Getting white down to a tee!

Once upon a time, I was foolish enough to fall in love with the most beautiful and perfect white t-shirt I had ever come across. It was love at first sight! It was the perfect combination of the weight of cotton/silk mix (which meant it felt lovely to wear) and style. A simple, short sleeved v-neck with a little pocket on the front. Understated, practical and luxurious too; everything I look for in an investment buy! The fact that it was Balenciaga also might have had something to do with it! Feeling a little giddy, I ignored the £75 price tag and convinced myself that cost per wear it would be worth every penny. 

One very happy wear later (tucked into tailored black Balenciaga shorts, worn with black patent Miu Miu sling backs) and it was time to go in the wash...

On emptying the washing machine, I discovered that the love affair was more a one night stand and that my perfect tee now resembled a shrunken twisted old dishcloth. On closer inspection, I discovered that my t-shirt was dry clean only (+*^%!). I have never spent that sort of money on a white t-shirt since. How can an expensive white t-shirt that you can't wash in the washing machine be an investment buy? To dry clean a white t-shirt after every wear is a huge expense, not practical and will ultimately put you off wearing it. This was an expensive lesson learnt!

This season's trends do call on the need to own several good white tees/ vests. They are classic wardrobe staples in their own right and are so easy to wear with jeans, shorts, under a blazer etc. Having difficulty in knowing how to wear this season's catwalk trendy neon colours? Simple; team with a plain white t-shirt or vest to complement hot brights! 

This Spring/Summer, I plan to live in my favourite white tee and vest:

Last year's white "Flame" vest from Whistles, pictured above, tucked into Whistles tailored black trousers worn with black patent heels from LK Bennet, an old red Miu Miu satchel and a mustard scarf I clothes swapped with a buddy.

Here I am wearing a white Vince t-shirt (bought in the January sale at 70% off), worn with silk cullottes from Whistles, black patent LK Bennet shoes and trusty black Mulberry Alexa.

Here are some of my current favourite white vests/tees which I have hand picked just for you...

All My Love Basic White V`est £40 (90% micromodal 10% cashmere)

 I love anything from All My Love! The tees are a bit more expensive but feel so lovely to wear as that 10% cashmere makes all the difference! This vest is such a good basic and would look fantastic with a pair of skinnies, tucked into a skirt or layered with a cardi over the top.

Whistles Livvy Vest £30

 A slubby cotton jersey vest which can be paired with absolutely anything. This is this year's version of the vest I am wearing in the picture above. Wear with shorts or dress it up with jeans and a blazer. Perfect with anything! Tailored trousers, jeans, shorts, skirts etc...

Vince Drape Sleeve Tee $98

 Perfect with this season's skinny pink jeans or leggings. Easy to wear tucked into slouchy shorts too.

Topshop Roll Sleeve Burnout Pocket Tee £15 

A great price point and so easy to wear for the season. Buy several! The rolled up sleeves make this tee a bit more edgy. Wear tucked into a long brightly coloured maxi skirt.

Warehouse silk pocket tee £16

 The silk pocket makes this white tee a little more dressy than the average basic tee. Great with jeans or tucked into slouchy shorts.

River Island white v-neck t-shirt £8.99

The cheapest white tee! Excellent value for a 100% cotton t-shirt. Wear tucked into this season's cropped camel turned-up chinos with tan moccasins or strappy sandals.

I think it is vital with white t-shirts that they are replaced regularly as there is nothing worse than wearing a white tee that is slightly grey and tired looking. Often, after a lot of wear and washing, the side seams have twisted round and the tee shirt looks like it's seen better days. I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot of money on a white tee/vest but my biggest tip is to replace them frequently. That way it will always look crisp and fresh, which is exactly what many of this season's trends cry out for.

I hope this has been useful and in my next blog I will be documenting the fashion shoot I am styling for my upcoming website. I can't wait to share this with you!

as ever...

  

Whatever the outcome, enjoy!

      Kisses, Julianna