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.

A woman wearing a large black t-shirt with a skull design on the back and long black shorts.

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.

A woman wearing an oversized gray t-shirt and necklaces standing in a field.

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.

A woman in an orange blazer and a black tee posing in a doorway.

A smiling woman wearing pink dress pants and a black t shirt sitting on a floor.

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.

A woman in a black t shirt and skirt with blue hair.

A woman wearing a checked black and white skirt and matching bucket hat with a black tee.

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

A woman with a nose piercing wearing glasses and a black hat with a black t shirt.

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.

A woman in sunglasses wearing a cropped black tee and beige overalls.

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

A young woman with pink hair wearing a t shirt layered over a long sleeve shirt holding a skateboard.

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.

A woman wearing a cropped red t shirt standing in front of a road.

A woman wearing a black graphic tee and cutoff shorts.

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

A tattooed woman wearing a long sleeve t shirt that has been cut and fashioned into a bra.

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.

Black and white photo of a woman wearing a white t shirt with shapes cut out of the back.

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.

A woman in fishnet arm warmers and shorts with a black cutoff t-shirt standing in an alley.

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.

A young man with glasses wearing a mustard striped tee with a flowered button down.

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.

A man wearing a denim jacket with a white graphic tee and pinstripe pants.

A man wearing a punk style vest with patches and a black t shirt.

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.

A young man with long hair wearing a black t shirt and shorts.

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

A young man wearing a black graphic tee with sunglasses and a beanie in low lighting.

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

A man wearing a black tee with a silver cross necklace

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.