Outfits

I Can’t Get Enough of Graphic Tees—Here’s How I’m Styling Mine This Spring

written by EMILEE JANITZ

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Source: Matilda Djerf
Source: Matilda Djerf

I remember the first article of clothing I ever bought. It was a brown, $5 Aeropostale t-shirt that featured a whimsical, pink-bubble screen print design. I was approximately 12 years old and vividly remember standing outside the storefront inside the shopping mall, branded plastic bag triumphantly held in hand. It was a truly glorious moment.

Maybe it was the fondness I held for this particular memory or my middle and high school status as “the artsy kid,” but growing up, I basically thought graphic tees were the epitome of high fashion. They were loud. They were personable. They were just plain fun. In the last 18 years, it’s (hopefully) unsurprising that my fashion sense has since evolved (the brown and pink bubble tee was donated long ago). But I’ve never shaken my general love of graphic tees. If you can relate, you’re in for a treat: Graphic tees are currently experiencing a revival.

Beyond relaxed, everyday wear, these casual tops have also been holding a strong presence across higher fashion moments as well. So don’t be shy—from concert tees, to tops sporting sassy sayings, to shirts that pay homage to your favorite locations or causes, dig ‘em out and wear ‘em proud. It’s officially the year of the graphic tee.

How to Style Your Graphic Tees in 2024

Styling graphic tees can be ridiculously simple—in other words, there’s always the old faithful graphic tee-and-denim equation. And while some days that tried-and-true combo feels comfortable and right, on others it can feel uninspired and, perhaps, just plain boring. Leaning into the graphic tee revival doesn’t have to mean limiting your creativity.

If you’d like to style your tees in a manner that’s a bit more interesting, here are eight styling ideas to get you started.

With boxer shorts and Gazelle sneakers

Between the recent popularity of both micro shorts and boxer shorts, the concept of wearing one’s underwear out in public doesn’t seem so novel these days. Striped boxers and a colorful pair of trending Adidas sneakers creates a comfortable, sporty ‘fit for warm and active spring days.

Ralph Lauren
Striped Boxers

2 colors available

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Sonoma Goods
Loose Boxer

4 colors available

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adidas
Gazelle Bold Platform Sneakers

9 colors available

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adidas
Gazelle Bold Platforms

2 colors available

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With loose jeans and a draped cardigan

As the weather warms, there’s something really comforting about a pair of loose denim. They’re practical, relaxed, and have a way of leaving you feeling empowered to tackle whatever the day throws your way. Paired with your favorite graphic tee, this outfit combo is incredibly convenient for those busy spring days full of cleaning, errands, and casual get-togethers. A cardigan is a useful laying piece worth having on hand should the temperature take a turn and—when draped over your shoulders—can really elevate an outfit. In other words: Add a cardigan to veer away from the aforementioned “boring” territory.

Old Navy
Cropped Cardigan

7 colors available

Plus-size options available

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Abercrombie
Loose Jeans

9 colors available

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With tall boots and a mini skirt

These days, I can’t see an oversized tee without immediately thinking “mini skirt” or “tennis skort.” This outfit formula is comfortable, flirty, and aggressively girly. What more could you ask for out of casual wear? Western-inspired boots tip a hat to the Cowboy Carter phenomenon.

J.Crew
Button-Up Mini Skirt

3 colors available

Plus-size options available

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Tecovas
Suede Cowgirl Boots

5 colors available

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With railroad jeans

Personally? I will always be a fan of railroad jeans. They hold a strong association with the long days and warm weather that epitomizes spring and summer. A cardigan—a seasonal necessity—in trending powder blue adds a layer that’s both visually appealing and seasonally appropriate. Gold and pearl jewelry are also always in-style this time of year and contribute femininity to the look. Finish the ‘fit with your favorite pair of sneakers or flats.

Sézane
V-Neck Cardigan

20 colors available

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Land’s End
Cable Knit Cardigan

7 colors available

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Abercrombie
’90s Relaxed Jeans

27 colors available

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J.Crew
Cargo Denim Pants

Plus size option available

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With a statement cardigan or jacket

Source: @gabbywhiten

As someone who lives in Central New York, I’ve long since learned that spring is undeniably the most unpredictable season when it comes to weather and temperature. Just this week, I experienced five inches of snow one day and a sunny 65-degrees another. Layers are essential. A statement cardigan dresses up a graphic tee and adds a visual sense of completeness. Polo sweaters and cardigans in particular are trending this season and lend themselves to a preppy aesthetic.

Anthropologie
3D Flower Cardigan

3 colors available

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MANGO
Crocheted Cardigan

2 colors available

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With a skirt and straw bag

If you’re looking to make your graphic tee outfit instantly more chic, then reach for a midi skirt with confidence. While its longer length allows the look to remain practical for everyday wear, midi skirts instantly add polish to any outfit they’re thrown into. An accompanying woven or basket bag nods to the season and will remain in style for years to come.

J.Crew
Khaki Maxi Skirt

Plus-size options available

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DISSH
Linen Skirt

4 colors available

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J.Crew
Raffia Ruffle Bag
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Target
Straw Bag
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With cropped jeans and ankle boots

Source: @liztong_

OK, I know I said jeans + graphic tees = overplayed but, truly, these styles were made for one another. It’s a comfortable, nostalgic outfit combo that many of us come back to time and time again. Come springtime, shortening the hemline of your denim is an easy way to lighten up your daily look. Finish the ensemble (and keep it interesting) with a shoulder bag and a pair of capsule wardrobe-approved ankle boots.

Madewell
Cropped Jeans

8 colors available

Plus-size options available

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Sézane
Ankle Boots

7 colors available

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With a blazer and ballet flats

There’s something really enticing about the juxtaposition of a casual graphic tee worn beneath a polished blazer. Nod to the spring season by reaching for a blazer in a trending or romantic hue and add extra finesse with a pair of cap toe ballet flats or sandals. Embrace this combo when heading into the office or when brunching with friends.

Old Nacy
Linen Breasted Blazer

3 colors available

Plus-size options available

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J.Crew
Cap Toe Ballet Flats

3 colors available

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The Best Graphic Tees of 2024

If your wardrobe is currently devoid of anything sporting screen print or embroidery, don’t fret. Brands are responding to the rising popularity of graphic tees with an abundance of options—from chic to playful. Check out some of our favorites available this season:

Abercrombie
Short-Sleeve Cherries Shirt

4 colors available

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GANNI
Martini Graphic Tee

2 colors available

Plus size option available

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Kiel James Patrick
Hydrangea Bloom T-Shirt
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Etsy | JosephandSue
Sardines Tee
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Ralph Lauren
Graphic Jersey Tee
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Hollister & Co.
Off-the-Shoulder Graphic Tee

4 colors available

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Abercrombie
Santorini Graphic Tee
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Anthropologie
Baguette Graphic Tee

Plus size option available

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Hot Topic
Daisy Jones & the Six Tee

Plus size option available

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Anthropologie
Aperol Spritz Tee
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Urban Outfitters
Distressed Bow T-Shirt

3 colors available

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Free People
Floral Screen Tee
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RAILS
Boyfriend T-Shirt

9 colors available

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EllandEmm
Mint Tennis Tee

Plus size option available

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Sézane
Pasta T-Shirt
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Sporty & RIch
Ringer Tee

2 colors available

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Amazon
Everyone Watches Women’s Sports Tee

10 colors available

Shop now