Transform Your Basic Tee: Creative Ways To Spice It Up

T-shirts are a wardrobe staple for men, offering simplicity, comfort, and versatility. While the design has remained largely unchanged, men can stay fashionable by keeping up with trends and styling their t-shirts in different ways. For instance, wearing a t-shirt with a blazer or jacket can add a preppy touch to an office outfit. Men can also wear a t-shirt under an unbuttoned shirt, or pair it with elegant trousers for a more sophisticated look. Additionally, opting for graphic tees or monochrome outfits can make a statement, while accessories like scarves, necklaces, and hats can elevate a basic t-shirt. Layering a t-shirt with different tops or knotting it to create a crop top are also simple ways to spice up this classic piece.

Layering with jackets, shirts, and blazers

• Keep it Simple: When pairing a T-shirt with a blazer, opt for solid neutral colours such as navy, grey, or white. This creates a sleek and modern look. You can also experiment with colours and patterns—a bright or striped T-shirt under a blazer can make for a great outfit.
• Neckline: Choose a crew neck or scoop neck T-shirt for a more contemporary look. While V-necks were popular in the 80s, they may not be as fashionable now. However, a plain white V-neck T-shirt can look excellent under a printed blazer, especially with a statement necklace.
• Fit: Ensure your T-shirt fits well and is slim or tapered at the midsection. This will prevent a bulky appearance and create a sleek silhouette.
• Tuck it In: Tucking your T-shirt into your pants or skirt can instantly elevate your look. It adds a touch of formality and pairs well with a blazer. It also helps showcase your waistline. You can experiment with different tucking styles, such as the French tuck or half-tuck, for a unique twist.
• Blazer Style: Opt for a form-fitting, unstructured blazer to maintain a casual vibe. Blazers with less structured shoulders and a more relaxed fit complement a T-shirt nicely. The sleeves should end slightly above your wrists, and the blazer's length should fall below your hips.
• Pocket Square: Add a pop of colour or pattern with a pocket square. This accessory will draw attention to your blazer and add interest to your outfit without overwhelming it.
• Pants: When choosing pants, go for slim-fitting jeans or straight-leg chinos. These options provide a nice balance of casual and polished. For a more casual look, you can also wear shorts or wide, flowy linen pants.
• Colour Coordination: Avoid matching your blazer and pants too closely. Instead, complement your blazer with pants in a similar colour family but not an exact match. For example, pair a brown blazer with tan chinos or a grey plaid blazer with grey trousers.
• Shoes: Depending on the desired vibe, you can pair your outfit with sneakers or loafers. Sneakers, especially white or black ones, will keep the look casual, while loafers add a touch of business casual.

Monochrome outfits

• Choose the right colour: Opt for colours that complement your skin tone and body type. For fair complexions, shades of blue, green, or grey work well. Medium skin tones can try earthy tones like brown and beige. Men with darker skin tones can experiment with a wide range of colours, with hues like burgundy or olive often harmonising beautifully.
• Layering: Monochromatic outfits provide an opportunity to layer different pieces and create depth through varying shades and textures. Start with thinner materials closer to your body and work towards thicker materials on the outside. For example, you can pair a lightweight cotton shirt with a heavier wool sweater and a thick denim jacket.
• Mixing textures and fabrics: Introduce different materials to your outfit to add depth and interest. Mix a matte fabric like wool with a textured material like denim for a cohesive look.
• Accessorise: Accessories can elevate your monochrome outfit and add a personalised touch. Choose accessories that complement the colour scheme of your outfit. For instance, a statement watch, a belt with silver hardware, or subtle pieces such as cufflinks or tie clips can enhance your look.
• Dressing up or down: Monochromatic outfits can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. For formal events, opt for darker hues like black, navy, or deep burgundy. You can also add elegant accessories like a leather belt, a silk tie, or Oxford shoes. For more casual events, introduce lighter colours and fabrics. A light grey sweater with pale grey chinos is a perfect combination for a laid-back yet stylish look.
• Avoid common mistakes: One of the biggest mistakes in wearing monochrome outfits is overdoing it. Aim for balance and avoid wearing too much of one colour, as it can be overwhelming. You can add a pop of white or another colour with your shoes or accessories to create contrast. Additionally, instead of trying to match your clothes perfectly, focus on complementary colours and shades within the same colour family.

