When we think of the best ways to style a white T-shirt, denim is probably the first thing that comes to mind. And it makes sense. A T-shirt-and-jeans outfit is the foundation for any elegant outfit. But if you want to make your favorite white tee look expensive, skip the jeans and opt for a satin midi skirt. I know I'm not the only one who agrees with this pairing. Karlie Kloss does too, as she was just spotted wearing the outfit combination.

This week, while arriving in Italy for the Venice International Film Festival, Kloss was photographed wearing a pretty skirt ensemble. Her outfit consisted of an oversize white T-shirt, black satin midi skirt, and a black sweater tied around her shoulders. To complete the look in a polished way, the model added black pumps, oval-shaped sunglasses, and a large Hermès Garden Party Bag.

A white tee and a satin midi skirt may seem like an unexpected pairing, but that's exactly what makes the combination chic. The contrast between the two pieces- one is inherently casual while the other feels more sophisticated- creates a balanced look. Together, though, they create an outfit that's modern and cool girl coded.

If you're looking for new ways to make your white tees feel fresh for fall, end your search here. Keep scrolling to see the look on Kloss and discover the best white T-shirts and satin midi skirts to add to your wardrobe.

The Skirt Trend on Karlie Kloss

On Karlie Kloss: Hermès bag

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Long-sleeve crewneck tees and V-neck silhouettes have been getting plenty of air time for the past few months (and it's safe to say they're not going anywhere anytime soon), but there is another evergreen staple that's quietly taking center stage this season: Henley tops and tees. Groundbreaking, they are not. Unabashedly cool they most certainly are. Just one look at all our favorite retailers and brands right now, and you'll see Henleys are cropping up everywhere—in a whole host of colors, styles, and textures.

To be a true Henley, a top can have short or long sleeves, but it must include a collarless, buttoned neckline. The rest is up to your preference, whether you choose a more relaxed oversize knit Henley or a formfitting ribbed or waffle-knit top. And as we head into layering season, the trend couldn't be better timed. It's versatile, timeless, and chic for everyday dressing.

Below I'm sharing some of my favorites that feel fresh for the new season. Just add a pair of jeans, corduroy pants, or a sleek skirt—the styling ideas are endless.

Shop the Best Henleys for Fall

Chic dressers already eager to embrace transitional summer-to-fall fashion are letting everyone know there's one major trend worth adding to their rotation. It's not the expected loafers, trench coat, or dark denim. Instead, it's the Henley tee. That's right: In place of classic white T-shirts, fashion people are reaching for collarless tops with a half-button placket, mostly in long-sleeve styles. The latest insider to be spotted in one? Lucy Hale.

Over the weekend, Hale was seen in L.A. wearing a casual yet polished outfit. She paired frayed-hem denim shorts and an oversize white long-sleeve Henley shirt. To complete the look, she added The Row's Marlo 12 Bag, flip-flops, and wire-frame sunglasses.

On Lucy Hale: The Row Marlo 12 Bag ($3600)

If you're loyal to your white T-shirts, don't worry. Henleys offer that same effortless versatility. The difference? You don't have to overthink what to layer on top. In 2026, the Henley is the look. Simply add your favorite jeans, trousers, or even denim shorts, and you're good to go.

Scroll on to shop chic Henley tees that make the transition into fall easier and keep all of your outfits looking fresh.

Henley T-Shirts on the Fashion Set

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Given the number of celebrities who wear low-rise jeans exclusively in 2026 and the amount of internet coverage devoted to the style (including here at Who What Wear), it's easy to see why people are currently questioning if high-waisted jeans are now considered dated. The short answer is that they're not, and certain ways of wearing them look more dated than others. If you want to avoid that when it comes to your own outfits, I urge you to take a look at the high-waisted-jeans outfit Kendall Jenner just wore in L.A.

While heading to dinner recently, Jenner was spotted wearing the aforementioned high-waisted jeans and a pair of The Row flip-flops. The basic she paired with the jeans kept the outfit fresh for the current state of fashion: a fitted long-sleeve tee. Long-sleeve tees are having a moment. White ones dominated across the board this summer, but as we head into fall, I predict that close-fitting black ones are what people will pair with jeans, starting with Jenner. It gives a polished, French-girl feel to a high-waisted-jeans outfit, which is always appealing.

