The T-shirt, as simple as it sounds, is a powerful, fashionable, stand-alone but simple garment that can be worn anywhere, from the gym to the red carpet. Since the mid-50s it has been a symbol of rebellious views and lifestyle and now it’s an essential garment worn around the globe.

This comparatively young garment (as it evolved from undergarments used in the 19th century) doesn’t have a gender and is universally appreciated by everyone on Planet Earth for comfort and simplicity, yet it remains a mystery how a simple and ever-present garment could transform the fashion world, create its own industry in garment decorating and change the way messages are shared.

A Wardrobe Staple

The T-shirt as we know it today is definitely the wardrobe’s staple. It’s available in many different designs and fabrics, can be made with crew or V-neck. Initially, a cheap simple T-shirt now can cost you a fortune, given almost all luxury brands have incorporated a ‘tee’ into their collections. But as a stylist, I believe that you don’t need to spend a lot to look stylish. You can just be a bit more creative and make maximum use out of your basic T-shirt!

There are millions of ways to stand out from the crowd with your Tee: you can combine it with other garments or wear the Tee-solo where the T-shirt is the main character. So, if you’re keen to get as much wear as possible out of your favourite T-shirt, these 10 styling tricks could be just what you need!

The T-Shirt – 10 Tips on How to Be Creative with it

1. Tuck in n’ go!

This has been the most traditional way of wearing a T-shirt from the time it was an undergarment. Just pick your favourite Tee, tuck it into your high-waisted jeans or pants, add some accessories of your choice and you’re all set to go!

Depending on the shoes and the bag you wear, you can experiment with styles: with sneakers or chunky trainers and a cross body bag you’ll get a sporty casual look. But if you are all about classic elegance, then go for strappy sandals or mules as many street-stylers do.

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2. A glamorous twist

If you like to wear dresses and skirts and your wardrobe is a cosy home for glamorous silky items, then it’s your time to shine! Just combine your Tee with a classy silk midi or maxi skirt, pair them with heels or sneakers and you’ll be recognized as a person who loves to mix styles and experiment with your own image. To add a bit of freshness and energy, simply tie a knot on the T-shirt’s bottom and don’t forget to share a picture of that look with your IG followers 😉

3. An endless summer

Have you ever had a lovely sundress that you could wear only a few times as summer wasn’t really warm enough and for the rest of the year it’s just hanging sadly in your wardrobe dreaming of summer to come? I’ve been there, but good news – we can make use of everything in our wardrobe no matter the weather! That’s a trend and an absolutely beautiful combination – a T-shirt underneath a sundress. Moreover, it can be a casual dress with shoulder straps or fancy sequins or a velvet cocktail dress – all looks are bold and comfortable with a romantic and feminine twist for the modern lady.

4. Suit it up!

If you love to feel like the boss, then the suit is for you! But that doesn’t mean you have to tie yourself up in uncomfortable fitted jacket and trousers. More comfortable and relaxed business casual or creative business styles would be the right choice. Fashion icons nowadays would suggest pairing your plain or graphic T-shirt with a comfortable set of jacket & trousers made of fabrics of your choice and any possible colour to highlight your feminine features and show your girl-power to the world!

5. Less is more!

The simplest way to wear the T-shirt can be the most creative at the same time! The key is to have a funky T-shirt and stylish accessories to complete the look. Just leave it loose on the top of your skirt, jeans or shorts and your fashionable look will be noticed!

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6. Great together

This styling trick is famous amongst men but successfully adopted by ladies. The way of combining these two independent garments is rather traditional when the T-shirt is served as an undershirt and is shown when the owner wishes to cool down and can unfasten the shirt to let air in. But nowadays we use this layering trick to make a unique and appealing look. By experimenting with shirts and blouses of different fabrics and styles you can create totally different looks as a result.

7. Classic layering

We all remember characters of “The Big Bang Theory” wearing short-sleeved T-shirts of a contrasting colour over a long-sleeved T-shirt. Early 2000 was the time layering was massively popular, and we can still see street-stylers and even celebrities practising this classy yet contemporary combination.

8. Rocking casually

Today’s hit – leather shorts or Bermudas perfectly paired with softness and the clarity of a basic T-shirt. The contrast of materials makes this look work! You could increase the intensity if you put on a leather jacket or blazer, otherwise, a neutral soft trench coat will be a perfect match. And never forget about accessories, they make the final touch of your look 😉

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9. Sporty look

One of the easiest ways to stay trendy and enjoy your forever T-shirt is to play with the hem: you can tie a knot above the waistline or crop it or simply tuck into the bralette and show off your midriff proudly. This look best suits active ladies that like to implement a sport-style into daily outfits.

10. You deserve to shine!

Guess how an oversized T-shirt borrowed from your brother/father/husband/boyfriend can be the most feminine item? The answer is only one word: a corset! Highlight your waist with any type of corset the way celebrities do and get into the spotlight straight away!

So, as we see, even a humble T-shirt can play a major role in how you experiment with your own style! You have an opportunity to be your own artist with the T-shirt as your canvas to create your own masterpiece!

About the author

Ekaterina Pogodina is a Fashion Stylist and Designer, Dubai, UAE. Ekaterina is passionate about fashion and loves being a personal stylist and fashion consultant. She finds excitement in finding people feel happier through what they wear and how they look.

Ekaterina was born and raised in Russia and now is exploring and enjoying life in the Middle East! She loves to dance and is inspired by all things artistic for new projects.

You can find Ekaterina on Instagram at @pogodina.cat