How to Style T-Shirts

It’s so easy to live in t-shirts–they’re comfy, inexpensive, and classic style elements. Tees are the building blocks of so many casual outfits. Because they’re so ubiquitous, it can get tempting to fall into a rut when it comes to styling them, though. Jeans, t-shirt, and light outer layer is a combo that is hard to mess up, but what if you want to branch out while still getting the most out of those trusty wardrobe staples?

Here are some unique ways to wear tees that will make you fall back in love with your collection.

How to Wear Oversized Tees

Oversized tees are statement pieces, so embrace the drama and create interest by pairing them with interesting textures and silhouettes. Here, a pair of shorts adds contrast to the oversized top layer.

The drapey quality of a large t-shirt also draws attention to accessories like necklaces. You can also change up the silhouette by tucking it into loose pants or a skirt and pulling the shirt out a bit so the fit is loose and billowy.

How to Dress Up a T-Shirt

A tee can bring an otherwise dressy or business casual outfit down to earth and inject some unpretentious style. Wear it with a blazer for a classic look. A plain black tee also gets a touch of class when you wear it with dress pants.

Woman in an orange coat leaning against a brick wall with decorative archway

T-shirts pair well with practically any skirt you can think of to create eclectic casual outfits perfect for daytime outings. Tuck a fitted tee into a pencil skirt for a polished look, or wear a cropped tee with a maxi skirt for a summer boho outfit that’s made for frolicking.

woman with blue hair wearing a black outfit against a gray wall.

Person wearing a black and white checkered outfit with a hat and yellow socks against a brown background

Accessorizing with a hat is another way to dress up a t-shirt while still keeping it casual.

Person wearing a black hat and glasses, sitting indoors with a blurred background

Layering Tee Shirts

One of the easiest ways to refresh your wardrobe is by trying out different layers with your favorite t-shirts. Throw together combos you wouldn’t normally think of to breathe new life into your style.

Layer a baby doll tee under a strappy dress for some cute 90s flair. Another fun 90s outfit is to pair it with overalls.

Person wearing sunglasses and a black top with beige overalls in an industrial setting

Another popular style throwback is to wear a long sleeve tee or henley underneath a graphic tee shirt for women to reference 2000s skater or mall goth fashion. This is a great way to keep wearing your t-shirts when the weather gets chilly.

Person in a black t shirt holding a skateboard in front of a graffiti-covered wall

Another goth outfit idea is to wear a black mesh or lace shirt under your t-shirt to give it a bit of dark style.

Modified T-Shirt Ideas

Your tees can get a second life when you decide to alter them to create unique pieces–and all it takes is a pair of scissors. The easiest way to do this is to cut off the bottom few inches of a t-shirt to create a crop top.

Person wearing a red graphic t-shirt standing on a road with a scenic background

This long sleeve tee is cropped and tied in the front to create a new shape.

Person with tattoos wearing a white jacket with colorful designs and a green top. Tee fabric is very forgiving when it comes to cutting–it won’t fray if the edges are left raw. That means you can experiment with cutting out designs or cutting the bottom of your tee into fringes to make a cute crop top.

Woman wearing a large hat and a white top with cut-out patterns, black and white photo.

For a less permanent modification, try knotting your t-shirt in the front to create a cropped effect that adds a lot of style to everyday outfits.

Person wearing a black graphic t-shirt and denim shorts standing in front of a colorful mural.

For another cropped look, you can hide the knot at the bottom of your t-shirt by tucking it up in the back.

T-Shirt Fashion for Men

Tees are even more ubiquitous in men’s fashion, so it pays to find ways to wear them that will add interest to your style. If you’re tired of wearing the same old everyday outfits all the time, try these tips for fresh t-shirt fashion.

Person with curly hair wearing glasses and a floral shirt over a striped shirt against a plain background

This power clash works because the contrasting patterns share a color scheme. Pairing a large pattern with a small, detailed one in complementary colors is a good way to make clashing work for you.

Person wearing a denim jacket over a graphic t-shirt against a textured wall.

Person wearing a battle jacket with graphic designs against a red corrugated metal background

Changing up your outer layer will make your t-shirt pop. A denim jacket with a contrasting collar adds complexity to a graphic tee. Multiple layers like the hoodie and battle vest shown here add some punk attitude.

Man with tattoos and long hair wearing a black t-shirt and sunglasses on a road.

Rolling the sleeves on a plain black t-shirt gives it a James Dean vibe and adds style.

Person wearing a black t-shirt with graphic design and text, standing against a gray background

Accessorize a graphic tee with a hat and sunglasses to make a plain outfit stand out.

Man wearing a black t-shirt and black pants against a beige wall.

Adding jewelry like bracelets and necklaces is a solid strategy for giving a plain black tee some flair.

These t-shirt styling tips should help you transform your look by creating new outfits with pieces you already own–or you could get inspired to track down some fresh finds. Either way, you’ll be putting a new spin on a classic.