An indispensable staple to the modern wardrobe, the trusty t-shirt has come a long way since its original creation over a century ago as an undergarment meant to be layered over. This pre-spring season, as winter starts to slowly recede, milder but not-quite-warm temperatures has revived the popular 90s trend of t-shirt reverse layering. This look can be easily created with both winter and summer garments, making for a utilitarian way to refresh and revamp a wardrobe just coming out of hibernation.

For those brisk but pleasantly invigorating days, try wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt under a short-sleeved tee. Make sure that the shirt underneath is somewhat fitted so as not to appear bulky with the added t-shirt on top. For easy springtime dressing, throw a long, flowy slip dress over a t-shirt instead. Top off with a long cardigan or tunic over the shirt-dress combo for added warmth and a flattering elongating effect.

When temperatures gradually rise, other layering essentials for consideration can include rompers, strapless dresses, tank tops, overalls, tube tops, and camisoles. The permutations are endless — camisoles, tank tops, and tube tops can be worn over t-shirts and all pairings look great with a favorite pair of jeans, shorts, culottes, or skirts. T-shirts underneath rompers, overalls, strapless dresses inject subtle youthfulness and a sense of fun.

Generally, with any outfit, proportionality and fit are critical; however, the t-shirt layering trend is extremely forgiving. Of course, factors such as weather, time of day, and occasion should all be contemplated when choosing what to wear – it’s about balance and creating a look that is suitable for daily life. The trick to making t-shirt layering work well is to keep trying various permutations to know what you like, what works for your body structure, and what makes you feel good. T-shirt layering can look polished, luxe, glam, sexy, retro, or simply understated. The sky’s the limit.