How you can elevate a simple white tee and black pants outfit.
The white tee and black wide leg pants have somehow became a wardrobe essential for all grown women. And they should be, it’s great for a business casual dress code at work. All techies like me wear this outfit as the weather gets warmer.
But this is also the most basic outfit combination which looks pretty basic. In this post, I am sharing some easy ways you can make the outfit interesting.
The goal of these step by step guide is to get you excited to see the possibility of an outfit in a different way. It does not have to look super basic always. And the right pieces make all the difference.
Base Layer:
I have seen many of you wear this exact outfit to work. Maybe instead of wearing a cropped trench, you have layered a leather jacket or even denim jackets. And we add white sneakers because that’s comfortable for work and it makes us feel good that well it all looks good together.
But nothing in this look is looking polished even though every piece is an elevated summer basic in my wardrobe.
It’s because there is nothing interesting about this look. And I am not Audrey Hepburn or Blake Lively (just examples of stylish ladies) that will make this outfit look amazing as it is.
What's Not Working In this Look
- The wide leg pants are drowning my body, I look short, and we took picture from different angles too.
- The navy jacket is almost black, so it just blends with the black pants and it feels like I am wearing 1 piece of clothing and nothing else.
- Because the pants are relaxed, the jacket is making this outfit frumpy and not at all flattering. It’s just too oversized.
- The Tshirt even though its white is not doing anything by itself. It just boring.
- And the sneakers they are comfortable for sure, but are not elevating anything here.
Here is another way I have seen a lot of wear this combo too. Same thing.
Step 1: Add A Belt
I will say this in my sleep, but if you wearing pants and/or jeans adding a belt to your outfit is the easiest way to elevate it. The gold or silver hardware elevates the look. And your outfit instantly looks like you have thought through in putting it together.
In this case, I am adding a white belt because I have a short torso and the pants are drowning me. But you can also add a black belt. Literally when I saw the lady in the denim jacket, that’s what I told her, add a belt. You can even match the scarf base layer.
Step 2: Swap Your Shoes With Elevated Piece
This is such an easy way to dress up any outfit. Shoes are so critical for any look. The right shoes can make or break your outfit. In this look, instead of going for a contrasting pair of footwear, I added Black Mary Jane block heels because I needed some height in this look. And wearing black shoes made me look taller.
If you are wearing this outfit to work, a good pair of black heels are an essential footwear to elevate all your work outfits.
Step 3: Accessorize with Jewelries
You need to add a gold chain necklace that’s simple but adds subtle detail to your outfit. Again it makes outfit look put together. And it feels like you have made an effort. A basic link chain necklace is all you need. Nothing fancy.
Add a simple bracelet and a good watch. If you are wearing Apple Watch, it’s fine just swap the bands with something elevated.
Step 4: Add a Contrasting Structured Jacket
Whether you are going to office or you are going somewhere, you will be indoors and you will want a jacket. But instead of wearing a matching jacket that will drown you in all the black, wear a contrasting colored one.
In this look, I am wearing a pattern brown structured blazer. The color is not too loud and different from all the base shades I am wearing but this still makes your whole outfit look interesting.
But a denim jacket is the not that contrasting jacket. A Denim jacket will tone down the outfit and make it look even more casual. But if you wear a blazer o r collared jacket, it easily elevates this look and is a better alternative to denim jackets.
Before and After
Same white t-shirt and black pants in both outfits, but what a difference. I am the same person. Nothing changed here. Other than me consciously picking the right pieces and styling them together.
And that’s what I am here for my friend.
Let’s checkout the before and after comparison, so you will believe me as well. This photo is the same day, my hair and face are all the same.
If you love tshirt and jeans outfits, I have also shown easy steps to upgrade the outfit. And checkout some more ways to wear white tee this summer.
It’s also important to own a good quality white tee that is not see through, so you can wear it anywhere confidently.
