Sale, which ends today, so if you’ve been thinking about trying one, now’s a great time. I also found a lighter wash version on even deeper discount at Saks OFF 5TH.

I styled this look with a gorgeous woven tote, coordinating slide sandals, and a pair of rattan drop earrings for a touch of texture.

FRAME Le Mid Rise V-Neck Tee – 25% off (XS) (option) // Rails Highland Denim Skirt – 25% off (8) (50% off this color) (budget option) // similar slides (budget option) // Dragon Diffusion tote // rattan earrings

And that’s a wrap! I hope this gives you a little outfit inspiration for styling your favorite white tee.

Which look is your favorite? Let me know below!

Shop My Favorite White T-Shirts

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14 Responses

  1. This is a great post with so many cute outfits! Great inspiration, thank you. I love the long flare jeans and sneakers outfit, but I am still on the fence with crop flare-just feels like lots of extra fabric on me. I love the Gap factory blue cable knit sweater–it must be sold out? Any alternatives? I was watching it for awhile but then I guessed I missed purchasing it. Thanks again for all you do, it’s so appreciated.

  2. The white tee and jeans are such a great base for a jacket/cardigan topper! I love adding fun jewelry and printed bags. The “sweater draped over the shoulder” look just reminds me of the scarf trends of the past few years. Seems like the scarves would be a lot easier to drape/knot and stay in place better. I have SO many lovely scarves that will give me the same look. I think I’ll stick with those! 🙂 Enjoy the sunshine today!

  3. Great post. I LOVE any white shirt with denim. It’s always my go to. I bought the frame white tee last year when you told us it was on a good sale. Love it. Still crisp and white for this year. Wish I could find a crop wide leg to look good on my short frame. I look best in straight crop.

    1. Sure! I mean, they’re not the trendiest detail right now, but I wouldn’t say they’re out of style either—especially if the overall cut and wash of the jeans still feel current.

  4. Wow this is a great post! I love “how to” posts like this that can be adapted to what I already have in my closet. Thanks for including some options for shorts with minimal accessories. I’ve found it’s much trickier to add visual interest in summer without a “topper” piece, but agree that accessories are the key!

  5. I have quite a few spring cardigans I haven’t really been wearing, though I like the colors. Never thought of draping them like this!

  6. I’ve been wanting to try the sweater wrapped over the shoulders look. I recently purchased a beautiful butter yellow cashmere sweater from Quince for that purpose! Thanks for your always helpful suggestions!

  7. First, I love all your outfits!! Secondly i have a question. Do you think you can wear booties all year? I know their are some people that wear cowboy boots all year?

    1. Sure, you can wear anything you want. I’ve seen my personal stylist at Nordstrom wears booties in the summer. It just depends on your personal style and if you like the look.

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