New Modern Classic...Basics: White T-Shirt

Prince to pauper every man has a set of white t-shirts in their drawer. The most basic of essentials. There are so many different types of fits, fabrics, and necks to choose from. The baggiest of the baggy approach dresses and the deepest of v-necks (the douchebag neck) approach navels. But done right there's nothing more classic.

Marlon Brando in a basic white t-shirt

James Dean in a basic white t-shirt on Bullets

The Icon Legend, Steve McQueen in a Military white t-shirt

Memories of Paul Newman in a white t-shirt

The Sexiest Men Alive, Johnny Depp in a Vintage white t-shirt

James Dean Bradfield, one of the most talented guitarists and vocalist for the Manics in a Japan white t-shirt

Handsome Ethan Hawke's in a white t-shirt from Great Expectations

Power man, George Clooney in a Basic white t-shirt

Ewan McGregor is an incredibly versatile and highly unique actor in a Motor white t-shirt

An actor of unusual talent, Edward Norton in a Long-john white t-shirt

Sexiest man, Brad Pitt in a white t-shirt

Jude Law is one of the most brilliant and unique actors in a white t-shirt

Brett Anderson is an English singer-songwriter of Britpop band Suede in a white t-shirt

The Matrix star, Keanu Reeve's in a Motor white t-shirt

David Beckham million football star in a Basic white t-shirt

Kanye West is an American producer and rapper in a V-neck white t-shirt

chloe sevigny uniqlo ut tee shirt

The problem with all these different styles, fabrics, and fits is it seems once you get the perfect one a company goes ahead and changes it on you the next season. Now I know I'm the one usually hitting you up with the finds but I want to hear where you pick up your white t-shirts. All different price points, fits, and fabrics. Who makes the best basic white t-shirt on the market today?... Here are some starters...

American Apparel Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck ($18)

Gap $14 link

J.Crew $24.50 link

James Perse $50 link

Old Navy Perfect Fit V-Neck ($10.50)

What's So Great about V-necks?

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but v-necks are probably the most flattering neckline on us women. A V-neck:

• Slims down your body's upper half -- awesome if you have a heavy upper part/short waist/thick waist/etc.
• Exposes your feminine and beautiful décolletage
  (part between your neck and bust line)
• Flatters your chest -- fab if you have a great pair of breasts
• Flatters your face shape -- especially if you have a round/wide face
• Elongates your neck -- deep V-neck does wonders

Really! V-necks do all those things to all shapes.

How To Wear V-Neck Tees

Yes, there is sort of a right and wrong way to wear these. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when you’re wearing a v-neck shirt, but feel free to totally disregard these and wear yours however you want if you think you can pull it off.

• Don’t bare too much skin elsewhere. The key to wearing a top with a super low neckline is to make sure you don’t wear it with a super short skirt (unless you’re out partying or something.) When it comes to showing skin, less is usually more!
• Experiment with jewelry, but not too much. Low v-necks can be a great way to show off a cute necklace, like Nicole Richie and Lauren Conrad did in the photos above. Take note, though, that they didn’t wear earrings too: that would be overkill! Pick one piece of jewelry that you want the focus to be on. Note: bracelets are okay here, you can wear them too without taking away from the rest of your look.
• Don’t be afraid of color. While the trendiest shade for this tee is definitely white, don’t be afraid to rock one in a bright color too! These shirts are fairly inexpensive, so I recommend getting one in a bunch of your favorite colors if you’re indecisive about that kind of thing!
• Try one tucked in to a high-waisted skirt! The look is very Mary-Kate above, super high-fashion and really stylish. I like white with black because it’s classic, but you could try a brightly colored tee tucked in to a high-waisted pencil skirt as well!
• Wear a v-neck tee with casual jeans. This would be a great outfit to wear to class because it’s dressed down yet still fashion forward. Accessorize with a bright shoe or bag, and you have an outfit that’s comfy and cute for every day.

Where To Buy V-Neck Tees

What I love about these trendy tops is that they are available all over the place. My favorite is from American Apparel, but many different retailers are making their own versions lately! There are even a few high-end v-necks available for those of you Ivy League College Fashion readers.