Graphic tees

Choose the Right Graphic Tee

Select a graphic tee that reflects your interests and style. It can be a band tee, a vintage-inspired design, a cheeky slogan, or a minimalist print—let your shirt do the talking. Make it the focal point of your outfit, and keep the rest of your look subdued and simple.

Pair with Bottoms

Layer with Outerwear

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, keep them minimal to maintain the focus on your graphic tee. A watch or a pair of sunglasses can add a subtle touch of style. If you want to add more flair, consider a hat, such as a baseball cap, beanie, or straw hat, to complete your look.

Footwear

The right footwear can enhance your graphic tee outfit. Sneakers, especially low-top sneakers, are a great choice for a casual or street-style look. Canvas shoes offer breathability and ease of cleaning. For a more relaxed or edgy vibe, pair your tee with boots. Sandals are an option for a beach-ready look.

Accessories

Jewellery

Adding jewellery is a simple yet effective way to accessorise a T-shirt. Try pairing your T-shirt with a statement necklace, earrings, or a chunky bracelet. For a more subtle approach, opt for a delicate necklace or a pair of stud earrings. If you want to add some edge to your look, consider layering multiple necklaces or stacking bracelets.

Belts

Belts can be a great way to accessorise a T-shirt and emphasise your waist. Go for a medium to a large belt, worn at your natural waist or just above it, to create a flattering silhouette. You can also experiment with different belt styles, such as a chain belt or a belt with an eye-catching buckle.

Hats

Hats are a fun way to accessorise a T-shirt and add some personality to your outfit. Try a baseball cap for a casual vibe, or go for a more unique option like a bucket hat or a wide-brim hat. If you're feeling bold, a fedora or a Panama hat can add a touch of sophistication to your T-shirt ensemble.

Scarves

Scarves are not just for keeping warm; they can also be a stylish accessory. Try a lightweight scarf in a fun pattern or colour to add interest to your T-shirt outfit. You can wear it loosely around your neck, or try different ways of tying it to switch up your look.

Bags

The right bag can elevate your T-shirt outfit and make it more stylish. Go for a crossbody bag or a sleek backpack to add a touch of sophistication. If you're looking for something more casual, a tote bag or a fanny pack can be a great choice. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colours, materials, and styles to find the perfect bag to complement your T-shirt.

Tucking and knotting

Tucking

Tucking your T-shirt into your trousers or skirt can instantly elevate your look and make it more put-together. It is a simple styling trick that can make a big difference and is perfect for showing off your waistline. Here are some things to keep in mind when tucking your T-shirt:

• Choose the right T-shirt: Go for an oversized T-shirt or a T-shirt that is one size larger than your usual size. Make sure the T-shirt is not too slim-fitting and opt for a round neckline.
• Trouser type: Mid-rise or high-waisted trousers work best for the tucked-in look. This prevents the T-shirt from slipping out and keeps it neatly in place.
• Folding or plucking: There are two common methods for tucking in your T-shirt. The first is the folding method, where you fold the bottom part of the T-shirt upwards about twice the width of a finger and then tuck it into your trousers. The second method is the plucking method, where you pull your trousers up over the T-shirt and then tuck the T-shirt evenly into the trousers.
• Keep it simple: Opt for T-shirts without busy designs, patterns, or text. Go for simple stripes or solid colours.
• Layer with a jacket: Layering your tucked-in T-shirt with a jacket or blazer can add depth and interest to your look.

Knotting

Knotting your T-shirt is a quick and easy way to transform it into a crop top and create a more fitted and flattering silhouette. It adds a bit of personality to your outfit and can make a basic tee look more stylish and trendy. Here are some tips for knotting your T-shirt:

• Choose the right T-shirt: Go for a loose-fitting T-shirt to tie a knot. You can tie the knot at the front, side, or back of the T-shirt.
• High-waisted bottoms: Pair your knotted T-shirt with high-waisted bottoms, such as trousers, skirts, or shorts. This will ensure that not too much skin is showing and will flatter your waistline.
• Experiment with different knots: Try different types of knots, such as a simple knot, a French tuck, or a half-tuck, to see what works best for you.
• Keep it secure: Make sure the knot is tight and secure so that it doesn't come undone during the day. You can use a hidden elastic band to keep it in place.
• Accessorise: Add some jewellery or a scarf to dress up your knotted T-shirt and take your look to the next level.

Frequently asked questions