e all have one–or twenty–graphic t-shirts collecting dust in our closets. Recently, these pieces have made an appearance on the streets of Fashion Week, proving that sometimes the next trend is already in your closet. Graphic tees can add nostalgia and personality to any outfit, and sporting your favorite band logo or pop culture reference is a great icebreaker.
If your t-shirts are a little too worn-in, don’t worry: ASOS and Forever 21 have plenty of options. For a cheaper alternative, try thrift stores where you can find one-of-a-kind tees for less than a dollar. So take this inspiration from recent street style trends and show your graphic tees some love! Here are three new ways to update your look and get some use out of your favorite tees.
1. Statement pants are your friend, from jeans to jacquard.
Pair any graphic tee with a striking pair of pants to add a laid-back vibe to your outfit. High-waisted pants are key to add emphasis to your waist and balance the boxy shape that t-shirts tend to have. For an edgier look, pair your tee with leather pants–any color. Keep the look more streamlined with a black or white tee so that the texture and color of the pants stand out.
2. Add a twist to a classic skirt.
Tuck your tee into a skirt of your choice, from a denim mini to a metallic midi. Adding a t-shirt can take pencil skirts from classic to unexpected. With this outfit, you can really play with color and texture on top and bottom to create a variety of looks.
3. The wildcard: Wear an oversized tee as a dress.
For those tees that are long and oversized, let the t-shirt do the talking and skip bottoms altogether. This look is great for brighter shirts that deserve all the attention. Also, a graphic tee can help to balance out the boldness of over-the-knee boots. If boots aren’t your thing, you can’t go wrong with heels or sneakers. Top off the look with a denim jacket and sunglasses for an ultra-cool vibe.
Bonus Round: Graphic Sweatshirts
Don’t forget about sweatshirts! For those colder days, you can stay cozy and stylish by switching your t-shirt for a sweatshirt in any of these outfits. So next time you reach for a graphic tee from your closet, you can skip the pajama pants and elevate your loungewear with these outfit ideas.
–Sarah Llewellyn
Images courtesy of Vogue, Vogue Paris, Vogue España