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.
Update with Blazer + Mary Jane Pumps
This is an instant style update that requires zero efforts. Instead of wearing a casual jacket that’s not really doing anything for the look, pick an outerwear that’s already structured. A blazer is an excellent choice. It makes this outfit polished and you look mature instantly.
You don’t need to wear a double breasted blazer if you want a relaxed look. Just add a relaxed single breasted blazer. It’s all about picking the right style of blazer, I will show both styles and see how the outfit looks different.
And instead of wearing sneakers swap it with block heel pumps or in my case, I am wearing Mary janes that look polished and chic.
This outfit instantly looks ready for work, you will also feel confident walking into a meeting wearing this.
Update with Colored Cardigan + Mary Jane Pumps
Another really easy and effortless way to change up the look and still look polished is adding a structured crewneck cardigan. This is an excellent opportunity to add color and have some fun.
Spring season is all about cardigan outfits and you can seamless pair it with a white t-shirt and black pants. This outfit is still polished. you can wear it to work, wear it out and about and be really comfortable.
And honestly, I love this outfit formula the most, because cardigan still feels tone down versus a blazer, but with the crewneck style it looks sophisticated.
I kept the same Mary janes, but you can also match the shoes with the cardigan. I love doing that.
Update with Bomber Jacket + White Mules
Adding a bomber jacket to a white tee and black pants combo instantly makes this outfit look modern and elevated. This outfit is giving us a modern city girl vibe with the casual masculine style of the jacket with the structure of the black pants.
And if you own a fun colored bomber jacket, you can totally wear this way. The outfit looks fun but it’s still functional and you can literally wear it anywhere confidently. There is no fuss or fanciness to the look, but it looks so stylish. And they are excellent denim jacket alternatives.
I swapped the shoes with a white snake print mule to add some more structure to the outfit. The pointed toe style of the shoes make me look taller as well.
Accessorizing Is Key
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.
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.
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.
