Listen—it’s too hot to be wearing a lot of the trends we’re seeing these days. The only reasonable item to style in this heat is a baby tee. What makes one so great to have in your closet? It’s reliable, lightweight, and just about the same as a regular T-shirt, aside from the fact that it’s cropped. This is the perfect item to stay cool this summer.

A T-shirt isn’t always deemed chic, and that’s totally understandable. They are a laid-back, casual item usually worn without much thoughtfulness, which is part of their allure. However, a baby tee, on the other hand, can be chic; you just have to style it the right way. Think long shorts, trousers, and sleek flats to make this basic look elevated and sophisticated. It’s easier than you think. I discovered some stunning, copy-worthy, simple looks that will take your baby tee from casual to event-ready. Keep scrolling to shop each chic look.

With Taffeta Pants

When you really want to dress up a baby tee without trying too hard, all you need to do is style it with a pair of taffeta pants. The shiny finish of these pants will make your baby tee look intentional and fun rather than unthoughtful. And if you really want to dress up your look, add a pair of beaded sandals to your look.

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a woman wearing a gray baby tee, green pants, beaded sandals

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With Polka Dot Capris

We all know that capris are a polarizing trend, but even they can look ultra chic with a baby tee. You’d think that this type of outfit would look too casual, but with a pair of black leather flats, there’s a perfect balance of playful and elegant. Let your polka-dot capris be the star of the show and wear either a white or black plain baby tee.

a woman wearing a white baby tee, polka dot carpris and black flats

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With Genie Pants

Genie pants are perfect for summer. They’re breathable, simple, and easy to style. They look especially chic with a baby tee. The tiny top, big pants combination is always my favorite go-to when I don’t want to overthink an outfit. Just throw on a baby tee in a hue you desire with a roomy pair of black genie pants. Add a pendant necklace to accessorize.

a woman wearing a gray baby tee and black pants

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Layered Look

I know the word “layering” during peak summer sounds a little wild, but layering lightweight baby tees is such a fun way to express your personal style. I love seeing this type of outfit IRL. Try black and white baby tees over one another or any other color combination you see fit. Then slip on a pair of baggy culotte shorts for a breathable layered look. Add a fun accessory like a bucket hat, then complete your look with a pair of Mary Jane heels.

a woman wearing a black bucket hat, black tee, black culottes and white tabi mary janes

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With Cargos

While cargo pants are quite casual, and so is a baby tee, try styling them both with a pair of strappy pink sandals. Or any pair of vibrant-hued sandals for a fun color contrast. Keep your pants a classic olive green as a base color and explore from there. Whether you want to wear a white or gray baby tee is totally up to you.