Fashion: How to style the simple white tee

There's a reason why wardrobe classics are as often touted as the saving grace for any outfit dilemma. They provide versatility in a busy world when you can't decide what to wear. Very few clothing items elicit such reliability and versatility than the white T-shirt. How to wear one for summer? For starters, keep your whites bright by washing in hot water and using a fabric whitener such as Napisan or the more environmentally friendly lemon juice and distilled vinegar.

Secondly, there's a multitude of ways to play with light layering, so just have fun. Start with a basic white T-shirt, preferably one in 100 per cent cotton, like this option from Liam, or a 100 per cent certified fair-trade organic lightweight cotton jersey option from local ethical brand Kowtow.

There's nothing humdrum about a white T-shirt either. As one of New Zealand Fashion Week's breakout models, Honor Munro, showcases here with her rebellious beauty, the best way to wear a white T-shirt is with a sense of fun and plenty of attitude.

HOW TO GET MORE MILEAGE OUT OF A WHITE T-SHIRT THIS SUMMER

• Layer underneath a summer dress.
• Keep it classic with a lightweight knit and blue jeans for the weekend.
• Dress it up with a lace camisole and dinner pants or skirt in a special fabric.
• Add a point of interest with contrasting bottoms in a graphic print and flats.
• Summer workwear is made easy with a T-shirt worn under relaxed tailoring.