Girly, we’ve already mastered the t-shirt and jeans uniform, but today we’re leveling up. The white t-shirt is the ultimate base layer, but the real Style Math happens when you start building around it. As a stylist who dresses women every day, I know the biggest hurdle isn’t the shirt itself it’s knowing how to layer without the bulk.
So, how do you actually layer a tee without looking like a marshmallow? It comes down to two things: fabric weight and hemline tension. If you’re layering under silk or a fitted blazer, you need a “baby tee” or a high-stretch rib to prevent bunching. If the tee is your structural anchor under an open button-down or trench, you need a mid-weight 100% cotton that holds its own.
In this guide, I’m stripping away the guesswork to show you how to use your basic white tee as a master layer. From mastering the “cool girl” blazer drape to layering under satin slip dresses without those annoying fabric bunches, these are the advanced formulas that make a $12 tee look like a luxury designer piece.
