Fashion
Your favourite graphic t-shirt is the perfect starting point to any outfit
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Fashion
Your favourite graphic t-shirt is the perfect starting point to any outfit
Graphic tees are a great way to show off your personal style. We spoke with a stylist for some fashion advice and rounded up a few of our favourite graphic tees this season.
Graphic tees appeal to just about everyone and the reason why is simple: variety. With an abundance of styles and designs available (think a simple logo, a catchy phrase, faded prints of your favourite artists from the 70s and 80s), they can be the ultimate insight to your style and personality. Plus, they’re a conversation starter and a definite confidence booster when you finally find the perfect tee. We spoke with stylist and personal shopper, Talia Brown, for tips on how to style your favourite graphic tee for any occasion.
A timeless wardrobe staple
Before you question whether or not you can participate in this trend, know that graphic tees are ageless. “Anyone can wear a graphic tee,” says Brown. “It's part of many people's past and can bring people together in a pop culture way.” Give your beloved retro t-shirts from years ago another life by wearing them again. They’re probably perfectly worn-in and have that touch of nostalgia you just can’t buy. The only fashion faux pas when it comes to graphic tees, according to Brown, is not knowing who you’re wearing. “New Kids on the Block or Led Zeppelin can be a great way to get someone with a common bond to notice you,” she says, “just make sure you can rhyme off some lyrics.”
Here’s how to wear your favourite t-shirt anywhere.
To the office
A graphic tee is a great choice for casual Fridays in the office (or any day if the office dress code is less formal). Style the tee with a pair of your favourite jeans (no rips!), a fitted blazer, and a pair of boots for a laid-back office look.
Fitted jacket, $60, hm.com/ca. Cotton modal-blend t-shirt, $20, mango.com. Mid rise relaxed boyfriend jeans, $90, gapcanada.ca. Ultra ankle boots, $130, aldoshoes.com. Trove tassel earrings, $54, stelladot.com. Sterling silver love bridge bracelet, $134, thomassabo.com.
On date night
Dress up a graphic tee with a flirty skirt and layer with a cropped denim jacket. If date night is more casual, swap the skirt with a pair of dark denim jeans and finish the look with a pair of heels or ankle boots.
Topshop denim jacket, $90, thebay.com. Fur detail t-shirt, $40, mango.com. Printed ruffle skirt, $50, mango.com. Myly heels, $90, aldoshoes.com. Round earrings, $10, hm.com/ca. Shoulder bag, $35, hm.com/ca.
For brunch
There is no dress code for brunch. In fact, keep it simple with a pair of relaxed boyfriend jeans and a comfy cardigan. Flat shoes are the perfect choice of footwear so choose between a classic ballet flat, a loafer or a trendy slide. Pile your hair into a simple bun and you’re good to go.
Wool button-front cardigan, $65, gapcanada.ca. Patch t-shirt, $20, mango.com. Brigitte all over pearl pant, $465, paige.com. Long beach flat, $140, freepeople.com. Glitz sunglasses, $75, bonlook.com. Portfolio structured tall leather tote, $185, bananarepublic.ca.
For a night out
Denim is always a good idea when you’re headed out for a night on the town. Go for a denim-on-denim look by adding a denim jacket to the mix or add a little texture to the combination with a leather or bomber jacket. For an edgy look choose a pair of boots to finish off your look.
Topshop Luna floral applique biker jacket, $125, thebay.com. Printed jersey top, $14, hm.com/ca. Jeans, $39, joefresh.com. Steer ankle boots, $80, callitspring.com. Asos quilted clutch bag, $21, asos.com.
On the weekend
With the rise of the athleisure and sleepwear-as-daywear trends, there seems to be a growing acceptance of comfortable and function clothing. The weekend is the perfect time to “lay low and put comfort first,” says Brown. Embrace a truly comfy-casual look by pairing a graphic tee with your favourite joggers and sneakers.
Bomber jacket, $50, hm.com/ca. Message cotton t-shirt, $20, mango.com. Zip-pocket jogger, $64, abercrombie.ca. Etilivia sneakers, $70, aldoshoes.com. Icon hoops, $70, jenny-bird.ca. Soho sunglasses, $135, bonlook.com. Raya ear jackets, $70, jenny-bird.ca.
For a dressy occasion
If you’re feeling particularly fancy, a graphic tee can be dressed up with a long, flowing and full skirt, or layered with a simple slip dress. Accessories are a great way to dress up a graphic tee, so add a pair earrings or a necklace for some much needed sparkle.
Nespolo flats, $40, aldoshoes.com. Tulle ball skirt, $259, jcrew.com. Message cotton t-shirt, $40, mango.com. Snake chain layered necklace, $78, anthropologie.com. Cronquist clutch, $35, callitspring.com. Simple knot cuff, $34, stelladot.com.
Shopping tips
Even if you’re shopping secondhand or purchasing a brand new tee, there a few things to keep in mind before you buy. Brown emphasizes the importance of finding a t-shirt that both fits and flatters you. “It should be little loose but not so loose it will just add weight.” Graphic tees are meant to look effortless—if not a little disheveled—so if you need to choose a size larger than your regularly wear, go for it. Just be sure to pay attention to the placement and fit of the sleeves. “Make sure the arms and shoulders fit well—not too long or too short,” Brown says. Finally, know when it’s time to retire your favourite graphic tee. “Tees can lose shape fast so know when to let it go.”
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