Okay gang… Let’s talk about graphic tees. I’ve been getting a lot of questions about them lately. So, you know the drill. That means it’s time for a blog post about it!

Personally, graphic tees are something that have been, and will always be part of my repertoire. Whether they are trendy or not, they are an item that speaks to me and I will always, like always be wearing them. 

I am pretty sure when I am in the nursing home I’ll be “that lady” sporting the graphic tee with my pull-on pants. Hell, I already am - that basically just described the outfit I’m wearing today - lol!!

The power of knowing your “always pieces”

I’d say a graphic tee is one of my “always pieces". Meaning they feel like me. And because of that, I will always wear them. Even if they are less, of the moment, trendy, they will feel right for me. Everyone should have and know their always piece or pieces. They are the item that helps make an outfit uniquely you.

For example, my friend and client Alyson is a bodysuit person. She has worn them since the 1990’s and they look amazeballs on her. Yes, bodysuits fell a bit out of popularity in the past few decades, but they worked for Alyson. 

So she kept them in her wardrobe, and we used them in her outfits. I made sure the rest of the outfit looked current (so she didn’t look like she was stuck in a previous era), and anytime she wore one, the compliments were aplenty. Bodysuits made her feel confident and no trend-chasing could beat that.

Having an always piece gives you the tool to make outfits feel like your own. It infuses your unique style and personality into the look and that is powerful.

So that is my uber long-winded way of saying if you love it, wear it! Period. The end.

Are graphic tees still in style?

Ummm, yes… did you read the last paragraph? But seriously, graphic tees have fallen in and out of favor over the years. At times when they are more popular, mass retailers like Evereve and Target buy deeply into the category. And when it is less popular there are some options still available, but it is not as saturated.

Right now, graphic tees are trending. However, my biggest piece of advice is to only buy and wear a tee if it feels authentic to you. Does the cheeky saying light you up? Does the band hold a special memory for you? It is the personalized factor that will make it feel like you when you sport it.

What graphic tees are age appropriate?

IMHO, all graphic tees are age appropriate as long as you wear what has meaning to you. And as long as you style the tee in a way that also represents who you are.

Who makes the best graphic tee?

This is a very subjective question. I tend to like tees (both graphic and not) that have some softness and drape. Where the neckband is on the slimmer side. And with sleeves that cut on an angle to show off the deltoids.

PRO TIP: if the sleeves are too long I often will roll them and/or have a tailor tack the roll or alter the sleeve so it hits at a more attractive point on my arm.

Are concert tees graphic tees?

Yes… and no. concert tees are graphic tees, but often they are made in a heavier, boxier fabric. So from a styling perspective they are easier to wear to bed than out of the house. However, vintage concert tees are perfect. They’ve been worn in over time and therefore fit the bill perfectly.

How do I wear them and still look like an adult?

It's all about what you pair it with. The beauty of a graphic tee, even more so than a regular tee, is that it gives a casualness to an outfit. So to ensure your graphic tee looks more adult than youthful, think about the rule of juxtaposition.

Pair your tee with a suit or a skirt to achieve a finished yet casual j’nai sais quois vibe. By putting a graphic tee with more elevated, business like or feminine pieces, it gives the outfits personality. It also balances the casual and playful nature of the tee, making it feel more grown up.

Can I wear a graphic tee to the office (in a business casual environment)?

Well, if you work in a corporate environment, a graphic tee is likely not work-appropriate. However, if you are in a creative field, like advertising or fashion then a graphic tee and a suit is a spot on outfit combination.

Stylists Tips for Buying and Wearing a Graphic Tee

Make it meaningful

Wear a tee that means something to you. Even if you bought it at Walmart, make sure it aligns with you - your taste in music, your humor, your political views.

Fit, fit, fit

Make sure the tee fits you. I personally like tee’s that have a bit of drape (aka softer fabric). But if you like tight tees then your graphic should fit that way too.

It’s a tool

Think of your graphic tee as a tool that can turn up and down the volume of an outfit. The same way I talked a few weeks ago about the topper continuum, and how a topper can be used as a tool. So too can a graphic tee be used to take a dressier outfit and take it down a notch.

Shop My Favorite Graphic Tees