Back to Basics: 3 Classic White Shirts That Are Anything but Basic

Happy Monday! There’s a saying about how if you love Mondays, you’re doing life right.

I don’t know about all that…but I do love a Monday this time of year. The kids are back in school, and that means I have 6 – SIX – uninterrupted hours to work without anyone bickering, asking for a snack every 7 seconds because they are starving, and I’m able to meet all my deadlines, get ahead, and really be able to put work away when it’s time to get the kids so I can focus on my family at the end of the day.

I like that a lot.

But I digress….you guys know I’m a huge fan of a basic piece. I love the basics. My style really focuses on the basic because I love timeless, classic pieces that never go out of style – and I really love when I find a timeless classic with a twist.

When I think of basics, one of the first things that come to mind is the classic white shirt. I love a white tee with a blazer and ballet flats for a little edge. I love a white tunic with heels and a clutch. And I really love a white button down that’s just a little bit more fun than your average white button down.

The thing about a white shirt is you can pair it with anything and everything without much thought or effort, and you can dress it up or down depending on your mood. I love when things are so versatile. Now that we’re working our way out of summer and into fall (I laugh every single time I write that. I’m from Florida. We’re transitioning from summer to still summer to that other summer to more summer), it’s time to figure out how to take your favorite white shirt and make it a little more than basic with jeans and the right accessories.

(Jeans: Rag and Bone | Top: Stem {old – similar here and here }| Espadrilles: Tory Burch | Bag: Kate Spade | Sunglasses: Gucci {old – similar here} | Lipstick: Topshop “Fast Lane” )

The Basic White Tee

I love a white tee. Fitted, loose, a little bit on the tunic-y side. A basic white tee is a staple you must have in your closet. The key is to find one that’s not made cheaply so it’s not see through – and so it withstands numerous washes. My favorite way to pair a white tee like this one is with fun shoes and a bag for a pop of color. I also love it with a blazer to make it chic. Every woman needs at least three quality white tees in her closet.

(Jeans, Sunglasses, and Lipstick Linked above | Shirt: BP  | Shoes: Christian Louboutin “So Kate”) 

The White Button Up

A white button up should be your number one go-to best friend. And this one is everything. I love it because it’s your basic white button up with a little flair thanks to these great bell sleeves. Wear it with a pencil skirt to a meeting, with jeans and heels for a fun night out with the girls, or with a pair of ballet flats and a floppy hat to the airport.

(Jeans and Lipstick linked above | Sunglasses: YSL old – similar here | Shirt: Lush | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Belt: Gucci {old – similar here} | Hat: Rag & Bone )

The White Tunic

With jeans and cognac ballet flats, you look perfectly polished. With this floppy black hat and matching Louboutins, the look goes from basic to beyond – perfect for a chic date night, an evening of cocktails, or a casual event – though I’d go with a much darker wash if you’re doing jeans at any casual event.

You cannot go wrong with any of the most classic basics, especially when it’s a white tee. What’s your favorite go-to basic you can’t live without?