5 Ways to Wear a White T-Shirt: My Go-To Outfit Formulas | Jo-Lynne Shane

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

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

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