Don’t just wear a graphic t-shirt, style it. Learn how to take basic pieces and style them in a way that has you feeling – and looking – confident, polished, and pulled-together. You’re going to love how you look!
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Wearing our clothes is easy. We just pull something out of a drawer or off a hanger in our closet and put it on. But there’s a big difference between wearing an item of clothing and styling it.
Styling is about creating a look. It’s about taking an item of clothing – like a t-shirt – and creating an outfit. Styling makes us feel more put together – which in turn makes us feel more confident. More ready to face the day. And who doesn’t want to feel like that?
But… It can be hard to know how to style a t-shirt. How to take it beyond the basic “t-shirt and jeans” look we all do. Don’t worry. That’s what I’m here for.
Take your look to the next level.
Wear It vs. Style It
Today I’m showing you 5 different looks – 5 different ways I’ve styled a simple graphic tee. Check out all our super soft graphic tees HERE.
Classic Cardigan
I started with a simple t-shirt and jeans and took it to the next level with a classic cardigan and the perfect accessories.
I knew this cardigan had to be part of my outfit! It pulls out the color of the lettering on my tee and is the perfect lightweight layer for cool mornings. It’s also easy to remove later in the day when the hot Texas sun kicks in!
The simplest thing can take an outfit from plain to polished. In this case, it’s a belt. A simple front tuck and classic, goes-with-everything brown leather belt does the trick. The belt made the rest of my accessory choices easy – I chose a pair of low-heeled sandals and a tote in the same brown leather. Adding this gold textured cuff bracelet brings that little bit of bling.
This look is perfect for work, lunch with your girlfriends, or running errands around town. You’ll look polished and put together – and you’ll feel confident and comfortable. Winning!
- Gold Textured Cuff Bracelet
- Classic Brown Leather Belt
- Double Ring Faux Leather Belt
- Kenneth Cole Low Wedge Sandal
- Gina Rustic Tote
T-Shirt and Shorts + Favorites from the Monogram Box™
A perfect summer look starts with a t-shirt and jean shorts! But taking that summer look and turning it into a summer style? Well, I turned to some favorites from past Monogram Boxes for help.
Subscribers, you have so many items you can use to style your tees right in your closets. Have fun and get creative mixing and matching items from different boxes!
This kimono from the July 2023 box is the perfect layer! The beautiful colors of the kimono complement the colors of the February T-Shirt Club tee perfectly! I added my super comfy Birkenstocks and this cute pair of turquoise earrings to pull it all together.
When it was time to leave the house, I added the perfect summer bag! The ivory belt bag from the May 2023 Monogram Box™ is IDEAL for carrying the essentials without adding bulk! And you know better than to leave the house during those hot summer months without water. This adorable Swig cup is the perfect hydration companion!
- Light Ivory Belt Bag
- Pastel Leaf Kimono
- Swig Wild Child Mega Mug
- You Are Enough Graphic Tee
- Women’s Luna Cork Footbed Sandal With +Comfort
- Judy Blue Fray Hem Shorts
Leveling Up with a Layered Look
This look starts with a classic black graphic t-shirt and jeans. To level up, I started with my favorite front tuck and added my go-to leather belt. A thicker belt like this one helps camouflage any unflattering areas in the front and gives a pulled-together feel.
I love layering with flannels. There’s something about buttoned cuffs that makes me feel constricted, so I always cuff my sleeves. A single cuff is perfect for cooler weather and – when it gets warmer – it’s easy to push the sleeves up to my elbows. This flannel has such great colors – khaki, black, brown, and a thin stripe of blue that goes perfectly with the writing on the tee.
When comfort is called for, I go for my Hey Dudes! These shoes keep me feeling good during a long day of walking or standing. I added this cute pair of wooden hoop earrings and I am ready for a day of traveling, running errands, or cheering my kids on from the sidelines!
I leveled this look up one more time by adding this super cute, tan puffer vest and swapping out my Hey Dudes for a low-heeled brown, leather boot. And just like that, I have a style that’s perfect for a night out with my family, date night, or even family pictures!
- Khaki and Blue Long-sleeved Flannel
- Wooden Spotted Hoop Earrings
- Hey Dude Slip Ons in Cheetah Gray
- Tan Puffer Vest
- Lucky Brand Brown Basel Bootie
Dressing It Up
Can a graphic tee really be the start of a style that’s perfect for a professional event or date night? Absolutely!
This look starts with my new obsession – the black, faux leather, midi skirt from Popilush. It’s super stretchy and has built-in shapewear to give a smooth appearance.
I paired the skirt with a brightly colored tee with black ink. This t-shirt would look funny tucked in – that would create bunching and nobody wants that. But it wouldn’t look good just left loose and untucked – that wouldn’t give the dressier vibe I’m going for. I found the perfect solution in my hair drawer. A tiny, clear ponytail holder is the perfect way to make a little faux knot. That knot creates a ruched effect that is both cute and super flattering.
The right accessories make this look special. The little black crossbody purse and black and white bracelet stack from our shop along with my 2-inch block heeled sandals are the perfect final touches to this elevated look.
- Built-In Shapewear Leather Skirt
- Little Black Crossbody Purse
- Spotted Bracelet Stack
- Amazon Essentials Two Strap Heeled Sandal in Black
A Blazer with a T-Shirt? Yes, Please!
When you start with a classic look like a favorite pair of jeans and a t-shirt, you can take your style from casual to more dressed up and even professional.
I created a perfect running errands, out and about, lunch with friends look by adding bright accessories. These hot pink earrings and hot pink crossbody bring fun and a pop of color! I finished this look with my go-to brown leather belt and brown leather wedges. When you invest in a staple piece like this belt, it’s important to think about what shoes you have in your closet that can go with it. You’ll notice I paired this belt with three different styles of shoes/boots in these five looks.
When it was time to take it up a notch, I added a blazer and this beaded bracelet stack. And yes, you can wear a blazer with a t-shirt! Don’t limit your blazer choices to the colors in your tee. You can see here I chose a brown blazer to go with my belt and shoes.
- Sparkly Pink Monogrammed Compartment Crossbody
- Collared Blazer with Ruched Sleeves
- Turquoise Beaded Bracelet Stack
- Hot Pink Earrings
- Blowfish Malibu Women’s Hecta Wedge Sandal
When you start with a graphic tee, you can take your look almost anywhere. I hope these five styles I shared help you create your own styles! Use what you have in your closet, start with a favorite piece, and have fun!
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