It’s summer in the year 1966, and you are Jane Birkin, perusing your closet’s limited selection of white t-shirts. All identical except for the occasional breast pocket or scooped neck. Putting one on, you walk the streets of Paris with a straw basket in hand. (In it, you’re toting nothing but the essentials: a wide-toothed comb, a tube of Lucas’ Pawpaw Ointment, a small cactus, a baguette, SPF 60+, Glossier Wowder, dry shampoo, a red Chanel lipstick, a notebook, three novels and the latest edition of Beauty Papers, two of your favorite perfumes–neither of them Santal 33–an extra pair of ballet flats, a navy sweater, a bottle of rosé, a flask of tequila, and a handful of loose change.) But wait–it’s not 1966. It’s 2017, and you just woke up from your Parisian White T-Shirt Fever Dream™. Still, you have something Birkin never did–the internet. And in 2017, a white t-shirt has evolved into something more than it used to be. Cooler, but also more sophisticated than ever. Pour one out [of that flask you’re carrying] for the white clothing item-that-can-pass-for-a-t-shirt. Better for its knit, cropped, fitted, mock-necked, bell-sleeved, ruffled, floor-length features. Fill your straw basket with white tee shirts. Walk around the streets of your own city. Wear something better than ballet flats. And get your virtual shopping cart ready:
The Slouchy One
A true t-shirt, this one. Feel as cool as you look, and wear it during the hottest month of the year. No sweat.
Iro tee, Rosie Assoulin pant, and Jennifer Fisher jewelry.
The Cashmere One
It's a comfort (also literally–cashmere) to know this version of the classic can easily accompany you well past Labor Day. Not that the white-after-Labor-Day rule means anything to you, you super cool so-and-so.
Lauren Manoogian knit, Lauren Manoogian dress, Roberi & Fraud sunglasses
The All-American One
Jane Birkin wasn't even French, guys. And neither was Naomi Campbell–also a white-tee-wearer. Nor were either of them American, but Calvin Klein is! Wear this one to your end of summer barbecue.
Calvin Klein Jeans tee, Calvin Klein Jeans denim.
The Really Flattering One
A slimming appearance in the waist area and not too tight in the top half, this is basically a grown-up version of the ones your mom used to buy you in elementary school.
Petite Bateau tee, The Row pant, Jennifer Fisher earrings.
The Ribbed One
It's all in the tiny, delicate details, like the trim on these sleeves. Sweet! Stretchy!
T by Alexander Wang tee, Khaite pant.
The One Your Mother Will Love
Pairs well with a Sunday roast. Pairs equally well with a pale ale and these floral trousers.
Khaite Flared Sleeve Crop Top, Rosie Assoulin pant.
The Cropped One
Or not-so-cropped depending on your individual body proportions. Either way, it's nice and boxy, and easily thrown over a swimsuit.
Areyouami tee, Sies Marjan pant, Jennifer Fisher earrings.
The One That's Just A Little More Luxe
Just like every other white t-shirt you've ever owned, except designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley.
The Row tee and trousers.
The Art School Kid One
...If that art school kid grew up to be a designer of gorgeous eyelet dresses and gingham ruffled pinafores. Her off-duty uniform would be this.
Simone Rocha Smocked Daisy Tee.
The Black Tie
White tie, more accurately. Tuck into your favorite skirt and throw on a bold eye look.
Rosetta Getty Spring 2017 Wrap Sleeve Blouse.
The One That Thinks It’s A Gown
Not a gown! Also not necessarily a tee, but you can wear it with all the same things: Jeans. Tiny shorts. Super high-waisted disco pants.
Rosetta Getty Pre-Fall 2017 Backless Wrap Blouse.
Najiyah Imani (Heroes) photographed by Tom Newton. Styled by Danielle Nachmani (The Wall Group). Hair by Nathan Rosenkranz (Honey). Makeup by Marie-Josée Leduc (Honey).
