How to Wear Graphic Tees When You're a Grown-Up

We’re suckers for a graphic T-shirt. Be it vintage, rock band, designer or slogan, if we find a tee with something plastered across it, we usually want it! We love the idea of dressing our T-shirts up: Like pairing with a skirt and heels to create that laid back luxe look that we love. They're actually perfect for a night out if you want to give your outfit a bit of an edge. There are some cool tees around at the moment—Isabel Marant, Ganni and, of course, our faithful ol' Topshop—all have great options.

But we understand if the thought of wearing one as a grown-up (maybe the last one you really owned was from Disneyland circa 1990?) but as a growing trend your options—both in terms of purchasing and styling—really are quite endless.

We cherry-picked a few of our favourites to show you how we'd wear these graphic tees in the most sophisticated ways. Keep reading to see our looks and shop some motif jerseys for yourself…

retro motifs

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(Image credit: Courtesy of A Style Album/Victoria Adamson)

Style Notes: Vintage-looking versions always work so well with equally vintage-looking jeans. So opt for true-blue denim and a mom-style cut… if you dare!

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(Image credit: Courtesy of A Style Album/Victoria Adamson)

Style Notes: Retro influences don't have to be everywhere—modern heels will bring this look up to date.

subtle tees

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(Image credit: Courtesy of A Style Album/Victoria Adamson)

Style Notes: Not into print? Then check out the beautiful embroidered styles available, and make them work-appropriate with a pair of tailored trousers.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of A Style Album/Victoria Adamson)

Style Notes: With smart loafers and just a very understated motif, the casual tee can be brought into chicer territory quite easily.

rocker styles

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(Image credit: Courtesy of A Style Album/Victoria Adamson)

Style Notes: Feel free to go the distance and unleash your inner rock goddess with distressed denim and tough, metal-hardened accessories. Don't forget to roll up your sleeves for the full effect.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of A Style Album/Victoria Adamson)

Style Notes: The idea of hi-lo works really well for these kinds of tees: Pair one with a pretty, luxe skirt and classic heels, and your crew-neck will instantly relax into place.

Shop for graphic tees in the gallery below—and keep up with our latest outfits on our site, A Style Album.

Lou and Em, A Style Album
Contributor

Who are your style icons? 

Lou: Mira Duma 

Em: Elena Perminova

Who are your 3 favourite people to follow on Instagram?

Lou: @lizzyvdligt @thefashionguitar @oneteaspoon_

Em: @tashsefton @damselindior @jenniferfisherjewelry

What are the fashion essentials you can’t live without? 

Lou: Shoes. My current favourites are Gianvito Rossi Portofino.

Em: Jeans. Topshop, Rag & Bone and J Brand are my go-tos.

What's the beauty essential you can’t live without?

Lou: Wild About Beauty’s Lou Bronzer.

Em: Dr Frances Prenna Jones’s Formula.

What would be your desert island album?

Lou: The Definitive Collection, by Stevie Wonder.

Em: Chaos & the Calm, by James Bay.

See more of Lou and Em's fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle coverage on their site, A Style Album.