A Graphic Tee

It all started with a trip to Mardens. If you’re not from Maine, Mardens is a discount store that sells merchandise that higher-end stores couldn’t. They get a lot of stuff from JCrew, Madewell, Macy’s, etc. I was probably 13, and my mom had taken my sister and I on our monthly trip to Mardens. It can be hit or miss. Sometimes you walk out with nothing and sometimes, you hit the jackpot. This was a jackpot trip. I left that day with three pairs of platform Chinese Laundry sandals, a prom dress and two graphic tees. For the next ten years, I lived in those tees.

Like a denim jacket, graphic tees never go out of style. The key is to find one (or several) that have the right graphic. For example, I love(d) Tupac, so my red Tupac, All Eyez on Me sweatshirt let’s everyone know my music taste. Gangster rap… All the way. Just keep it true to yourself. I asked a nine year old girl the other day, “Have you even watched Friends”? She looked at me funny and said, “what’s Friends?” I pointed to her tee shirt and she just shugged her shoulders. She gets a pass because she’s nine, but please DO at least know what your graphic tee stands for.

Graphic tees have come a long way over the years. Forever they were pretty limited to your ex-boyfriend’s oversized band tee that you stole in high school, but now they come in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. The question is, which graphic tee is right for me? It’s just like any other pieces of clothing. Consider the silhouette. If you want to conceal your tummy, opt for a style that isn’t going to hug your waist. More of an hourglass? Find specifically a women’s cut that follows your shape.

Okay, so you know the message is important. You know the shape is important. I would also recommend considering the color. Know your pallet (what colors look good on you) and stick to that. If you’re a cool winter and you buy a brown graphic tee, you’ll probably end up never wearing it, because it’s just not going to go with anything else in your closet. A safe bet for almost everyone is a white graphic tee. Maybe you prefer a v-neck? Oh, and you have a thing for owls? CUTE! I’m sure a white, v-neck tee with an owl saying something silly is a couple clicks away.

Keep your graphic tee personal. Compliment your shape and pallet. And don’t be afraid to pair it with almost anything. Last tip… I follow a Fashion Blogger that wears graphic tees religiously, she cuts the sleeves off most of them so that when she layers a denim jacket or a blazer on top, there’s no bulk in the arms. Smart.

My graphic tee and cowgirl boots are Target, my skirt is Urban Outfitters.