How To Style Graphic Tees 11 Chic & Simple Ways
Graphic tees have always been one of my favorite wardrobe staples.
They’re versatile, comfortable, and (generally) really affordable.
Styling a graphic tee is quite simple and can easily take an outfit from boring to chic and fashionable.
​Graphic tees are a staple in my closet year-round.
In today’s blog post, I’m sharing some of the easy ways I style them for different occasions.
However, before we get into the outfit ideas, it’s important to note that your personal style is a major factor when putting together cute looks.
First, you’ll need to determine what your favorite type of graphic tees are.
Do you prefer band tees or pop culture references? geometric designs? vintage designs? Witty sayings?
There are many different types of graphic tees to choose from!
Deciding which style is your vibe is important before choosing what other items you want to pair it with.
You also need to decide if you prefer a more slim fit or something a bit oversized.
An important part of styling a graphic tee is figuring out what looks are best suited for what occasion.
Whether it’s dressing up a tee for a night out with friends, or keeping it casual and relaxed for a day at the park, I’ll be sharing my tricks for getting the most out of this fashionable and functional item.
Let’s dive into this list of all the different ways you can style a graphic tee and some cute outfit ideas!
How To Style A Graphic Tee
As we already discussed, how you style your graphic tee will be largely predicated on 3 things: your personal style preference, the occasion, and of course, the weather.
We’re going to start off our list with some of the more casual ways you can style graphic t-shirts.
1. With Wide Leg Jeans
If you still work in an office setting, one of the best days to reach for your tee is on casual Friday.
Many business casual offices have this day built into every workweek to let people express their sense of style, something their coworkers likely don’t see on a regular day.
The most common way people do this is by pairing a graphic tee with wide-leg jeans.
This combo gives off a cool-girl vibe while still being office-appropriate.
Just tuck the tee into the jeans and put on a comfortable pair of low-heel booties for a casual, stylish, and office-appropriate look.
Accessorize with a chain necklace and a chic tote bag to complete the outfit.
2. With Skinny Jeans
Hear me out – you can still wear slim-fit jeans!
Although loose and wide-leg jeans have come back in style, that doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your favorite jeans – even if they are skinny.
If they make you feel good, wear them!
All you need is some gold layering jewelry like this necklace for a chic look.
Sometimes having the right accessories is all you need to elevate your outfit.
Black jeans with paired an edgy tee and the necklace above is the perfect look for date night or even a weekend fashion event!
3. With Boyfriend Or Straight-Leg Jeans
For days off, you can opt for something a bit less professional like blue boyfriend jeans and a pair of white sneakers.
These are great for days of running errands, hitting up your kid’s sports games, or heading to the nail salon.
A graphic tee is the perfect wardrobe staple for creating that casual vibe.
Adding in a baseball cap is a great way to get that ultra laid-back vibe while putting your hair in a high pony and adding a pair of oversized sunglasses keeps it a bit trendy.
This is the perfect go-to off-duty look that is casual yet still chic and polished.
4. With a Flowy Skirt
Now that we’ve covered some casual looks, it’s time to start thinking about ways to make a graphic tee outfit a bit more polished.
A great outfit for an outdoor coffee date is a delicate skirt and graphic tee combo because it’s playful but still comfortable.
The skirt adds a bit of femininity to an otherwise casual outfit while still keeping the cool-girl vibe.
Depending on the season you can accessorize with a straw hat and a mini bag, and finish off the look with a cute minimalist sneaker or pair of sandals.
5. Going-Out Glam Elements
For a fun night out, like happy hour or a big party, I love upgrading my graphic tee game by combining it with some glam elements.
Tuck your favorite graphic tee into a leather skirt or leather pants, then add some flirty heels and statement earrings for an effortlessly cool look.
If you don’t mind making a statement and being the center of attention or having all eyes on you – give it a go!
6. Tailored Pants Or Pencil Skirts
Another more fitted look for work or a business meeting is a graphic tee with tailored pants or a pencil skirt.
It’s definitely a fun way to inject some personality into a work wardrobe while still looking professional.
​The looser top with more fitted pants also helps to create balance, which is why it can work in the office.
A sleek pair of pumps and a nice watch will help pull the whole look together.
7. As A Dress
Oversized shirt outfits are a hot trend!
And for what it’s worth… this look takes minimal effort.
This is a fashion trend that I personally love for a few reasons and if you can find a graphic tee long enough, I highly recommend giving it a try!
​First, there are so many different shoe styles that work with this look.
For my own outfit, my favorite way to wear a graphic tee as a dress is with an oversized denim jacket and a pair of combat boots or with just a pair of knee high boots.
Chances are, you probably already have a jean jacket and/or a great pair of boots in your closet.
Both are considered a wardrobe staple that every fashionista should have!
While this look above likely isn’t something you’ll find yourself wearing every single day, it’s a fun take on an otherwise basic look.
