Raise your hand if you think that graphic tees don’t get the recognition they deserve. T-shirts are a classic and timeless staple that every fashionista heavily relies on. And graphic tees are your basic T-shirt’s extra cool sister. Graphic tees instantly add emphasis and an edge to every look they are styled with, and the tee is more versatile than you think. It can transcend a variety of styles–from preppy to edgy and everything in between.
Whether you want your tees to say something or just give your outfit that extra edge, this style guide will show you how to make the trend work for every look.
The Everyday
If your go-to look is a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, that’s cool. But how do you feel about spicing it up a little? Swap your regular tee out with a graphic T-shirt and top the look off with either an oversized blazer or some chunky silver statement jewelry and a pair of heels. You can even tuck part of the shirt into your jeans for a style-savvy finish. These tiny styling hacks will make you look and feel like a fashionista.
Business Casual
We strongly believe that there is a place for graphic T-shirts in the office and any other business casual occasion you have on the books. Graphic tees are great because they can easily tone a look down if it’s too formal. Plus, the pairing of a T-shirt with a sleek garment will create a look you won’t ever be able to stop thinking about.
Make a Statement
Do you have a pair of velvet or faux leather leggings or a ruffled statement skirt? Pair your favorite graphic tee with a statement skirt and a pair of sneakers or heels–depending on the occasion. This contrasting look will be in heavy rotation as it’s fairly easy to style, but looks like it took a lot of time and effort to put together.
Highlight Your Figure
Depending on how you like your T-shirts to fit, graphic tees can sometimes be a little baggy. If you’re looking to define your figure while embracing this trend, add a sweatshirt or button-up top that ties around your waist. You should tie the accessory around the upper part of your waist to create an hourglass figure.
Create Layers
Layering is one of the simplest but most visually appealing style hacks any fashionista could take advantage of. If you’re feeling too casual in your graphic tee, add a cardigan to your look. Layering can make an outfit look very sophisticated, but be sure to keep the cardigan color more on the basic side when pairing it with a graphic tee. Blazers also look great with graphic tees and can easily transform a basic look to something that’s perfect for casual Fridays at the office. Moto jackets can give your graphic tee look a sense of edginess and elevate the look for a night out on the town. If you have an oversized graphic T-shirt in your closet, you could also slip it over a body con maxi, midi or mini dress for a unique layered look that instantly turns any dress into a skirt. Tie the shirt into a knot in the front or on the side to complement your figure.
DIY Transformation
As you have probably learned by now, graphic tees can go with pretty much everything. But if you’re looking to embrace the trend on your own terms and in your own way, here are some DIY styling tips that will set you apart from the crowd. Graphic tees make for cute outfits with jeans, but if pairing the tee with your favorite denim isn’t enough of a statement for you, try tying the shirt in a knot at the front or sides to create a cute midriff style or create a French tuck for that on-trend jeans and tee look. If you consider yourself a crafty queen, give your favorite graphic tee a look of its own by adding embellishments, cropping it or cutting the neckline to give it an off-the-shoulder style.
