If you’re looking for inspiration for how to style a black tee, I’ve got you covered. I feel like a little black tee (I got mine from CUTS Clothing) is the white bread of the fashion world—give it the BLT treatment with a ton of accessories, keep your outfit simple like buttered toast or switch up the toppings. It’s basic, so it gives you permission to try something new.
Keep reading for a few easy outfit ideas to recreate, hopefully with pieces that are already in your closet! As usual, I’m linking any pieces that are available to shop.
1. A COMMOTION FOR THE PANTS
- Tee | Similar Pants | Shoes | Bag
I have never been complimented on pants more than these. I first rented them from Nuuly, and after renting similar pairs, I snagged them when they went on sale. They’re the Colette pants by Maeve at Anthropologie, and the leather ones are sold out, but they have a ton of amazing patterns.
If you’ve ever heard of the idea of “dopamine dressing”, I feel like fun pants totally fit the bill. Dopamine dressing is wearing pieces that make you happy and brighten your mood, and I always feel more confident in bright colors. Styling with a black tee allows me to add a few pops of color.
2. A MAXI MOMENT
Not sure how to style a black tee in a way that’s a bit dressier? I grabbed this maxi skirt on major sale at an Urban Outfitters years ago, and when it’s styled with a black tee it’s the perfect base that can be dressed up or down. Add strappy black heels and gold jewelry for a dressier look, or go with tennis shoes and a ponytail for something that feels a bit more approachable.
3. BIZ CASUAL REPORTING FOR DUTY
If I want to feel professional, my go-to trick is wearing black on black with a blazer. These barrel pants from Quince are so flattering and a more casual take on the barrel pant trend. Pro tip: hit your local thrift store for blazers. I’ve gotten a few I love from Kings Home Thrift in Irondale!
Any time I’ve had to give a presentation for work, especially when I was first building my business casual wardrobe, I’ve gone for a monotone look. Makes it so much easier to get dressed in the morning when you’re already feeling nervous, and I feel like the most powerful person walking through the streets with my iced coffee and sunglasses. It’s a very Andy in The Devil Wears Prada vibe, IMO. Plus, if you do want to add in color with the shoes or the blazer, the all-black keeps it feeling pro.
4. MATCHY-MATCHY
The first time I wore this matching set from Fabletics, my friend told me I reminded her of White Lotus… and I totally see it. It’s a lot more approachable when you break it up with a black tee. Whether you go for a comfy sweat set or a funky patterned set, styling with the black tee will make it both more wearable and more intentional.
I love to shop intentionally and for me, a big part of that is making sure everything I buy can be worn and reworn in a few different ways. Coming up with different outfit combos and thinking through how to style a black tee, even though it’s so basic, is such a fun exercise. Stay tuned for even more outfit ideas, especially as we start getting closer to my favorite season for fashion, fall!
- Most recent post: 25 Takes from Year 25
- Similar post: How to Style a Colorful Blazer 4 Ways
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