How to Reinvent the Classic White Tee

Lori Bergamotto shows "GMA" how to spice up one of the simplest looks.

ByABC News
July 13, 2016, 7:49 AM

— -- The classic white tee is a wardrobe staple that everyone loves to wear. But how do you spice up the simple look for different occasions?

Good Housekeeping magazine’s style director, Lori Bergamotto, joined “Good Morning America” to show us how to reinvent one of the simplest looks in the fashion book.

Here are Bergamotto's tips, in her own words.

Business casual: Pair a white tee with a jacket and heels.

"A white tee generally gets typecast as part of your casual weekend uniform but, especially for summer, it makes the perfect alternative to the blouse for summer suiting. So, you can take it to work. It’s the lightweight substitute for the heavier blouse component of traditional suiting in silk or satin, and also looks more modern than a shell. Keep the accessories extra polished—like these snakeskin pumps and this tan leather work bag-- to balance the informal cotton tee and keep it looking classy."

Going from day to night: Transition your tee from day to night with accessories.

"One of the best-kept secrets in fashion is that if you dress monochromatically (especially in black or white) it instantly makes your whole look super chic—even if the entire outfit costs under $40 (like this one). It just exudes sophistication. Don’t be afraid to play around with the shape and proportion of the shirt, also. Cuffing the sleeves and knotting the bottom of the shirt can breathe new life into a white tee. Once we shape-shifted the shirt we stirred-up the style."

Dressing up a classic: Add a tulle skirt to dress up a basic top.

"You wouldn’t think a white tee could be refined but tucking it in and pairing it with feminine pieces elevates the entire outfit. There’s an ease to this dressed-up paring because we played with proportion and texture. The tulle of the skirt adds dimension and gravity to the inherently delicate nature of a lightweight tee. The result is a look that feels elegant and ethereal."

But how do you keep your whites staying white? Bergamotto consulted experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute and Good Housekeeping's Cleaning Lab for these tips.

1) Pick a detergent that contains bleach or a bluing agent.

2) Do not overload your washing machine.

3) Be exact when measuring your cleaner.

The August issue of Good Housekeeping is on newsstands now.

Tune in to "GMA" tomorrow for Bergamotto's tips on how to upgrade your classic jean jacket.