8. With A Pair Of Bike Shorts
I think this going without saying, but biker shorts are trending in a big way.
​Paired with a graphic tee they make the perfect outfit, whether it’s for a workout or for working from home.
Add in an oversized blazer for the ultimate street-style vibe or go for a monochromatic look with a matching set.
One of my favorite ways to style a graphic tee is with coordinating bottoms.
You can find tons of these on Amazon and Shein!
9. With Denim Cutoffs
I’m pretty certain this goes without saying but, denim shorts are always an option you can fall back on if you just can’t seem to make anything else work.
I know that a lot of people don’t love them because it can be hard to find a comfortable pair that works for your body shape.
However, I happen to love them lol.
Whether you like low, mid, or high rise style or light, medium, or dark wash – you can wear your favorite tees with all of them.
You also have a wide variety of shoe styles to pair them with.
Wedges work great if you want to dress the look up a bit while sneakers, flip-flops, and lace-up heels are great options as well.
10. Cropped
Another stylish way to wear an oversized graphic tee is by cropping it.
Taking the time to make your own crop tops leaves you with the ability to design them how you see fit.
Here’s how I do it!
- Select the ideal tee: I prefer using a more oversized t-shirt, so there’s enough material to play with.
- Mark the cut-line: Before cutting, I measure the length I want for the cropped tee and mark it with a pen.
- Cut and customize: Lastly, I carefully cut along the marked line, turning my oversized shirt into a chic cropped graphic tee.
The beauty of going this route is that you can choose the exact length you want your top to be based on the bottoms you plan to pair it with.
11. With Leggings & A Flannel
Don’t get me wrong, I love dressing up and looking cute.
However, it’s not realistic for my everyday life.
Most days, I’m working from home and carting my kids to and from school and all their activities, so casual is usually much more my vibe.
Styling a graphic tee with a comfy pair of leggings and boots is a great way to achieve that happy medium of looking great while still being comfortable.
The flannel around the waist helps to define my shape and also serves as a second layer if I get a little chilly.
Accessorizing Your Outfit
Jewelry
An easy way to take your graphic tee outfit to the next level is with fun accessories.
I happen to love understated jewelry like these simple gold hoop earrings, but again, this will all be predicated on your personal style.
If you like an edgier look, a chunky silver statement necklace might be more your speed.
Caps and Hats
Hats are another great accessory to finish off a chic graphic tee look.
Baseball caps can help pull your look together while also being practical for sunny days, and straw hats are perfect for festivals and vacations.
Bags and Belts
While belts are great for cinching in your waist, they’re also just an additional way to accessorize.
Whether you prefer a basic black leather belt or one with a detailed buckle, there are many styles to choose from depending on the rest of your look.
The same thing goes for bags.
While they’re obviously meant to be a convenient way to carry your necessities, they’re also a huge part of your overall look.
From tote bags to bucket bags, shoulder bags to cross-body styles, there is no shortage of styles to choose from.
Vintage Styles & Modern Trends
I’ve always been a fan of vintage concert tees such as the ones that feature iconic brands.
You’ve probably seen styles with the legendary lips logo for The Rolling Stones, Skeleton for Guns N Roses, etc.
Even people who have never listened to the music sport these tees!
This band tee is a new favorite of mine and it even comes in several different colors.
However, in recent years, there’s been a surge in more fashion-forward designs.
Some of my favorite brands like Free People, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Urban Outfitters are creating eye-catching options that truly stand out.
Whichever style you prefer doesn’t change the fact that a graphic shirt is one of the most versatile tops you can wear.
FAQs
What are some ways to dress up a graphic tee for work?
As discussed above, pairing a graphic tee with tailored pants and a blazer is a great option.
Opt for neutral or earth tone blazers to keep it professional and add in some gold accessories to add a little bit of character.
Another option is to tuck your tee into a midi skirt and add a statement belt.
Finish the look with some classic pumps or flats.
How can I style an oversized t-shirt?
Oversized styles are my jam.
Sometimes when I wear graphic tees that are extra long I knot the tee at the side for a more defined shape.
Wearing an oversized tee as a dress with over-the-knee boots and gold jewelry is another simple yet edgy outfit formula.
Alternatively, you can add some sneakers and a crossbody bag for a laid-back vibe.
How can I wear a graphic tee for a night out?
For a night out in summer, try wearing a graphic tee with jean shorts.
Add a statement necklace, a pair of lace-up heels, and a faux leather jacket to complete the look.
In cooler weather, consider adding a faux leather moto jacket, leggings, and combat boots.
Conclusion
The great thing about graphic tees is that you can make them work with both contrasting and coordinating elements.
Blazers, skirts, and even layering pieces can all be great compliments to a graphic tee.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and mix and match different styles to create a look you may have never thought to wear before.
Whenever you see a look you love, whether it’s out in public or while online shopping, pay attention to the things that make that look special to you.
Above all else, the most important thing is to have fun and express your individuality.
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