How to Dress-up a T-Shirt: 9 Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Feb 24, 2022 • 2 min read
T-shirts are a casual wardrobe staple that you can also dress up for a smart-casual look.
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What Is a T-Shirt?
A T-shirt is a basic top with short sleeves. Retailers sell different types of T-shirts with varying necklines, sleeve lengths, colors, designs, and materials. Cotton T-shirts are among the most common kinds of tees. T-shirts are a staple of casual wear, but you can wear a T-shirt under a leather jacket or drape a baggy T-shirt over pants to create fashionable looks.
5 Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt for Day Looks
T-shirt outfits can work well with business casual attire for the office or for hanging out with friends during the day:
- 1. Throw on a blazer. If you can wear a T-shirt to work, dress it up by putting a blazer over it. Tuck the shirt into your khakis or chinos, and pair with a nice pair of shoes that are workplace-appropriate.
- 2. Pair with a skirt. A T-shirt can bring a comfy but elegant look to your outfit when paired with a midi skirt or pencil skirt. Complete your outfit with flats, wedges, or ankle boots.
- 3. Wear a button-down over your T-shirt. For a smart casual look when hanging out with friends or going shopping, tuck a white T-shirt into your jeans and wear a button-down over it.
- 4. Tuck into your shorts. For the warmer months, shorts and a tee make for a sensible summer outfit. To upgrade your outfit, tuck the shirt into your shorts using a full or half tuck, exposing your belt, which can act as a fashion piece.
- 5. Play with colors and patterns. A plain white tee is an excellent addition to a denim-heavy outfit, such as jeans and a denim jacket. You can create contrast by wearing beige khakis with a colorful T-shirt.
3 Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt for Evening Looks
A T-shirt will work in many settings in a fashion-forward way for more casual nights out. Consider the following outfit ideas:
- 1. Tuck a tee into high-waisted pants. Wear a high-waisted skirt, pair of jeans, or wide-legged pants, and tuck your tee in for a trendier look. Here, you can make the T-shirt the focal point, playing with fun patterns or colors. Baggier T-shirts work better with these outfits so the fabric billows out over the beltline.
- 2. Play with a French tuck. A French tuck, or half tuck, is where you tuck in the front part of your shirt into your pants but leave the sides and back hanging out and loose. This trendy, club-ready look can dress up your nightwear with skinny jeans, chinos, or even shorts.
- 3. Wear a matching mini skirt and blazer. A matching blazer and skirt set can make for a flashy outfit. If those articles are colorful or patterned, a plain, solid-colored T-shirt underneath can bring the outfit together and create an ensemble for a night out at a cocktail bar or restaurant.
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