Scroll on to see Jenner's look and shop chic fitted long-sleeve tees that make high-waisted jeans look incredibly 2026.

The Basic + High-Waisted Jeans on Kendall Jenner

On Kendall Jenner: The Row Beach Flip Flops ($820)

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The internet is filled with roundups of the best white T-shirts, and I love that for us, but that's not the only T-shirt color in the sea. I wear T-shirts multiple times a week, and it's not always a white one. There are an overwhelming number of T-shirt colors available to choose from, but I can confidently say that the six hues that I've highlighted below are the most useful and timeless. (Yes, one of the colors is white.) I humbly consider myself to be a T-shirt expert, so what else is there to do than share the best tees in the most essential colors with you?

Below, you'll find the top five T-shirts in the most important colors to own. For the sake of consistency, I kept it to all short-sleeve tees. Aside from that, you'll find a variety of price points and options from both mainstream and under-the-radar brands. Scroll on to add your next tee to your cart.

Black

Gray

White

Red

Blue

Chocolate Brown

Tessa Faye O'Connell is a contributor known for her work at various fashion houses, specializing in media and public relations, currently working at Coach as its global PR director. She's a mom of two, working to expand her influence in the fashion space through styling while also just making it out the door on time.

I have a dear friend I met in the industry who has been praising butter yellow since I met her, but for some reason, the full allure of it finally hit me this year. I always believed yellow was too bright or didn't complement my pale skin tone (shout-out SPF 50 year-round!), but I've come to love it as the perfect neutral or pop of color—depending on what day it is.

It's been one of my favorites to rely on this season, and when I travel for work in warmer weather, it makes an outfit feel special without any bold prints necessary. Butter yellow pairs well with all colors of footwear, and I look forward to throwing it underneath a denim jacket and pairing it with jeans all fall.

If you needed a push to try the color finally, here it is.

Butter-Yellow Dresses

Sticking true to summer, this color in dress form makes everything more cheerful and enjoyable and looks great with a denim jacket when you have to emerge into freezing air conditioning.

Butter-Yellow Sweaters

You know I love a sweater, especially one that I can throw on over an all-white outfit or transition seamlessly to the fall.

Butter-Yellow Bags

I was already obsessed with this clutch from The Horse, but it also being in this perfect hue makes it even more fun.

Butter-Yellow Pants

You know I love drawstring pants, and yellow is perfect all spring and summer long for work or weekends.

Butter-Yellow Blazers

I love a classic blazer, but sometimes, you want to feel a little elevated but not too loud for a meeting or client dinner. This elevated color stands out but is not too dramatic.

Butter-Yellow T-Shirts

Why not elevate your favorite basic T-shirt with this color?

I'm very familiar with the saying "if you love something, buy it in every color." But for me, that rarely happens. That is, until I recently came across a top I knew I'd have to have in every shade.

It happened on a recent trip to Spain, where Zara was, naturally, one of my first stops—because, as you probably know, Zara in Spain is just better. While browsing the racks in one of the Madrid stores, I spotted this $25 top (around €18) and immediately knew it would be a hero piece in my wardrobe. The three-quarter-length sleeves make it ideal for the transition between summer and fall, while the boatneck gives it a flattering, polished silhouette. A trio of buttons at the neckline adds a subtle Henley detail for just enough interest, and the fabric strikes the perfect balance between soft and structured—light enough to feel effortless, but substantial enough to hold its shape.

After trying it on in white, I found myself considering the other colors. I quickly grabbed the beige and yellow, and they came home with me, too. However, I wasn't alone in the excitement. Two of my friends I was traveling with bought it as well—in all three hues.

Above all, the shirt is extremely versatile. In warmer months, it works with shorts and flip-flops. In fall, it transitions just as easily with a midi pencil skirt and ballet flats, or with jeans, a long coat, and loafers. It's the kind of unfussy staple that earns its place in any wardrobe because you'll wear it so often.

That said, do yourself a favor and add it to your rotation. Keep scrolling to discover the tee.

Zara Henley T-Shirt

More Chic Zara Tees:

When prepping for a trip, we're usually so preoccupied with figuring out what to pack for the destination that what to wear to the airport becomes an afterthought, even though that's one of the most important outfits of the entire trip, in my opinion. It can be a challenge to find the perfect outfit for a travel day that checks all the boxes: comfortable, stylish, and versatile enough to handle varying temperatures. But you know whose airport outfits always check all the boxes? Dua Lipa.

