I share this pain. I love the idea of a white t. I kept buying them and not wearing them. Try them on, discard them. I haven't really found one that can stand on its own without a topper or a cami/tank underneath. Generally I want the T for the dog days of summer so extra layers seem a bit silly.
What about a stripe - navy & white, or black & white t? That would introduce some white?

White may not be your best color so maybe that's why you are instinctively shying away. Years ago, I had DH get his colors done because his coloring is a bit different from mine and I couldn't figure out what looks best on him. He is Filipino by heritage. He was told that pure white is too much contrast and drama, and that cream is better. (His eyes and teeth skew more cream.)

I can wear white, but I don't have any white Ts. Unless they are Petite, I've concluded that the necks hit me too low. Drapey tends to by synonymous with see-through if they are white. I have this one on my list to buy next month on one of Nordstrom's Triple Points Days as I doubt that white will ever go on sale:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....n=wishlist

not a bother. just something to try. at a low price point to begin with. but get the best your money can buy.

Hmmm, not sure why you should bother unless you are really feeling a strong motivation to do so.

If you are, start with an inexpensive tee. I like Ann Taylor's (not Loft), and they frequently run 50% promotions - so you have pick one up for under $15.

Una, why don't you give the J. Crew vintage cotton tees a try? They work for me. They are made with a very thin cotton that is sort of textured, but somehow that softens the bright whiteness of the white. They are very slightly see-through, though. Don't know if that's a deal-breaker for you. I kind of like it. I wear mine with a charcoal bf cardigan or a black or grey blazer, which allows for a "bit of white" (which, to my eye, has a brightening effect) without an overwhelming amount of white. Like you, I don't feel like white is my very best colour, but a little bright white in an outfit often adds that "extra something". (I also wear white collared shirts under a fine-guage wool sweater or sweater vest, but it doesn't sound like you're interested in going that route).

Oh, and I size up for a fluid fit. And I can't wear the v-neck, because the v is too low on my short self and I can't stand the feel of a camisole under a tee shirt. The tee shirt has to be the bottom layer.

BTW, what's a HEWI?

<waving hand wildly>

Aziraphale, I didn't know this either until I asked recently: It's a Highly Elusive Wardrobe Item.

Ohhhhhh! Thanks, April.

Now that I'm on a real computer, I found the Uniqlo link just in case it's useful. Wore the white one with a black blazer yesterday. I'll see how they stand up to washing, then perhaps buy a few more.
http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store.....t/086836-0?

How about Hanes Mens Vneck Tees? Or Everlane white crew neck tee shirts? Hanes are cheaper! White tee shirts are so versatile with jeans, black pants, etc.

What about white shorts? Being an IT you may feel more comfortable with white on your lower body, I was going to suggest the HL knits too but they are more of an investment given it's an experiment.

WEAR WHITE, UNA.

Partial tuck slouchy white tees under your jackets and feel very UWP.

I wear white tees often under sweaters (with the white hem peeking out for interest) and under blazers (as Angie just suggested above!). I say go for it.

It's tricky to find white tees that aren't tissue thin these days, so if you find a good one…let us know!

Oooh, bold and all caps from Angie! Now you're in trouble! :^)

T-shirts aren't that expensive, even a good one, so by all means try it out. You never know what kind of style vistas it will open for you. And if you hate it, then you'll know and can leave the idea behind in good conscience.

Oooh, I've been CAPPED by Angie! I looked at Gap today and did not see anything I loved - my issue is necklines. The Uniquo looks promising (thanks, Greyscale) and also in a price range worth a try.

Thank you all so much for the encouragement - I feel like white is Kryptonite for me but I want to conquer it!

Oh yes you sure can wear white. I can see you in an Alexander Wang sleeveless v-neck. If you pay up for a good tee, you will appreciate it more. What do you think?

I've heard good things about Wilt white tees. Pricey but remind me of your style.

Keep in mind that Uniqlo is (IMO) sized for tiny little non-curvy people -- more like juniors fit. I just ordered a long-sleeved white tee from them in my usual size and it's too clingy to be anything but a mostly-hidden layer. I could size up but then the neckline (scoop) would probably be in cleavage territory.

Also, frankly, I don't know about you, but I cannot get my mind around the idea of paying $80 for an Alexander Wang white tee, no matter how perfect. You just know that once you've decided you can't live without it, it's going to yellow under the arms, get red wine on it, or catch on a loose nail or staple.

And that will happen a week after they discontinue it.

Hi, Una;
Based on Greyscale's recommendation, I went to Uniqlo today and tried on their Ts. I tried the one she recommended in an XS since I have very narrow shoulders and usually take PXS in Ts and PS in jackets cuz I like a comfy fit. I imagine you would take a size S.

The short sleeve Ts are short enough in the body for a Petite. The depth of the U-neck isn't too low which is often a problem for me in regular sizes although I would prefer an inch or two higher. It is reasonably opaque for a drapey T, and I wouldn't need a cami if I were to wear a nude bra like I was today. DH didn't like the white on me, probably because it was so waist surrendering and reminded him of a man's T. So I got the dark gray.

I also tried on their other white short sleeve Ts which were also under $10. They were even more opaque and the scoop necked one reminded of the similar Nordstrom (Halogen?) ones at double or triple the price and the length was good for Petites. Both V-neck and scoop-neck were fairly fitted so probably not really your style. The sleeves on the long sleeve cotton Ts were TTS for a Regular T, and they were a fitted style.

OMG, DonnaF! Thank you so much! That is really helpful. Now I am considering an order since some other Uniqlo stuff would also fit in my wardrobe. But please tell me you got something for your troubles!

Glad to hear these Ts are working for you, Donna! I have now worn my two new tees three days out of the last week. I'm going back today to try a S - the XS is great but I might also want a few with the looser fit of the S.

AG;
Yes, I bought the dark gray version of *Greyscale's T* even though DH didn't like that color either. I also bought a black accordian pleated chiffon skirt that was so not on my list! Only $30. . .reminded me of your new tutu purchase. I worry that it is a bit girly for me and that I won't always be wearing black tights, booties, studded leather fingerless gloves, and leather jacket as I was today. Maybe I'll have to buy those Doc Marten fisherman sandals found due to you, or Greyscale's & Ceit's Clarissa sandals (which now come in pewter and copper!!!) just to unsweeten the look. . .

What is HEWI? I personally like the white tees at Target. Good fit, not tissue-thin, and in my experience Target tees last a long time. They are cheap enough to stock up on, too, since white shirts tend to get kinda dingy fairly quickly.

Viva, don't know how I missed your link! If I can successfully experiment with a cheap white item I will definitely splurge on somehow like that!

HEWI is a Highly Elusive Wardrobe Item - Check out this post

http://youlookfab.com/2013/10/.....obe-items/

Una late to this but very keen to see you in white. I can only imagine it would look amazing with your skin tone. And a tee shirt seems a good place to start.

Deborah, thank you! The weird thing is that white doesn't look good on me - at least optic white. A good friend whom I trust was very up front about it. But there must be a solution. I feel I've developed an unhealthy aversion that is foolish and must be overcome! And your looks are an inspiration...