This is the topic the fashion world seems to have exhausted to death, and yet, there’s somehow more to say.
Last year I wrote about finding The Perfect White Tee based on the primary parameter of body types. This is not that post, but rather explores a related idea from a different lens.
That of identifying the properties of the quintessential do-it-all tee. This is your desert island tee. The tee that is so deceptively simple yet somehow thrilling to put on.
We are calling this shirt our Reliable Tee, because although it may be perfect, perfect is a moving target. “Reliable” indicates the gap this tee will fill. We are looking for the type of t-shirt that will work with literally everything. This is the tee to end all tees (if a thing like that were actually necessary). This is the shirt that will be nice enough to pair with a dressy skirt, a bossy blazer, athletic shorts, or jeans. Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But I really think that with priority placed on a few simple elements, this t-shirt really can take us that far. Isn’t this the desire so many of us have when we say we want a minimal wardrobe that works hard for us? And yet I for one have time and time again tried to pair a tee with something dressy only to feel sloppy and just off. It seems common to have a drawer bursting with t-shirts, and yet somehow, when the moment of truth arrives, no single tee is up to the task. So you amass a larger collection, hoping that sheer numbers and variety will tip the scale in your favor.
Getting really picky about details is especially important for those who want a minimalist wardrobe. It simply won’t work otherwise.
Let’s run a thought experiment. Think for a moment about packing light for a summer trip that will combine beach and city activities. You can only bring two t-shirts, one blouse, a sweater and a blazer plus a modest mix of bottoms. Do you have even one tee that you would bring, confident in that level of mixing, matching and maximum style potential? If so, I’m willing to bet it shares a lot of similarities with The Reliable Tee.
My proposal is that we can have a more effective collection of tees that give us maximum wearability over seasons and events. There are certain parameters to follow, but there are still ways to customize for your specific tastes and what style lines you prefer to wear. If you are just beginning, start here, and build outward. If you’d like customized personal shopping assistance, schedule a free discovery call here.
Without further ado, The Reliable Tee!
Weight & Fabric / This is going to be the most important element. Look especially for some heft and structure. It can be soft and stretchy, but you want something that won’t wrinkle or lose it’s shape too easily. I’m not going to lie, although it can seem silly to spend a lot of money on a t-shirt, when it comes to The Reliable Tee, don’t be afraid to pay more for quality. I have a classic gray t-shirt from a popular brand that did not cost very much. I really like it, except for the fact that the collar gets rumpled and needs ironed in order to not look sloppy. This is not a feature of a reliable t-shirt. I already know this shirt would not pack well, and I find it’s not good for much other than wearing it under sweaters. If you’ve been wondering why the tees you own don’t seem to be a fail safe option, the fabric could be the reason.
Length / For your first purchase, I recommend choosing a regular length style. This allows you to tuck or leave untucked, giving you more versatility. However, if you also enjoy cropped shirts, I like something like the Wynn Baby Tee (above on model) by Kule.
Neckline / Really high or really low are always going to look good. When shopping around, be wary of something that falls in the in-between space. If you know you love v-necks, this is the exception, and can be a great reliable option. This one is good. Generally speaking, the thing a high crew neck does for us is it allows for some layering. All winter I was frustrated by my crewneck sweaters, which didn’t allow for any little contrast at the collar. All of my tees were flimsy or had a lower neckline. I craved a little strip of contrast. I’ll attach an image in the montage at the end of this post of one success I had this week with a high crew layered under a sweater.
In case you’re wondering, the reliable tee is for men as well. A midweight Carharrt tee is a great option. I like these also.
Color / Spoiler, you don’t need a classic white tee unless you like a classic white tee. Alternative options are gray, ecru, black, or navy. Olive and Camel also work! I have my eye on a sky blue color this summer. Other colors are absolutely a good idea, but if your primary focus is on maximum wearability, opt for some of these neutrals first before building out on the color wheel. Tip: if the color is available in classic menswear, it’s probably going to be a safe option with which to begin. Even light pink!
If you already have this style in several neutral colors and want to deepen the layers of your wardrobe, try something in a smoky or earthy shade.
Fit to body & Sleeve style / Typically the recommendation is going to be a straight fit with sleeves that are neither too long or too short. This has the effect of being a bit androgynous and devoid of an age limit. (Is it a little kids tee? Who’s to say!?) However, this is the element that is most customizable. If this style of tee feels too boxy or boyish or swallows you up, try a cropped length or tuck your shirt. If it still feels off, your classic shape is going to be in a more fitted version. You probably already have a sense of which shape you will like best, and if you haven’t given yourself permission yet, go for the fit that feels best for you. When you have the other elements of neckline, fabric, length and color in place, the result will still be reliable. Something like this Essential Tuckable Baby Tee is a great example of classic but fitted.
What if you still feel in doubt? Ask yourself, “What is it that doesn’t feel right for me?” Tap into your self knowledge about what you like to wear and what styles feel right for you. If you don’t know where to begin, take note of how you’re feeling when it comes to these elements: color, styling (what you’ll pair with it), and your concerns or needs when it comes to your body. Once you identify the sticking point, you can go from there to create a customized solution. The biggest factor to remember is that a reliable tee won’t fix all your wardrobe problems, but that the other items in your closet need to also carry their sartorial weight. It’s a journey, and with each wardrobe hero, you get closer to the goal of having a closet that works for you. Interested in personalized help? Schedule a no-strings-attached discovery call with me here, or send me an email at billowstyling@gmail.com.
If you have tees you love that don’t fit these parameters, don’t throw them out. These are extra and fun and you should keep wearing them. This quest for The Reliable Tee is all about making sure we have an adaptable, multi-season wardrobe that works hard and helps us out of the “lots of clothes but nothing to wear” rut we often find ourselves in.
Do you already have a Reliable Tee™️? Feel free to drop a recommendation in the comments!
Until Soon,
MDS