Dua Lipa was recently spotted at JFK Airport, and she seems to have put summer behind her as far as travel days are concerned. She wore washed-black jeans and boots with the jacket and T-shirt trends I predict all the cool dressers will also be wearing to the airport this fall—a casual red jacket (such as Dua Lipa's viral, now-sold-out Polo Ralph Lauren one) and a retro-striped T-shirt. Both pieces are kind of trendy, kind of classic, and ideal for a flight. And as you'll see, the two styles look as though they were made to be worn together.

Scroll on to see Dua Lipa's outfit for yourself and shop the aforementioned fall trends to wear with jeans to the airport and everywhere else.

Dua Lipa's Airport Outfit

On Dua Lipa: Polo Ralph Lauren jacket; Miu Miu Jersey T-Shirt ($995)

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Last summer, Zoë Kravitz stepped out in NYC in gym shorts, a graphic tee, and kitten heels. At the time, this combo was just the unexpected pairing we needed. Just the other day, Kravitz was seen with Harry Styles wearing running shorts once again—this time with a tank and ballet flats. This sent me on a deep dive to find the best athletic-shorts-and-T-shirt outfits.

The sportif trend has been around for some time but has been receiving a lot of love lately, from running shorts to track pants to rugby polos to raglan tees. If you're curious about how to re-create Kravitz's sporty-chic look, keep scrolling.

3 Chic Outfit Ideas With Athletic Shorts and T-Shirts

1. Running Shorts + Graphic Tee + Aviators

Style notes: When in doubt, re-create Kravitz's look—a simple graphic tee, a pair of black ringer shorts, and open-toe pumps—and call it a day.

2. Gym Shorts + Oversize T-Shirt + Kitten Heels

Style notes: As seen on Coco Schiffer, the Reformation x Umbro collaboration is the perfect example of how to style athletic shorts. It's cheeky. It's sporty. It's fun. Tuck in your oversize crewneck T-shirt for a cinched look, and pair it with kitten heels for aesthetic contrast.

3. Colorful Track Shorts + Crewneck + Ballet Flats

Style notes: The next time you're in a style rut, throw on a pair of colorful running shorts and matching ballet flats. It's necessary to play around with color and texture. In addition to a graphic tee, layer with a button-down and silver jewelry. Bangles aren't just textural; they're musical.

Shop More Sporty-Chic Athletic Shorts and T-Shirt Outfits

While I wouldn't put all women in L.A. in a box, there's no denying there's a distinct style aesthetic there, and it's laid-back yet trend-forward. In some cities, it's common to dress up for dinner, but in L.A., casual outfits are the norm. L.A. It girl Hailey Bieber routinely proves this.

Now that August is in full swing, we're all starting to shift our thinking to fall outfits. While seasons may not be all that distinct in Los Angeles, you'll still see a shift in how people dress, and Bieber's outfit for a dinner out with Justin this week provides the perfect example of what to wear to make the summer-to-fall jump. In fact, it works no matter where you live, but it's a look I'm sure you'll see on plenty of L.A.'s cool dressers in no time.

As for what the outfit includes, all you need is a black long-sleeve T-shirt, low-rise white jeans, and black leather flip-flops. (Side note: This is what Bieber wore, but all of these colors are interchangeable.) In case you haven't heard, each of these low-key items is a trend right now, and you might already own at least one of them. Keep scrolling to see Bieber's styling and shop any of the outfit elements you may need to re-create this ideal summer-to-fall outfit.

The Low-Key Outfit on Hailey Bieber

On Hailey Bieber: A.Emery Kinto Leather Flip-Flops ($170)

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Shop Black Leather Flip-Flops

It doesn't take an expert to see that vivid, saturated colors are reaching a fever pitch during the late-summer season. Whether it's the royal purple shoes we spotted on Sofia Grainge or the mesmerizing shades of pool blue that celebs like Zoe Saldana and Karlie Kloss are embracing, everyone and their mother is into wearing bright color right now. But as we've seen play out in our feeds and IRL, the easiest way to do color is via a tonal T-shirt. So if you're bored of your basic white tees these days, a simple swap to a colored version will elevate all your casual-cool outfits and make them very "2026".

