How to Wear Crew Neck Shirts

The Basic Crew Neck Tee

Crew neck tees are popular because they're extremely comfortable and easy to wear. For the most stylish look, aim for a fit that's snug, but not tight. Though loose tees can look good, too, it's best if they have boat necks or v necks. Make sure your crew neck tee isn't too long or short, either. It should sit just below your hips, and cover your pants or skirt by an inch or two. If you go shorter than this, you're likely to flash your belly throughout the day, and if you go longer, your shirt will look unfitted and slouchy. Soft cotton crew neck tees in a variety of colors are great staples for any wardrobe. Wear them with just about any sort of casual bottom. It's hard to go wrong with the basic crew neck!

The Classic Crew Neck Sweater

Crew neck sweaters are a must-have for winter. Available in a wide range of styles, from thick cable-knit varieties to thin cashmere, these are comfortable, versatile and easy to wear. You can wear them with a tee or tank top underneath for added warmth or comfort, or wear them with a collared button-up for a preppy look. Cotton crew neck sweaters are great for casual wear with jeans, and finer materials and thinner knits pair well with office and evening wear. To amp up your style, scrunch up your sleeves and show off some pretty bracelets on your arms.

The Pretty Crew Neck Blouse

You can find crew neck blouses in a variety of styles, from sleeveless summer shirts to long sleeved varieties for cold weather wear. For a more formal look, these look best tucked in. Save heavy fabrics, like polyester and wool, for winter wear, and choose thin, breezy cotton or light satin for summer. For a more flattering fit, look for blouses with darting sewn in, which helps hug your curves and create a form-fitting look. Look for pretty details, like contrasting stitching and buttons that add personality to otherwise plain pieces.

Simple Tips for Crew Neck Shirts

Because you have to pull crew necks over your head and the fabric clings to your face as you put it on, it's best to apply makeup after you've put your crew neck shirt on. This keeps you from having unsightly smudges of foundation or blouse on the neck line of your shirt. If you blow dry your hair after putting on your crew neck shirt, use a lint roller to pick up any stray hairs that might be hiding on the back and front of your shirt. And don't forget, if you're wearing a collared shirt underneath your crew neck, be sure to iron the collar for a crisp, put-together appearance.

Dressing Up a Crew Neck

No matter what kind of crew neck shirt you have, it's easy to dress it up for a night out on the town. At first glance, a crew neck shirt might not seem like the pinnacle of style, but if you pair it with other pieces, it takes on a whole new look. A dark crew neck with a fitted blazer, for instance, is a great go-to evening look. Paired with fitted jeans or a pencil skirt, this combination is easy to wear and unexpectedly sexy.

Though it isn't the best look with a crew neck tee, a crew neck sweater or blouse can be enhanced by a belt worn around the waist. Skinny belts are best worn if you're petite and going for a dressy look, and wide belts can be worn by anyone for a more casual look. A belt that matches your shoes or purse will help pull your look together. A versatile belt made of black or brown leather will get the most mileage in your wardrobe.

Don't forget jewelry! Though necklaces can sometimes get lost underneath crew necks, layered necklaces do a better job of staying out from under your shirt, and they can add interest and style to your look. Brooches are another great option for crew necks, though you should opt for a lightweight brooch that won't droop on your shirt or tug at the fabric too much. Save heavy metal brooches for sturdy jackets, where they'll stay put much easier.