Long gone are the days where dressing up only meant a fancy suit and tie or floor-length gown. Now, even casual pieces can contribute to a dressed up look. From a casual outfit that needs a little oomph to business casual, there are ways to dress up a staple graphic tee for just about any occasion. Below are four ways you can style a t-shirt and still look polished.
Skirt It Up
Skirts may not be the first thing you think of to pair with a graphic tee, but it can be the perfect way to dress up your t-shirt. One of the great things about pairing your tee with a skirt is that you've got a lot of variety to choose from, and simply changing the skirt can change the whole look. You can go short or long, flowy or skin-tight. Bold patterns in the skirt can complement your graphic tee. Just make sure that the pattern and the shirt go together rather than compete for attention.
Black Jeans
Black jeans have become as much a staple as the little black dress, and easily dress up any top. For example, a simple 80s graphic tee will look sharp and stand out when paired with black jeans. Look for one that has a quick-witted, catchy phrase that people will want to comment on. Just make sure that it's appropriate for the venue and not going to insult anyone.
Blaze of Glory
A blazer is no longer just for the office. It's a staple that everyone should have in their closet, especially if you love the look of a simple tee-shirt and jeans. Topping off a graphic tee shirt with a blazer turns the look into business casual in less than a minute. You can get even more bang for your buck by investing in a couple of blazers in different colors.
Track Suit Fancy
Track suits are no longer for dads over the age of 40. They've made a huge comeback and can easily paired with a cool graphic tee. Girls can accessorize with statement-piece jewelry, like hoop earrings. Guys can complete their look with an attention-grabbing watch or bracelet to look the part.
Bold Suit With Sneakers
Finally, if you love the look of a suit but hate the feel of a stuffy dress shirt or blouse, throw caution to the wind and make your first layer a graphic. Paired with a bold-colored suit and chunky sneakers, you'll be the epitome of street style. You can also pair it with a pair of low black boots that go from office to happy hour without blinking an eye.
Whether you love the low-key vibe or simply relish cotton comfort, you can't go wrong with a graphic tee. Styled up or down, let your t-shirt do the talking.
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.