Kate Middleton Paired Her Pantsuit With a Hero Closet Basic

May 2024 · 3 minute read

I recently went through my closet to do my routine seasonal purge. I got rid of things I hadn’t worn in years (there were quite a lot, actually), pieces that no longer fit me, and items that were so well-loved (aka worn) that I simply had to say goodbye to them. Among the latter pile were a few white T-shirts, which made me realize just how essential a crisp tee actually is. 

Then, this morning, I woke up and looked through the celebrity Look of the Day contenders, only to stumble upon a new Kate Middleton look, where she’s obviously glowing and stunning with bouncy waves and what appear to be curtain bangs (new ‘do!?), but I noticed that she, too, was wearing a simple white tee underneath her pantsuit. It’s a wardrobe hero, and I feel it deserves its time in the limelight once again.

The Princess of Wales has been busy attending royal outings, which is good news for anyone who’s lacking any sort of outfit inspiration because she never fails to serve fashion. Middleton went with the aforementioned pantsuit, featuring tailored, straight-leg trousers that are the opposite of the wide-leg version she’s been spotted in recently, plus a fitted blazer (a Middleton two-piece signature). The hero piece, however, was that unassuming fitted white T-shirt that she tucked into the pants. It’s simple, but so sleek.

Rag and Bone the Tee

Nordstrom

Atm Anthony Thomas Cotton Jersey Baby Tee

Nordstrom

You’re probably well aware of the powers of a good closet basic. And while their coined “basics,” they're anything but. Sure, they're simple in their design, but they’re not boring or bland, and that’s because a basic can be styled in so many ways. A white tee truly has endless possibilities, whether you pair it with baggy blue jeans and sneakers, oversized trousers and kitten heels, or with a pantsuit. It’ll mold itself into the “look” you’re trying to recreate, aka, something casual, something in-between, or something dressy. It’s like a blank canvas, and your clothes — and styling — are the paint. 

I’ve worn my go-to white tees so much, they’re starting to show major wear and tear, which means I’m in the market for a few new ones. I’m currently eyeing this Open Edit find because, well, $19 is unbeatable, and this Skims top because everything that I own from the brand is buttery soft and so flattering. 

Shop some more simple white tees below.

Get the Look:

Open Edit Organic Cotton Blend T-Shirt
Shop now:
$19; nordstrom.com

Free People We the Free Be My Baby Cotton T-Shirt
Shop now:
$38; nordstrom.com

Everlane the Organic Cotton Box-Cut Tee
Shop now:
$30; everlane.com

Vince Essential Crewneck Top
Shop now:
$80; nordstrom.com

Skims Soft Smoothing T-Shirt
Shop now:
$52; skims.com

Abercrombie Essential Body-Skimming Tee
Shop now:
$19; abercrombie.com

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