10 ways to amp up a simple white T-shirt, inspired by street style’s coolest stars

by Paige Exell July 15, 2015

Breaking news: Stars really are just like us! Seriously, it isn’t all about red carpet appearances, ball-gowns and being a total Glamazon 24/7. They make silly Dubsmash videos, play Pictionary and wear plain white tees just like the rest of us.

A few weeks ago, fashionable pair Gigi Hadid and Michael Kors engaged in the “Glamour Games,” or their version of what us simple folk would call, “Pictionary,” where the 20 year-old super-model revealed an interesting bit of trivia about herself. What does she think is the most underrated fashion trend? As she draws, Kors guesses correctly (and agrees), it’s the white T-shirt.

Often confused with a boring, closet staple only to be worn to casual, hangover lunches, hang-outs with your parents, or trips to the gym, the white t-shirt is one of the most versatile closet staples, and can be paired with anything from blazers or coats to jeans, overalls, skirts, heels, (name any other clothing item/accessory here), to pretty much any event you will ever attend.

While Gigi Hadid has been spotted rocking the white tee with spandex leggings, underneath leather overalls, to lunch with Joe Jonas paired with a leather jacket and jeans, and on the red carpet with culottes, she isn’t the only celeb who’s caught on to the understated power of the garment. Queen Bey paired a white tee with an all-white matching ensemble and beige accessories earlier this spring, while Amber Heard and Olivia Wilde brought the casual topper to the red carpet with fanciful skirts for a weekend meets-black-tie feel. Meanwhile, Rihanna made a statement with a “School Kills” emblazoned white T-shirt, mini-skirt, and platform boots.

So whether you tie it up, cuff it at the sleeves, or crop it to your belly button, even your most worn-in white tee can be synonymous with being effortlessly chic – it’s just a matter of styling. Browse our gallery and let these street style stars show you how it’s done.

Photography by Peter Stigter

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white t shirt street style

Crop it

For the past three seasons, crop tops have remained the item of choice when it comes to choosing an outfit for a hot, summer day due to their flattering versatility. But what’s more versatile than a crop top? A white crop top, of course. Opt for a cropped white tee that can be paired with anything from your favourite pair of jeans to a feminine floral skirt.

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white t shirt street style

Don’t be afraid of white-on-white

For a look that’s crisp, cool and clean, pair your white t-shirt with a piece of the same shade, whether it’s a coat, trousers or chic pair of kicks.

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white t shirt street style

Create contrast

The easiest way to make a white tee look glam is to pair it with a bold skirt, heels and cool accessories.

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white t shirt street style

Opt for a graphic tee

A white tee doesn’t always have to be strictly, you know, white. Opt for a white t-shirt embellished with bling, your favourite band logo, or a statement that speaks so that you don’t have too.

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white t shirt street style

Play with fabrics and shapes

It’s easy for a plain, cotton white tee to make almost any ensemble look casual. Play around with t-shirts made in thicker fabrics and unique cuts for a more put-together, night-out appropriate look.

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white t shirt street style

Layer it!

Whether you prefer to pair a chic trench coat with a sporty skirt, or a denim jacket with overalls, a white tee acts as the perfect buffer between two of your fave pieces.

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white t shirt street style

Tie it up

Who needs florals and crop-tops when you have a white t-shirt? Tie your tee at the base and pair it with cool, high-waisted bottoms for a boho, music-festival appropriate look.

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white t shirt street style

Wear it oversized

An oversized white t-shirt doesn’t always have to resemble the shirt you stole from your boyfriend’s closet that you now wear to bed. Pair an oversized white tee with a feminine midi skirt and bold lip for a chic, statement look.

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white t shirt street style

Pair it with bold accessories

Short on prep time? Eye-catching accessories, bold pops of colour, and a pair of killer heels are the perfect way to spice up this easy, lazy-girl closet staple.

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white t shirt street style

Cuff the sleeves

A white tee can seem pretty bland when paired with nothing but a pair of skinny jeans. Try cuffing the sleeves at different lengths to give dark denim a touch of added edge.

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