Art of Style

5 Fresh Ways To Wear A White T-Shirt

There’s no denying the rush of dopamine that comes from purchasing a party dress, statement jewels or the bag of the season, but it’s often the more understated pieces in our closets that we come back to time and time again. Case in point: a great white tee. Find the perfect fit and you can wear it as often as your laundry regime will allow…

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Connie Daw
Fashion
Team a white T-shirt with tailored pants for an effortless high-low look

9 to 5

Whether you’re back in the office full-time, continue to work from home or have embraced a more flexible approach, your 9-to-5 look is probably a little different to what it was pre-pandemic. At one time, a white tee might have been considered too casual to be appropriate for work, but not anymore – it’s become a fail-safe choice and an essential styling tool. Paired with loose-cut tailoring, such as The Frankie Shop’s ‘Piper’ pants and Toteme’s low-heeled sandals from our NET SUSTAIN edit, this wardrobe workhorse strikes the perfect balance between effortless and elegant. So, whether you’re meeting clients, delivering an important presentation or dialing in from your kitchen table, you’re sure to feel polished and professional.

  • JIL SANDER
    Cotton-jersey T-shirt
    $140.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
  • LOEWE
    Puzzle Fold convertible medium leather tote
    $2,350.00
  • THE FRANKIE SHOP
    Piper pleated twill wide-leg pants
    $123.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • TOTEME
    The Minimalist suede sandals
    $324.00
    Select a Size
    35 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    39
    40 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock

Off-duty

There’s no denying the timeless appeal of a crisp white T-shirt and jeans, but midi skirts are every bit as versatile – not to mention perfect for warmer days. Cut from figure-skimming silk, Róhe’s vibrant red style is an effortless choice for weekends spent gallery-hopping or lunching with friends and looks great styled with loafers or sneakers. Finally, an extra layer is always a good idea, especially on cool evenings, so drape a sweater over your shoulders or tie it around your waist – not only will it help beat the chill, but it’ll add a cool, preppy feel to your outfit.

  • NILI LOTAN
    Valdorf cashmere sweater
    $358.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
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    x large - out of stock
  • BALLY
    Pathy leather boat shoes
    $795.00
    Select a Size
    35
    36
    36.5 - low stock
    37
    37.5 - low stock
    38
    38.5
    39
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    40
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    41
    41.5 - low stock
    42
Red and white makes a striking combination
Dress down an LBD for daytime by layering over a white tee

Layering

Any stylist worth their salt will tell you that the most successful outfits are a deft combination of contrasting elements. A white tee is the minimal piece par excellence, making it the perfect counterpoint to something altogether more maximal – which is why layering one under a strappy LBD equals a chic, wear-anywhere look. As for accessories? Keep them simple. A delicate gold necklace, such as Foundrae’s celestial pendant (a NET-A-PORTER exclusive), and oval-frame sunglasses make an effortless addition to any ensemble, and this one is no exception.

  • TOTEME
    Ribbed stretch-cotton jersey T-shirt
    $170.00
    Select a Size
    xx small - out of stock
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • CELINE EYEWEAR
    Bold oval-frame acetate sunglasses
    $340.00
  • KHAITE
    The Eli silk-twill mini dress
    $432.00
    Select a Size
    0 - out of stock
    2 - out of stock
    4 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    8 - out of stock
    10 - out of stock
    12 - out of stock

Out of office

Whether you’re packing your suitcase for a far-flung destination or simply an overnight bag for a weekend away, a white tee is a mandatory addition to a capsule vacation wardrobe. When space is at a premium, packing smart is essential. A relaxed white T-shirt is not only an effortless beach cover-up but can also be styled with virtually everything else you’ve packed – from printed mini skirts to denim cut-offs – promising maximum style mileage.

  • LOEWE
    + Paula's Ibiza Hammock mini leather-trimmed raffia shoulder bag
    $1,750.00
  • AMANU
    Shela woven raffia and leather sandals
    $148.00
    Select a Size
    4 - out of stock
    5 - out of stock
    6 - out of stock
    7 - out of stock
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A white tee makes a versatile addition to your vacation wardrobe
Heels and a black mini skirt will elevate a white tee for evening

After dark

When it comes to eveningwear, a white tee might not sound like the most daring (or obvious) choice, but it’s the insouciant edge this closet staple can lend to more directional pieces that makes it an after-dark essential. Let yours temper the drama of a black leather mini skirt, only to dial it back up again by adding Khaite’s low-heeled strappy sandals and a statement bag, like this ‘Sparkle Nano’ style from Rabanne. Adding a casual element to your look makes for a more contemporary take on traditional eveningwear, whether you’re dressing for date night or dinner with friends.

  • KHAITE
    Samson cotton-jersey T-shirt
    $224.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • RABANNE
    1969 Nano embellished leather and shearling shoulder bag
    $500.00
  • KHAITE
    Arden leather sandals
    $324.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    36.5 - out of stock
    37 - out of stock
    37.5 - out of stock
    38 - out of stock
    38.5 - out of stock
    39 - out of stock
    39.5 - out of stock
    40 - out of stock
    40.5 - out of stock
    41 - out of stock
    41.5 - out of stock

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The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown

SHOP T-SHIRTS

6 items

  • ADIDAS ORIGINALS
    + Wales Bonner webbing-trimmed organic cotton-jersey T-shirt
    $48.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock
  • NILI LOTAN
    Mariela cotton-jersey T-shirt
    $165.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium - low stock
    large
    x large
  • SKIMS
    Stretch-cotton jersey T-shirt - Marble
    $24.00
    Select a Size
    XXS - out of stock
    XS - out of stock
    S - out of stock
    M - out of stock
    L - out of stock
    XL - out of stock
    XXL - out of stock
    XXXL - out of stock
    XXXXL - out of stock
  • AGOLDE
    Abbie ribbed stretch-jersey T-shirt
    $40.00
    Select a Size
    x small - out of stock
    small - out of stock
    medium - out of stock
    large - out of stock
    x large - out of stock