How to Dress Up a Basic T-Shirt
Gervie, age 14, asked, "How do I make a t-shirt look stylish?"
A comfortable tee can be worn for all occasions in your life, from 8 a.m. calculus class to sweet sixteens, as long as you style it in the right way. Though this classic piece is probably your go-to for lounging around on the couch, it's become a luxurious staple worth considering for dress up, with popular tee brands such as James Perse and Mary-Kate and Ashley's StyleMint.
You can always find a way to wear each piece in creative manners. Oversized tees make great shift dresses, and a ragged, faded shirt can be reinvented into a crop top with a few snips. Need a party-appropriate outfit without any wardrobe malfunction? A v-neck cashmere-blend t-shirt layered underneath a strapless dress is the
1/21A reader reaches out for advice about how to wear the ever-versatile t-shirt in stylish ways.
2/21perfect tee
T-shirts come in an endless number of colors and fits, so build up a big collection for every need. Look for cotton-based blends for your basic wardrobe and cashmere-based blends for your dressed-up ensembles. Stock your wardrobe with wear-with-everything neutrals, but don’t overlook bright statement-making tees, too.
StyleMint Michigan T-Shirt, $30. stylemint.com.
3/21striped shirt
These bold nautical stripes look great layered underneath a graphic tee. Mixing your prints has never been easier!
Saint James Aviso Tee, $85. madewell.com.
4/21sparkly skirt
Slip a soft gray cashmere tee over this glitzy skirt for the ultimate in chic comfort.
Haute Hippie Sequined Silk-Tulle Mini Skirt, $395. net-a-porter.com.
5/21statement baubles
This eclectic string of painted beads and glittery crystals will brighten up your mornings.
Madewell Bead Collector Necklace, $78. madewell.com.
6/21colorful flats
Statement shoes don’t have be uncomfortable. These leather flats would look great with a colorful tee (or two, if you want to layer).
Meher Kakalia Forbidden Stitch Flats, $178. anthropologie.com.
7/21strapless dress
Make your strapless dresses into school-appropriate wear by layering a t-shirt underneath. Try a graphic or band tee for a grittier vibe.
ModCloth Peer to Pier Dress, $48. modcloth.com.
8/21bell bottom jeans
A fitted tee, platform wooden wedges and groovy bell bottom jeans make for a retro—but totally on-trend—outfit.
7 For All Mankind Super Flare Bell Bottom Jeans, $198. 7forallmankind.com.
9/21cross-body bag
A plain tee is the perfect blank canvas for a dainty clutch or cross-body bag.
Rebecca Minkoff Proposal Bag, $295. rebeccaminkoff.com.
10/21two-finger ring
A plain tee means you can pile on the accessories! Try this floral two-finger ring with pearl accents for a classy finish. Perfectionists can even get pearly manicures to match.
ModCloth Stunning Sakura Ring, $15. modcloth.com.
11/21tiered skirt
A ruffled tiered skirt is the perfect everyday bottom to pair with your favorite v-neck tee. Cinch with a bright belt for an extra pop of color.
Anna Sui for Anthropologie Terrawatt Skirt, $148. anthropologie.com.
12/21nautical pin
Pin this to a plain or striped v-neck tee for an on-trend nautical embellishment that immediately transforms your ensemble.
ModCloth Anchors Always Pin, $18. modcloth.com.
13/21sharp blazer
Running to class in the same band tee you slept in last night? No sweat—just slip this dapper blazer on and you’ll be dressed for success in no time.
ModCloth Collarless Scholar Blazer, $70. modcloth.com.
14/21leather jacket
Toughen up a simple t-shirt—and stay cozy come fall—with a sassy leather jacket.
ModCloth Chai Speed Jacket, $95. modcloth.com.
15/21tough docs
Two things every practical girl should invest in: a comfortable t-shirt and a pair of Docs. Luckily for you, these two necessities go great together.
Dr. Martens 1460 8-Eye Pony Boots, $270. madewell.com.
16/21bodycon skirt
A cool cropped tee goes perfectly with this striped hip-hugging skirt. Add a pair of platform wedges and you’re set for a night out!
BB Dakota Nikki Midi Bodycon Skirt, $69. urbanoutfitters.com.
17/21floral skirt
This breezy floral skirt is just begging to be worn with a vintage rocker tee and motorcycle boots.
ModCloth Flowers by the Fuchsia Skirt, $38. modcloth.com.
18/21animal print scarf
You’ll instantly feel more glamorous in a chic, patterned scarf. Double wrap it over your favorite crew neck tee as autumn approaches.
J.Crew Leopard Print Scarf, $60. jcrew.com.
19/21leather leggings
Wear an oversized t-shirt with a pair of leather leggings that are anything but basic for a Flashdance remix.
Guess by Marciano Coy Leather Front Leggings, $198. guess.com.
20/21pleated ladylike skirt
Tuck a v-neck tee underneath this skirt and pair with it a leather belt for a put-together, Sunday brunch look.
Ruche Annaleigh Pleated Skirt, $37. shopruche.com.
21/21print cardigan
Snuggle up in a cashmere-blend tee and an oversized wool cardigan as you hit the books. A geometric print breaks up the softness of your t-shirt.
Dolan Fairisle Knit Back Cardigan, $298. freepeople.com.