As for which specific color to opt for? Just as fashion month kicks off in Copenhagen, fashion people are posing a united front on the exact T-shirt hue to signal an on-trend outfit vibe, and it's all about cobalt blue. The electrifying color is an easy match to basics like white and black trousers, but also happens to be complementary to one of fall's biggest trends, khaki jeans. Ahead, see how the coolest people in London and Copenhagen are already wearing the It basic and then shop our favorite blue tees below.

How Fashion People Style Cobalt-Blue Tees:

Style notes: Blue tee + khaki jeans + red sandals

Style notes: Blue tee + leather skirt + clutch bag

Style notes: Blue tee + drawstring pants + beaded necklace

Style notes: Blue tee + white pants + brown sunglasses + silver watch

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Few combinations are more classic than straight-leg jeans and ballet flats. But anyone with good style will tell you that to keep their wardrobe looking current each season, they incorporate of-the-moment trends, often pairing them with the aforementioned classic pieces. It seems that Julia Roberts can count herself among them given her choice to wear a retro-striped polo shirt.

Roberts was recently spotted on the streets of New York City, blending in (as much as one of the world's most recognizable actresses can) with the well-dressed residents of Manhattan. She wore the classic combination of straight-leg blue jeans and ballet flats (the minimalist, glove-like style of ballet flats that's so popular right now). The retro-striped polo shirt she wore on top is poised to be an even bigger trend than it already is by fall.

The fashion crowd has fully embraced retro-striped tees and polos in 2026, and countless cool brands are on board. Roberts opted for a knitwear-style iteration by TWP, which added a distinctive 2026 look to her basics and undoubtedly made her outfit stand out among the sea of plain-tee-jeans-ballet-flats outfits. Scroll on to see how effective the shirt trend is for yourself, and shop my curation of cool retro-striped polo shirts to wear now and this fall.

The Trend on Julia Roberts

On Julia Roberts: TWP SS Polo Sweater With Stripes ($625); Alex Mill The Perfect Weekday Tote ($175)

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Maybe I throw this around a lot, but I really, really am an expert when it comes to basics, specifically white tees and tanks. Not only do I have a very large drawer dedicated to them, but they're also what I wear literally every day. Whether with jeans, drawstring pants, shorts, leggings, or anything else, I live in these things, so you can trust me when I say I know the good ones.
Expensive, affordable, in-between—I've got you. Below, you'll first find the handful that are heaviest in my current rotation, followed by the ones I'm eyeing just as soon as some space in the aforementioned drawer opens up. Think everything from Flore Flore and Éterne to Zara and H&M because if there's one thing I know, it's that anything can be achieved on a budget. Heard enough? Simply keep scrolling to start shopping.

Shop more white tees and tanks I'm eyeing:

Apologies to anyone tired of hearing about low-rise pants, but as long as celebrities keep wearing them, we'll keep talking about them. And Karlie Kloss is just one of many chic low-rise-pant wearers among us. Last weekend, Kloss was spotted en route to the World Cup final, and her outfit for the occasion would actually be perfect for a wide variety of occasions, including but certainly not specific to sporting events.

Kloss's easy three-piece outfit consisted of a baby tee (in this case, a sporty Adidas one), a pair of low-rise pants (in this case, tan ones), and ballet flats. The combination is a success for several reasons, the most noteworthy being that the fitted tee and relaxed pants provide a cool contrast, and the leather ballet flats added a dose of elegance to the outfit that sneakers or sandals may not have. As we close out summer, I predict we'll be seeing this exact outfit combination on repeat. I, for one, will be joining in.

Keep scrolling to see Karlie Kloss's cool late-summer outfit combination, and shop the three pieces you need to re-create the look.

The 3-Piece Outfit on Karlie Kloss

On Karlie Kloss: Adidas Entrada 22 Jersey ($13); Helmut Lang Cotton & Linen Wide Leg Trousers ($468); Alaïa Le Teckel Small Leather Shoulder Bag ($2800); Manolo Blahnik Veralli Ballet Flats ($875)

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Earlier this year, I made the decision to curb my shopping by setting a spending limit on trendy purchases so I don't end up with a closet full of individual pieces that I struggle to style together and so I can actually save up for worthwhile wardrobe investments that will ideally outlast trends and outsmart the seasons. I'm more interested than ever before in building a wardrobe that's timeless and trend-agnostic and, most importantly, feels like me.

