Trust me when I say that the #1 item to refresh your wardrobe is… GRAPHIC TEES! If you run in to me around the city during the day, there’s a good chance I’ll be wearing a graphic tee. They are hands down the most worn items in my closet, and in my clients closets! Not to mention it is the most affordable way to switch up the vibes in your wardrobe and find new outfit inspiration!
“Wait, Tali, you’re telling me I can completely refresh my outfits with one $35 tee shirt?” That is absolutely true! Graphic tees can sit in the back of our closet, but they have so much potential! They’re the perfect refresh piece because you can wear them day, night, business casual, dressed up, dressed down, layered, and so much more. This wardrobe staple is so versatile and everyone can wear them, no matter your style. Because of this, I thought I’d put together some new, refreshing tips on how to style them! This way you can wear your graphic tees a little more often and with more than just jeans.
The first step is to bring your graphic tees out of hiding! I was organizing my closet last night and took all of my graphic tees out of the drawers and hung them up instead! It helps a lot when you can actually see what tees you have and it makes them feel more like an outfit piece when they’re hanging. Now let’s get into the styling tips!
PLAY WITH OPPOSITES
Playing with opposites is something I do a lot when dressing clients and putting together outfits. What do I mean by this? The graphic tee is very casual on the top, so on the bottom I like to dress up, like a great midi skirt! By doing this, you create balance and make the look something you can wear for almost any occasion. Another idea is wearing a sundress with a graphic tee on top, tied in a knot!
ATHLEISURE
Okay, so I’ve been crazy into my fitness routine lately! Which means I am wearing workout clothes majority of the time. I love wearing graphic tees with my workout leggings or biker shorts, and just adding a leather jacket or denim jacket! It creates the most perfect daily athleisure look.
SUIT IT UP
As a stylist, business owner, and #bosslady, I’m wearing suits a lot and I almost always go for a graphic tee under my blazers. This is a modern way to wear a suit to all your business meetings and still showing off your playful fashionista side!
OVERSIZED BOYFRIEND LOOK
The oversized boyfriend look is a HOT trend! Lately I am also largely into oversized tees to wear with biker shorts and a blazer for fun oversized vibe. It also works with a cute graphic tee tucked into boyfriend jeans! Add pumps to elevate this chic boyfriend style outfit.
ROCK N ROLL
The most badass way to wear graphic tees with something leather! Leather is the trend that is taking over 2020. Since it is so trendy, style your graphic tees with a leather jacket, leather joggers, leather mini skirt, or leather leggings… You absolutely can’t go wrong.
ALL ABOUT LAYERS
Of course I love layers, especially living in Chicago (one minute it’s raining, the next it’s very hot!). Lately I’ve been topping off my graphic tee look with an white leather jacket (my clients and I are all obsessed with this one by Coach!). White moto jackets are a great option because graphic tees can be bright, bold, and edgy, so a white jacket really softens the look. Plus it’s more unexpected than black, and fashion is all about the unexpected, right?
DRESS IT UP
I think the key to successfully style a graphic tee is to dress it up a little bit. On days when I’m busy chasing after the kids, it’s great to throw one on with jeans, but sometimes I want to step outside the box. An idea I absolutely love is wearing graphic tees with high-waisted elegant pants. You know, the fancy ones you keep in the back of your closet waiting for the opportunity to wear? You don’t have to wait for a fancy occasion, just wear those elegant pants with a graphic tee and sneakers for a fun Saturday shopping spree or lunch date.
ACCESSORIZE
Accessories are always the icing on the cake. When it comes to graphic tees, you want to find accessories with right balance. I love sunglasses because they really add to the cool factor! Another option is statement earrings to dress the look up. Another stylish touch is a chic hat!
My leopard tongue Rolling Stones tee is from ONE by at Shopbop, also available in black! My favorite brands for graphic tees right now are Zadig & Voltaire, Anine Bing, and Coach! I also always find options on Shopbop and Revolve. Shop my current favorites below:
What are your favorite brands for graphic tees? Please share with me!
Xoxo
Tali
You have been looking great. Love all these graphic tee ideas. Thanks for sharing