If only allowed to pick two pieces to describe American fashion, most would go with a pair of jeans in a classic cut and a white cotton t-shirt. Jeans have found their space on the runway and in street style - proving they can metamorphosize to match the occasion. The same could be said about a good t-shirt. Or even a free one really! When dressed to your style a t-shirt is a must for all activities. Get out of the rut of just throwing on an event tee over gym shorts. (Well, unless those gym shorts are actually a tight knee-length pair of biker shorts. Those are trending for some awful Kardashian reason.) Behold the kinds of tees you actually need and fun, innovative ways to style! Prepare to raid your t-shirt drawer after this conversation.
#1 T-Shirt: Pssst! I’ve got a secret. Your best t-shirt should not be 100% cotton. In my past two years working in the buying office I’ve learned a lot about fabrics. One thing that dawned on me early on: I am addicted to modal. Without getting science-y, modal is a super soft sister of cotton. Modal is an environmentally-sound fabric made via beechwood trees. As soon as you feel it you’ll know what it is! Anyone have anything from American Eagle’s Soft And Sexy line? What about a Bella v-neck? Check the tag. The “Best T-Shirt Ever,” as picked by moi for its feel, shape, and breath-ability is a scoop neck charcoal colored tee by Halogen.
When I buy anything but, especially when buying a staple piece - I don’t want it to be basic. Like when making friends, seek some sort of uniqueness when selecting a dime a dozen piece. Maybe that’s some sort of heathered flecking in the fabric, maybe there’s a pre-sewn knot at the bottom, maybe the sleeves are a different color than the body, or maybe the slogan or graphic speaks to you. Whatever it is, make it you.
T-Shirt Count: There is not really a magic number of t-shirts one should own that provides them with enough wardrobe options yet, is environmentally sound. It depends more on the number of wears to be considered sustainable. I would say everyone can find infinite uses for these solids: white/cream, grey, and black in both crewneck and v-neck cuts. Personally I would add light pink, dark blue, and a luxe metallic tee to that list but, you know what colors you get the most wear out of. Add one ribbed in a neutral hue to provide texture to every outfit it becomes part of.
Are you getting PTSD flashbacks to that one BBQ when you sweated in your grey tee until it turned black? Let me spell it out for you. Extra sweaty people: you need to stop wearing 100% cotton because it just makes you damp! More breathable tops are always going to be cotton blends. (Modal=cotton+spandex. Cotton+polyester is another winner.) Though I do love a black long sleeve tee, it is better to make most of your t-shirt inventory short sleeves for layering purposes. Treat graphic tees as if they’re solids and wear with everything.
How to Wear: Under a cardigan, under a flannel, under overalls, under a blazer. All make stellar looks however, we’ve seen them before. What about under a frilly off the shoulder top or dress? Current. I love combining two contradictory styles in one look. For instance a band tee under a pink chiffon ruffled number is not what you’d expect but its fire for day and night affairs.
For daytime I play up the girly vibe. Wearing a cropped t-shirt under a sheer top calls out the detail. Sometimes I opt to make an off the shoulder top less maintenance by rejecting one of the sleeves - this was one of those times. To make this over-shirt more angular I put a tiny knot in the corner. I pair with ripped jeans that I soften by doing a small double cuff to hide the denim’s hem. This technique can be applied to the sleeves of a t-shirt as well. Topping with feminine accessories is my specialty: kitten heels, a crown, and dainty jewelry.
For night I had fun pulling my blouse down closer to my elbows to reveal a partial graphic tee. Joggers were trending before, but now it looks like they’re here to stay. Show them off to the great outdoors! Hike up the elastic band that is supposed to go around your ankle to mid calf to add length and shape to an otherwise, loose fitting garment. Throw your hair however. The point is to look casual yet amazing. This outfit is proof that both can be done simultaneously.
Remember back in November when everyone was wearing corduroy sleeveless dresses with thin turtlenecks underneath? Good news! The jumper a la Rachel Green can be achieved in spring and summer too! Stay sweet by wearing a graphic t-shirt (Okay, solid is fine too.) under your favorite sundress. Play into the comfy vibe by stepping into your most walkable sneakers or reverse it and add some Bad Sandy with stilettos.
One of my go-to ways to make a statement is by wearing one color, ad nauseam. Got a white t-shirt? Put it with a white denim skirt. Rope a white bandana into your braid. It sounds simple - and it is. Use t-shirts as a base to build your own sets.
Make any t-shirt look worthy by steaming out the wrinkles. Now is the time to work on preserving your clothing collection. Resist the urge to shove into the middle drawer.
Though people regard a t-shirt as “basic,” I prefer “versatile.” Fashion is in its sincerest form, an art. How do you view it?
If your generation doesn't see they can have fun dressing and using their imagination with what they already have, you are a great teacher. To all who read Whitney's Blog, love who you are and what she shares will work for you too!