Elevate Your Look: 9 Creative Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt

woman in t-shirt, jeans, and sweater

T-shirts are a long-lived staple in the fashion industry that originated in the 1920’s, inspired by the longjohns of the 1890’s. Since then, they’ve come a long way.

Despite their casual appearance, there are endless ways to style t-shirts. If you think they’re only for sleeping in and lounging around the house, think again.

With the right accessories, even the most basic t-shirts can be adapted for almost any look, from casual to glam.

Read on for our top 9 methods on how to dress up a t-shirt.

1. Bold Jackets

If you’re experimenting with how to dress up a t-shirt, it’s surprisingly versatile when paired with a bold jacket. 

T-shirts provide an effortlessly cool vibe that allows you to wear them with almost any color and style of jacket imaginable. When you’re pairing a jacket with a T-shirt, anything goes.

Depending on what jacket you choose, you can convey a variety of styles. Bold, vintage floral patterns make you look like you’ve just stepped out of a time capsule. Neons give you the look of just stepping off the boardwalk.

T-shirts add a little extra “something” to statement jackets. Just find a style that fits you well. Try out different combinations and go with your favorites.

2. How to Dress Up a T-shirt with Accessories

A t-shirt is an effortlessly cool piece that can really make your accessories shine. The possibility of style combinations is nearly endless.

For instance, a chunky statement necklace can look ultra-chic when paired with a graphic t-shirt. It’s an unexpected, dressy touch that will turn heads wherever you go.

Or, if you pair it with a plain, solid shirt like these tees, you can go wild with colors and boldly-patterned accessories. Experiment with different color schemes to find what suits you best. After all, there are no rules in fashion as long as you wear it well.

3. High-Waisted Jeans

If you’re wondering how to dress up a t-shirt and make it vintage and sexy, try pairing it with some high-waisted jeans. A well-fitted pair that hugs your curves can amplify pretty much any t-shirt you wear it with.

When styling your outfit, try taking a loose, comfy t-shirt and tucking it into a structured pair of high-waisted jeans. This look will accentuate your waist and make you look like an hourglass. It’s an easy way to look comfortable, casual, and sexy at the same time.

4. Animal Print

Pairing a t-shirt with anything animal print can add a wild vibe to your look. Depending on how you accessorize, you can give off a cool 90’s mood or look like an absolute diva. The choice is yours.

There are a ton of possibilities out there when you’re looking for how to dress up a t-shirt with this combo. Try out a snake-print belt if you’re looking for something extra cool and unexpected. Or go with a classic leopard-print jacket for that perfect “I’m very busy” type of look.

T-shirts with animal print look incredibly cool and edgy. If you’re looking to accessorize with animal print, we say go get ’em, tiger.

5. Denim

If you’re wondering how to dress up a t-shirt, try denim.

No, we’re not referring to your basic blue jeans. We’re talking about Justin and Britney at the VMA’s. We’re talking about that double-denim look.

Wearing a denim jacket with denim jeans looks like a 2-piece suit when styled with a graphic t-shirt. It’s your casual, cool alternative to white-collar fashion.

If a denim jacket with denim jeans is too much for you, you can tone it down a bit by shopping for denim accessories. A denim wristband is a way-cool way to pull it off. Or, the right denim choker could look amazing.

Denim on denim is a nod to the 90’s that we hope never goes out of style. It’s the perfect way to dress up a t-shirt if that’s your vibe. 

6. T-shirt with a Skirt

Pairing a loose-fitting t-shirt with a skirt is the perfect combination of sexy, girly, and cool. What’s great about graphic t-shirts and plain t-shirts is that they go with pretty much everything. This gives you a ton of freedom when it comes to styling them with a skirt.

7. Leather

If you’re looking for an extra-edgy method on how to dress up a graphic T-shirt, leather is your best friend. The combination makes you look fearless and fashionable.

To take things up a notch, top this all off with a bold, red lip. The result is glamorous with a touch of bad. 

8. Shoes That Make a Statement

If you want to know how to dress up a t-shirt and make it more formal, focus on a classy yet fierce pair of statement heels. You’ll look taller, your legs will look longer, and you’re guaranteed to turn heads.

The best part is how versatile this look is: for instance, you could wear a soft t-shirt with trousers and pumps for an incredibly chic “business casual” look. Or, you could wear some strappy heels with tight jeans and a graphic tee for a glam look that’s perfect for hitting the town. 

9. Cool Shades

If you wondering how to dress up a T-shirt with one single accessory, sunglasses are where it’s at. It’s a classic look for a reason and can have you hitting the streets in style.

With this combination, you can achieve a variety of looks. A vintage pair adds a classic Audrey Hepburn-inspired edginess. If you’re wanting a classic glam vibe, go with a simple, oversized pair that says you’re a diva with places to be.

Sunglasses with a t-shirt is such a cool, effortless look. It’s the perfect, understated way to make a tee look high-fashion and Avante Garde.

One T-shirt, Endless Possibilities

If your t-shirt drawer is overflowing, we’ve got good news for you: you can do almost anything with it. There are a ton of style strategies for how to dress up a t-shirt. The key to wearing it well is pairing it well.

For more styling ideas, check out our fashion blog. 

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