How to look stylish in a casual tee

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Here's how to look stylish in a casual tee by pairing it with great separates

Here’s how to look stylish in a casual tee by pairing it with great separates

Tees are a closet staple. They?re always there for you whether you?re just getting home from work and craving comfort, hanging out with friends or trying to look cooler than you feel for a date you?re super excited about. No doubt they feel fantastic, but they can also turn the most fashionable gals into plain Janes or, worse, frumps.

When it?s hot, looking stylish in a casual graphic tee may not be the first question that comes to mind. ?Where?s the ice cream?? or ?Who wants to go for a swim?? understandably comes first. But as temperatures climb, so does the necessity for effortless styling.

Whether you prefer classic v-necks that come in a package of three or trendy graphic tops with a sense of humor, there are countless ways wear them with style. Take a cue from the size and cut. Form-fitting tops pair best with shorts and blazers, while baggier fits may be all you need to set off skinny jeans or even leather pants.

The effort behind “effortless”

Everyone loves the comfort of a slightly faded, perfect-fitting tee. Looking good in them can be effortless if you have the confidence to rock the look with attitude rather than accessories. What you don?t do can make all the difference, or, as icon Coco Chanel once said, ?Once you’ve dressed, and before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.?

What about those tricky occasions that call for casual attire, but not too casual? When you want to appear as if you just threw on whatever, but would never actually just throw on whatever for? What about when you?re a new-hire going to a company picnic or heading to barbecue to meet your significant other?s family for the first time?

When you?re not feeling confident and need to fake it, knowing how to look stylish in a casual tee supplies you with a magic shield of confidence. Tees aren?t about structure or fashion innovation; they?re a lovely canvas for personal expression. The design, pattern or simplicity of a t-shirt makes a statement about you.

When accessorizing and pairing with a skirt, short or pants, remember to be true to how the top makes you feel. Do that and you can?t go wrong because your outfit will feel like a second skin.

Classic

Solid, crew neck tops paired with blue jeans is about as all American a look as it gets. Start with this rock solid blue print and add a tailored, below-the-waist blazer to polish it up a notch. Red lipstick, kitten heels and a piece of statement jewelry pull the whole look together.

Pared-down classic choices include solid, fitted shorts with a leather belt and simple sandals. Going to a show? Maybe it?s time to break out those equally worn jeans with a hole or two in the legs. The main thing to watch for is that the length of the shirt doesn?t exceed the shorts. Tuck some of the top in if it does.

With an edge

Since when are tees considered edgy? Since always. James Dean set the bar with a belt and leather jacket. Cool celebrities sometimes opt for tees instead of tight glittery tops because they can. Wear with fitted leather pants and open-toed booties to dial down the glam.

Details always matter

However casual the day, the smallest details add that hard-to-pinpoint appeal and they only take a minute or two. A pretty cardigan or cute jacket with structure will steer you from the realm of frump. Add a delicate ring or twist your hair into a loose fishtail braid instead of sloppy bun.

Classy girl

Want to know how to look stylish in a casual tee for date night? Simply tuck it into a high-waited circle skirt with a skinny belt and wedge heel. The result is dressy enough to show you made an effort, but it?s also relaxed and classy with room for a personal quirk ? like an oddball ring or a men?s watch.