Jeans with a white tee is among the greatest style staples in history. Everyone from James Dean to Marilyn Monroe has owned the look and it has yet to go out of style since its creation. The only thing that sucks about denim and white tees is that everyone has them. But with a little creativity, you can put together a look that’s entirely yours and stands out from the crowd.

Depending on your personal preferences you can spin the look any way to reflect your mood, but don’t think that the look can’t be elegant — all it needs is to be paired with the right accessories and additions. The best way to spruce up this age-old look is through pops of color and ultra bold accessories that no one expects.

The long tee is a breezy on-trend piece to add to your closet. It’s minimalist, but striking enough to turn heads in the halls on your way to class. Tie the end for your desired length or leave it loose for full drama. Paired with ripped boyfriend jeans, the look is art school chic and loose enough to dash around campus in. Slip-on shoes in a chic print, like snake skin, and keep the outfit from falling flat, especially when they have an unexpected pointed shape instead of the round toe look we’re used to seeing. Be daring with a look-at-me statement necklace like a gold chain and a graphic bowler bag. The accessories take you from weekday to weekend instantly.

Go for a more elegant look with a classic white tee and skinny jeans and pairing them with ultra-femme heels and a kimono-inspired cardigan. White tees make it super easy to play with color, so adding unexpected patterns with drama seriously boost the look. Florals are an easy print to work with while bright colors like turquoise and mustard add a sophisticated flair. Go accessory-heavy and chunk on bracelets for an attention-stealing arm party that’s totally Instagram-worthy. The finishing touch? A unique, playful pouch adds interest and keeps people guessing what’s inside. The overall look is boho glam that’s just sexy enough for date night.

Guys, let’s be honest, not every dude can be as suave as a Calvin Klein model in denim, so put your own spin on the classic white tee and jeans. Bring out your most extravagant, eye-catching kicks and pair them with a leather jacket. The minimalist color palette allows you to go as crazy as you want with the rest of your look, so why not go all out? Don’t forget to ‘gram your #OOTD all of the sneakerheads will dig.

If you’re feeling more Warholian, go pop art-esque with monochrome sneakers. Color is an instant way to make it seem like you put in extra effort. The flash of color grabs attention while not completely stealing the spotlight from the rest of your look. Topped with a DIY acid-washed denim jacket, you can rough and tumble out of bed on the way to class without anyone knowing it only took five minutes to put together your outfit. It’s easy to work the Canadian Tuxedo when your denim tones are not the same color, and to make it even better, mix up the textures. Acid wash adds to the retro vibe while maintaining an air of modern IDGAF attitude.

More college students should embrace white tees and jeans over sweats or yoga pants simply because it’s easier to look polished while saving time getting dressed in the morning. Look to old Calvin Klein and Levi’s ads and channel the effortless cool that move from the classroom to the street. Just watch out for spaghetti sauce stains.

Published on February 15, 2016 at 9:36 pm

Contact Taylyn: twashi01@syr.edu