In a world where trends seem to go from ‘so hot’ to ‘so not’ in the blink of an eye, it’s comforting (read: smart) to have a few classic go-to pieces in your closet that will get you out of any sticky fashion sitch. You know, we’re talking the LBD, denim skinny legs, tan tote, cream heels and the ultimate fashion must-have: the classic white tee.

So when exactly did the humble white T-shirt earn its status as a style staple? Some say heart throbs Marlon Brando and James Dean helped immortalise the tee in the ‘50s when the dishy duo wore them in their respective movies, A Streetcar Named Desire and Rebel Without A Cause. Others insist... well, let’s not subject you to a history lesson and instead just say the classic white tee has been considered just that for a very long time.

When shopping for a white tee, consider these three things: the fit, fabric and neckline.

Do you like the fitted or oversized look? What neckline suits you best – scoop, crew, boat or V-neck? Is the fabric soft, comfy and breathable?

Find a tee that ticks all the boxes and it’s sure to play a starring role in your summer wardrobe rotation. If you’re worried that a white T-shirt may be a little too casual for your taste, don’t fret – this chic closet chameleon can be instantly transformed to suit any look, with the help of the right accessories and smart styling.

Need some inspiration? Here’s our edit of five classic white tee combos that you can recreate in a snap.

Shop the looks:

The classic white tee

Bassike Vintage Crew Neck T-Shirt, $80, www.bassike.com

Sunday session

Talulah Garden Daydream Pants in Geometric Floral Print, $220, talulah.com.au; Lipstik Shoes Camilla Suede Wedges in Fuchsia, $79.95, lipstikshoes.com.au; Alexander Wang Diego Bucket Bag in Oyster from Shopbop, $846.93, ShopStyle.com.au; Sollis Jewellery Medium Frida Necklace, $178, sollisjewellery.com; ROC Eyewear Melissa Sunglasses in Pink/Smoke, $89.95, roceyewear.com.au. 

So hip

Jeanswest Sarah Roll Up Denim Short, $49.99, jeanswest.com.au; December Forever Weave Sandal in Brown, $120, oliveandfinn.com.au; Maddi Debbie Contrast Colour Satchel Handbag in Black/Orange, $69.99, everme.com.au; Coo Ca Choo The Sweetest Thing Hat, $34, dangerfield.com.au; UO Urban Renewal Remnant Circle Scarf, $20, urbanoutfitters.com; UO Melodie Colorblock Readers, $14, urbanoutfitters.com.

Shore thing

Forever New Elsie High Low Skirt, $59.99, forevernew.com.au; Havaianas Slim Metallic Pumpkin, $29.95, havaianasaustralia.com.au; Condura Crochet Shoulder Bag in Natural, $34.95, condura.com.au;  Indy C Wide Brim Fedora in Orange, $39.95, indyc.com.au; ROC Eyewear Addison Sunglasses in Milky Tortoise Shell/Brown, $79.95, roceyewear.com.au.

Party season

Viparo Frida Black Cropped-Sleeve Biker Jacket, $339.95, viparo.com.au; Jolie Moi Gold Sequin Pencil Skirt, £25, dorothyperkins.com; rmk Danique Platform Heels in Black Multi Leather, $159.95, rmkshoes.com;  Mimco Harlequin Hip Bag in Black/Charcoal, $279, mimco.com.au; Peter Lang Leah Jet Swarovski Crystal Ring, $69, peterlang.com.au.

Work it

Sheike Minx Lurex Jacket, $139.95, sheike.com.au; CAMILLA AND MARC Maria Trouser, $439, davidjones.com.au; Skin Evil Queen Heels in Tomato Lizard, $189.95, skinhellomidnight.com; Wayne by Wayne Cooper Elise Padlock Bowlers Tote in Coral, $199, myer.com.au; Marc by Marc Jacobs MBM3162 Baby Dave Gold with Blue Detail, $409, 1800 818 853; Sportsgirl Bordered Gen Stud, $9.95, sportsgirl.com.au.