It might seem like the simplest thing in the world, but learning how to layer a white T-shirt takes some trial and error. Everything comes down to understanding your fit and design details—and if you have no idea where to start, don’t worry. Our editors have tried virtually all of the best T-shirts on the market, and we’ve learned a thing or two about making visible tees—and tank tops, for that matter—look great.
Before you start picking out what to layer over a white T-shirt, you need to find the right base. For these looks, we recommend slim-fitting crewneck tees; looser picks might bunch up under layers, while V-necks and boat-necks tend to disappear or look off. (And make sure your shirt has a fitted neck—a worn-out neckline won’t look put together.) While we love baby tees, your pick should also have a tuckable length, which will help keep your outfit in place and streamlined.
Ready to upgrade your layering game? These are the absolute best pieces for styling a basic white tee, including structured blazers that go from the office to drinks and lightweight knits you’ll want to wear year-round.
Under a blazer
One of the oldest styling tricks in the book still works wonders. A crisp white T-shirt is a perfect match for any blazer in your collection – perhaps one from the Rokh H&M collaboration – whether you prefer something trim and formal or oversized and a little more casual. (This also goes for any non-button-downs in your collection; sports jerseys and white tank tops look great under a tailored jacket too.) This isn’t the place for relaxed tees. Body-skimming picks will look more polished, meaning you can wear this combo to the office or drinks with friends.
Under a denim jacket
Embrace the Americana vibe of the white T-shirt by pairing it with another tried-and-true workhorse: the denim jacket. The relaxed combo is perfect for your day off, especially if you go full Canadian tuxedo and throw on matching straight-leg jeans or a denim skirt. While the slim white T-shirt we’ve been harping on will look great here, this is also a great opportunity to wear your more lived-in (read: stretched-out) tees under an oversized jean jacket.
Making the hidden visible is one of the best styling tricks we know—just see fashion’s current obsession with sheer materials and underwear as pants. The easiest (and lowest-stakes) way to get in on the fun is by letting the white tees you might already wear under your button-down shirts peek out of an unbuttoned collar. Ideal for transitional weather, this trick works best styled with more relaxed staples borrowed from the boys, including wide-leg trousers and slim leather loafers.
Under a V-neck
Yes, V-neck T-shirts were practically made for this purpose—hiding under other layers. But if you’re willing to let your white tee show (and why not?), V-neck sweaters and crewneck tees pair well together. Accent the contrasting collars with a necklace that falls over your tee’s neckline. Tuck your base layer into a pleated skirt, wide-leg jeans, or loose trousers, then go collect your compliments.
Under a leather jacket
Once you invest in a proper leather (or faux-leather) jacket, you’ll have to learn how to wear it—and thankfully, one of the highest-impact styling choices is also among the easiest. Whether you go with a no-frills T-shirt, a ribbed pick, or a band tee, it’ll look effortlessly cool under a vintage-inspired jacket. Down below, try jeans and white sneakers or a midi-skirt and slingback heels.
Wet, transitional weather calls for a good trench coat, which pairs well with a classic white tee. With that preppy combo figured out, you’re free to go in any direction. Try jeans and rain boots when it’s really coming down or go with a miniskirt and loafers when the temperature is confusing.
Under a vest
Vests and short-sleeve T-shirts make a nearly foolproof combo, regardless of your outer layer’s form. Whether you go with a sweater vest or a waistcoat, you’ll look both put together and relaxed all at once, making this an ideal pick for a fancy brunch or a laid-back office day. Adapt your look to colder weather by throwing a blazer over a sweater vest and T-shirt.
Under a crewneck
Show just a hint of a white tee under a crewneck cardigan or sweatshirt and you’ll look like a chic French girl—the perfect vibe, if you ask us. We love the ladylike cut of J.Crew’s sweater and the sheer effect of Everlane’s loose-knit cardigan, but these are just jumping-off points; crewnecks layered under other crewnecks can be done so many ways. (We even love throwing a white tee under a long-sleeve tee when it’s not quite warm enough for a single layer.)
The return of early-2010s fashion means the revival of the dress-over-T-shirt combo, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Pair any strappy number in your closet with a slim-fitting top, whether it’s a cropped baby tee or a long-sleeve option for chillier days. A slip dress leans into grunge style, while a more demure lacy pick is perfect for low-key outdoor celebrations.
This story originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
