Starting out with your basics. While the simple t-shirt seems like the most obvious closet staple, worn by the most stylish fashionistas down to the guy that washes your windows at the gas station, what is so easy to pull on can be just as difficult to pull off well. A good t-shirt can be the foundation of an amazing outfit as well as stand alone on its own as the showstopper. I've chosen some from my closet and others that I hope to eventually purchase.
The Plain T
The Plain T
It is very, very hard to go astray with this one. It will match almost anything. A fresh, clean white tee adds a crisp yet casual touch to an outfit. It is also recommended to have a contrasting black one, navy blue, and a few more solid colors with varying fits and cuts. Stock up on a few v-necks, crew necks, tighter and looser fits, and varying thicknesses of fabrics. These shirts should not be costly as well, especially since lighter shirts may pick up stains over time and need to be replaced. Most major department stores sell these for around $5 - $15 and in some there is a "basics" section dedicated to them. I get them at H&M, Forever21, Target, or the clearance section.
Striped T Shirt
Turn it up a notch from the plain tee and you've got your striped tee. It adds a little nautical flare and contrast. An easy way to dress it up would be pairing it with jeans or a leather jacket. This is a fairly bold pattern, so take care to not mix it with an equally attention-grabbing piece. An old rule of fashion I was told was not to mix patterns. The new rule is not to mix loud patterns. What loud means is how eye-catching the print may be. It takes a skilled fashionista to be able to style mixed prints and make them look good and bring each other out. If you're a novice, put the two pieces of clothing next to each other in one corner of your room and step as far away as possible, still looking at both of them. It's up to you to determine if they clash or compliment each other. This one is also found in department stores in the basics section for about the same price.
College T Shirt
Whatever high school, college, university, or institution it may be from, a college tee gives off a laid-back, casual vibe. If you have a personal connection then it could be a great conversation starter as well. I have no relation to Indiana State University but I liked the lettering and the graphic. The bigger name athletic schools can be found for a good price in a sports retailer or fan website. I have been able to snag a few of these for free as promotional items.
Graphic T Shirt
A shirt or two of your choice of color and some kind of interesting picture and design. While it seems like you can never have enough of these, it's easy to stock up on them and wear them all the time. Its ok to bust one of these out once in a while, but repeated wear looks like you're not really trying to look put together. I recommend saving a graphic tee for a lazy day or when you absolutely feel like you have nothing to wear. Avoid cheesy, lame, or inappropriate words or images because how you dress speaks volumes about yourself. For example, the finger pointer that says "I'm with stupid" or "#swag" are definite no's. Pick something that reflects yourself in a positive way.
Allover Print
In addition to graphic tees, a shirt in a print of your choice where the image is not confined to one small area. I don't see too many of these, so it's an interesting piece to liven things up. Once again, two or three max and avoid wearing them in succession. Both of these shirts have the print on the front and the back, so it stands out from all angles. I found these two on Aliexpress.com,
the rainbow mosaic triangles, and Belovedshirts.com, the galaxy print. On Aliexpress the price is better but the designs are more limited and shipping can take a while since their products come from Asia. Beloved shirts is more expensive but there is an option to customize it with your own pattern.
Different Fabrics
You can further diversify your wardrobe by adding shirts with fabrics beyond the standard cotton or poly blend. This one has a simple silhouette featuring an elegant chiffon panel over a satin body. It is very versatile as it can be dressed up or dressed down to make it occasion appropriate. It's by Mango and you can get it at JCPenney for $27.99 while it lasts.
These were just a few suggestions to help you start a solid, versatile wardrobe collection. Have enough basics to fall back on, a few interesting graphic tees for lazy days, and some fancier takes for a more polished look. Ribbons, ruffles, lace, and stitched panels can dress up a simple t shirt and add personal style for a more appealing look.
Thanks for reading, and if you have any thoughts or questions don't forget to leave a comment!
