T-shirts are one piece of clothing that we all have and that is also extremely versatile. It’s not always easy to style though. Here, there are 8 ways on how to style a t-shirt that work all-year round and prove just how much you can wear this often underestimated piece of clothing.
How to style a T-shirt: considerations
The colour
First off, you want to make sure it doesn’t clash with your features. In order to look good, you should wear your characteristics (temperature, value, chroma and contrast). You may want to have a look at my post on seasonal colour analysis, where I elaborate this topic further. For this reason, choose the right colours for your overall colouring. Or at least, make sure the colour of your top doesn’t clash with the colours of your face.
The fit
Then, you want to make sure it’s not too tight: it should be fitted, but not skin-tight. Especially in summer, you have to make sure that you also feel comfortable. Also, it’s shouldn’t be tight because then the eventual seams of your undergarments are more obvious that way.
How to deal with undergarments peeking through
If your T-shirts are tight, then make sure (as always) to wear undergarments that are in a colour similar to that if your skin tone and that are seamless. If you wear a bra the lines of which are obvious, you can wear an undershirt which is the same colour as your skin tone on top. This way, you “remove” any bra lines and it will add another layer to your outfit, helping you stay warmer in winter. If you don’t want to do that, you can wear a scarf over your chest. It looks chic too!
The fabric
Another factor you should consider when you are considering your pairings with your other pieces of clothing is to consider the fabric of your T-shirt. There are lots of textiles, but the most common ones tend to be cotton, nylon, polyester and wool in a minor measure. In a minor measure here means that it’s not very used, but you can still find wool T-shirts that actually prove to be very comfortable and versatile. I mentioned this so that you may also check the label if you have reactions to certain textiles and to make sure your clothes are weather-appropriate. Also, consider the shine of the fabric: it’s indicated if you have a bonier torso, but try to go for matte fabrics in case your torso is more voluminous.
The length
Also, you should make sure that the T-shirt is of the right length: you should be able to tuck it into your trousers or your skirt, yet be able to cover your derriere completely when you keep it tucked out. If needed get altered: they don’t cost much, but they make celebrity street style look expensive.
The sleeves
Last thing is the length of the sleeves: make sure that your T-shirt is not sleeveless. Sleeveless ones may work if you are wearing something on top, but besides that they’re aren’t so versatile. Here we want to make sure that whatever you have is something that you can switch up or down no matter what the situation could be.
8 ways to style a t-shirt
1.With an overshirt
This way of styling a T-shirt is really popular especially among students. Basically, you wear a T-shirt and you pair a button-down with it. It doesn’t matter whether it has a collar or not, but it looks best when you leave the button-down open. One of the patterns that looks best with this style is check, but a plain button down will look good as well.
2. With a pair of jeans
This way to style a t-shirt is a classic, and it will always work. For a more formal occasion, make sure the pair of jeans you are wearing is tailored, not distressed or ripped and in a dark wash. Apart from this, choose a style that works with your silhouette.
3. With a blazer
This way of wearing a T-shirt is perfect if you like a business casual kind of look. If you have broad shoulders, avoid padded ones but otherwise everyone can make this combination work.
4. With a pullover/knitwear
Some pullovers have a lot of holes in them. To make an amazing effect, wear a full-sleeved T-shirt under the pullover, and preferably in the same colour palette as the rest of your outfit. Otherwise, you can wear your T-shirt and pullover in contrasting colours to create a bright, yet subtle effect. you can try styling your tee with other knitwear for the same effect too.
5. With a leather jacket
Here it doesn’t matter to much if it’s real or faux, but the jacket needs to look and feel like leather. Opt for this combination if you want to emphasise a more structured torso, and it’s most ideal for a triangle body shape. Inverted triangles should avoid it, and hourglasses and eight body shapes should go for waist-length ones.
6. With a denim jacket
This pairing is perfect for the spring days, but also for the early autumn winds. Again, wear this one if you want to emphasize the upper part of the body. It’s more indicate for those who have a triangle body shape, as this creates more volume on the top part of the body.
7. With a skirt
This one might seem slightly odd to some, but if you are someone who doesn’t like showing too much skin during the summer, yet want to stay cool and comfortable, this one might prove to be your best friend. Choose skirts that are at least knee-length, and in lighter fabrics. If you find this risky, try wearing a belt and a pair of leggings underneath. It will keep you covered if the skirt decides to go “whoosh”.
8. With a pair of wide-leg trousers
This one is the best one possible if you want to stay cool when it’s hot, yet maintain coverage. The t-shirt-and-wide-trousers combination is very airy and allows a lot of freedom of movement without showing any skin. Try to wear a lighter t-shirt (as we tend to feel the heat more in the upper body) and try to stay in the same colour palette for the rest of your outfit as well.