I know I'm not the only one feeling this way, either. Trend fatigue feels like it's at an all-time high, and I think the answer to this exhaustion lies in a "fewer but better" mindset. With that, I've curated my list of the eight highly specific items that I think are worthy of the investment. They're cool, they're classic, and they're ultimately made to last. From ribbed socks and rigid denim to organic cotton tees and handcrafted leather belts, each of these closet staples could very well become the only ones you ever need to own.

1. Flore Flore Tees + Tanks

There's a reason this French label is where every fashion editor buys their basics. The cotton is heavier and denser than what you'll find elsewhere, so the shape holds up wear after wear. Once you own one of the popular styles, like the Car T-Shirt or Kendall Jenner–beloved Esmé Tank, you'll wonder why you ever settled for anything flimsier.

2. Khaite Danielle Jeans

The Danielle has reached bona fide cult-classic status for good reason: The cut is flattering on different body types, and the denim has just enough structure to hold its shape without feeling stiff. Yes, the price tag is steep, but the cost-per-wear math works out fast when the jeans become part of your everyday uniform.

3. Saint Laurent Loafers

There are loafers, and then there are Saint Laurent loafers. The ruched silhouette is sleek but forward, and the gold logo is just subtle enough to still fly under the radar. I'd go for the smooth black leather, but the eel and ostrich-printed iterations are also undeniably luxe. These are shoes that age gracefully, making them a multiyear, if not multi-decade, investment.

4. Déhanche Belts

A good belt is one of the few pieces that immediately ties an outfit together, so in my mind, it's a piece worth investing in for a long-term wardrobe. Déhanche has become the insider's answer to the accessories category. With its vintage-inspired hardware and supple leather, the brand marries quality with silhouettes, colors, and finishes that are just a tick more stylish than your average belt. I have a few of them myself and always come back to the Hollyhock and Louison styles.

5. Vince Bias-Cut Satin Pants

I hate to say it, but not all satin pants are created equal. Bias-cut pieces are especially hard to get right, and after spending some time trying on styles from all the top brands, the Vince pair is far and away my favorite pick. For me, it's the way the elastic waistband is hidden, so from the front, all you see is one smooth flow of fabric down to the hem, and the satin has enough weight to drape beautifully. I don't say this often, but they're worthy of buying in every color.

6. The Anteros Shirting

The Anteros has built its reputation on doing one thing exceptionally well: the button-down shirt. The brand is rooted in shirting that feels chic and elevated but still timeless and versatile. The pieces are all cut from crisp Italian cotton and have become favorites among insiders and WWW editors alike.

7. Éterne Sweaters

Cashmere sweaters come at such a wide range of price points that it feels impossible to know what's really worth it. Let me just say Éterne absolutely is. The knits look and feel on par with their price tags, and speaking from experience, they hold up very well over time. The silhouettes are pared back and considered, and they look just as good on their own as they do layered. Styles like the Francis are thin but so warm.

8. Comme Si Socks

It might seem indulgent to spend real money on socks, but Comme Si makes a compelling case for quality that's worth spending on. The brand uses Italian mercerized cotton that's noticeably softer and more durable than a basic multipack, holding its shape and elasticity through hundreds of wears and washes. Plus, the ribbed texture looks chic with a pair of loafers, and the color range is virtually endless.

Think about it—is there anything we wear more than T-shirts? They're one of the most versatile, universal clothing items we have to choose from, and while some T-shirt styles will never fluctuate, such as a plain white or black crewneck, other styles tend to cycle in and out. Unfortunately, there are a handful of T-shirt trends that feel a bit dated right now, but the good news is that there are an equal number of trends that feel forward and cool in 2026.

If your favorite T-shirt is on the "dated" list, by all means, ignore me and wear what you love. But it's my duty to point out what fashion people are and aren't wearing in 2026, and the T-shirts below are some of my findings. If you agree with the mantra that one can never have too many T-shirts, you're in luck because I carefully selected the coolest options for each trending style. Scroll on to read all about the in and out T-shirt trends and shop the former.

Dated: Tie-Dye T-Shirts // Wearing Instead: Retro Striped T-Shirts

Tie-dye really peaked five years ago. I'm sure it'll come back around, but now, the print trend to wear is retro stripes. I'm zeroing in on colorful iterations that look like something my brother might've worn as a kid.