"Hey There, Delilah" is a song made famous by a band called the Plain White Tee’s and so this week’s column is in a way a homage to that group (well their choice of name anyway), as this week were all talking about the plain white tee.
The basic tee has been a go-to basic for as long as fashion itself can remember and became a distinct trend in the '50s that was popularised by movie stars (not much has changed there then). Actors such as James Dean and Marlon Brando created a laid back achingly cool association with the plain white tee that was rolled up just slightly on the cuffs to act as a practical holder for cigarettes or to act as a kind of muscle tee. Paired with a simple pair of dark wash straight leg jeans all the look required was a certain amount of attitude and as such all ones accessory issues were solved.
In today’s world the plain white tee has been a go-to for girls yet for some time the James Dean look was not associated with an overexertion of masculinity, but quite the opposite. Yet with the Olympics being on the minds of many designers at Milan and of course London Fashion Week (the hosts), the white tee has been brought back to its former glory. Nicole Fahri created a chic sports S/S '12 mens collection based around white tees, vests and muscle tees that were inspired by '20s sportswear, as well as '50s icons.
This week’s Fashionisto shows us his own take on the white tee, by pairing it with a great pant from Zara that’s formal yet casual due to the jean like material. It looks great tucked in, just like Brando, and the leather belt breaks it up to create that sleek physique. The look requires a lean structure to work from so as with all trends it is important to know your body type to understand what works best for you. This look is about confidence as accessories are kept to a minimal. The Vans and laid back beanie make this look youthful and gives it that student edge that CollegeFashionista loves.
White T-shirts are two a penny yet fabric is key. Lycra must only be chosen if one is planning a cycling excursion or is actually competing in the 2012 games, otherwise cotton is favourable. Fat Face pride themselves on their organic fabrics and do some of the softest tees on the market. For a more fitted look Topman of course has a massive range of basics that go from xxs to xl. For this Fashionisto's great day to night trouser Zara has a great range for autumn/winter.