8 Ways To Style A Basic T-shirt – That Are Anything But Basic

Confession: For years, I grossly underestimated the potential of the basic tee. I saw it as something I’d only pair with sweats or jeans on my most super casual, lounge-y days.

I didn’t put too much thought into the fit or how well it washed because, well… the only people seeing them were my immediate family and maybe anyone delivering packages to the house, and with the way I online shop, my Fed-Ex and UPS guys sometimes feel like family.

But learn from the error of my ways, my friends.

Much like that versatile “LBD” that hangs in every girls closet waiting to save the day at the drop of dime, or that perfect pair of jeans that fit like a glove,  great basic t-shirts are a wardrobe staple with endless styling options.

Once I got creative, tried out different ways to wear those “plain ol’ t-shirts”, the way I looked at them and shopped for them was transformed– forever.

white t-shirt by Thirty-something Tees

My friend Carly Walko is a personal stylist and fashion blogger who recently launched her own line of t-shirts for this very reason. Carly’s line, Thirty-something Tees is super comfy, flattering, gives back to charity and washes like a dream– which is oh, so very important because once you find your favorite ways to style a basic t-shirts, you will be wearing them all. the. time. and everywhere!

The key to “un-basic-fying” (yep. totally just made that up), a basic tee is to look to highlight other wardrobe pieces. The beauty of a solid t-shirt is that it allows those other items in your wardrobe to shine.

Below are 8 of my favorite ways to make my basic t-shirts anything but BASIC.

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1. Pair It With A Long Cardigan or “Duster”

Long cardigans like the one I’m wearing above and even longer “dusters” are super cozy– especially during the chillier months.  If you don’t already have one in your closet, there are tons out there to choose in a variety of price points.

Check out a few of these cute ones below:

2. Dress It Up with A Statement Necklace

This is a total game changer. Break out those statement necklaces, girlfriend– and start with super blingy ones– trust me!

A basic t-shirt may not sound like something you’d pair with a fancy rhinestone necklace but it’s actually the most perfect backdrop to for those big-statement accessories.

3. Blazer & Heels

Adding a fitted blazer and a great pair of heels to an every day jeans and t-shirt look, will add structure and make feel polished and ready for anything from drinks with friends to a casual dinner meeting.

4. Sleeveless Blazer

Sleeveless Blazers are one of my latest obsessions– so expect to see me gushing about them in future posts.

Dress them up, dress them down. But, how incredibly chic and laid back does the sleeveless blazer and casual sneaker combo look??  And the anchor of the whole look? An incredibly fit white t-shirt!

5. Flowy Skirt

A fun, flowy skirt can make a fitted t-shirt feel whimsical and/or romantic!

6. Pencil Skirt

For a more buttoned-up, office-chic way to wear your favorite tee is to pair it with a pencil skirt– and if you have a big meeting, add a blazer or hot trench like this too!

7. Under A Slip-Dress

The slip dress is back, friends. Remember how much we loved “baby tees”, slip dresses and choker necklaces in the 90’s? Well they’re all back on trend – so channel your inner 90’s child and fall in love all over again.

8. Print or Patterned Anything

Whether you pair your perfect t-shirt with a flowy skirt, pencil skirt or slip dress– play with patterns! Florals, stripes, plaids, you name it– it is all game when your anchor piece is a solid tee.