I remember the first piece of clothing I ever bought. It was a $5 brown Aeropostale t-shirt with a whimsical screen-printed pattern of pink bubbles. I was about 12 years old and still remember standing in front of the mall window, triumphantly holding the printed plastic bag. It was a truly wonderful moment.
Maybe it was my fondness for this particular memory or my status as an “artsy kid” in middle and high school, but growing up I basically thought graphic tees were the epitome of haute couture. They were loud. They were likeable. They were just fun. It’s (hopefully) unsurprising that my fashion sense has evolved over the last 18 years (the brown and pink bubble t-shirt was donated a long time ago). But I’ve never shaken my overall love for graphic tees. If you can relate, you’re in for a treat: graphic T-shirts are currently experiencing a revival.
These casual tops are not only casual but also suitable for everyday wear and are also very popular in high fashion moments. So don’t be shy – from concert tees to tops with cheeky sayings to shirts that pay tribute to your favorite places or causes – get them out and wear them proudly. It’s officially the year of the graphic tee.
Styling graphic tees can be ridiculously easy—in other words, there’s always the tried-and-true graphic tee-denim equation. And while this tried-and-true combination feels comfortable and right on some days, on others it can seem uninspired and maybe just plain boring. Embracing the graphic tee revival doesn’t have to mean limiting your creativity.
If you’re looking to add some interest to your t-shirts, here are eight styling ideas to get you started.
With the recent popularity of both microshorts and boxer shorts, the concept of wearing underwear in public doesn’t seem so new these days. Striped boxer shorts and a colorful pair of trendy Adidas sneakers create a comfortable, sporty fit for warm and active spring days.
As the weather gets warmer, there’s something really comforting about a pair of loose jeans. They’re practical, relaxed and give you the strength to tackle whatever the day throws your way. Paired with your favorite graphic tee, this outfit combination is incredibly practical for busy spring days filled with cleaning, errands, and casual meetings. A cardigan is a practical piece of clothing to always have on hand when the temperature fluctuates and – when draped over your shoulders – adds that certain something to an outfit. In other words, add a cardigan to escape the aforementioned “boring” territory.
These days, I can’t look at an oversized t-shirt without immediately thinking “miniskirt” or “tennis skort.” This outfit formula is comfortable, flirty, and aggressively girly. What more could you want from casual clothing? Western-inspired boots are a tip of the hat to the cowboy Carter phenomenon.
Personal? I will always be a fan of railroad jeans. They have a strong association with the long days and warm weather that epitomize spring and summer. A cardigan—a seasonal necessity—in trendy powder blue adds a layer that’s both visually appealing and seasonally appropriate. Gold and pearl jewelry is also always on trend this time of year and adds femininity to the look. Complete the look with your favorite pair of sneakers or flats.
As someone who lives in Central New York, I learned long ago that spring is hands down the most unpredictable season when it comes to weather and temperature. Just this week I had five inches of snow one day and a sunny 65 degrees another. Layers are essential. A statement cardigan adorns a graphic T-shirt and gives it a visual feeling of completeness. Polo sweaters and cardigans in particular are popular this seasonRend and are suitable for a preppy look.
