As the fall season is fast approaching, you may consider a t-shirt as the layering piece to add a modern aesthetic to your look.
A t-shirt is the staple piece for casual, low-key wear from the gym to the beach and street style. But lately, it has become the key piece for layering tailored garments like a suit or blazer.
Master the art of layering a t-shirt like a stylist with a few tricks and styling tips.
Styling tips
Find the perfect fit
- Choose a classic cut with well-fitted shoulders and seams that line up with the ends of your shoulders. So it’s not too tight around your chest and waist.
- The length of the tee should be long enough without exposing your midsection when raising your hands.
- A well-fitted t-shirt should drape over your chest and follow the line of your torso.
Choose high-quality fabric
- The higher the fabric quality, the longer will last and hold the color and shape of the t-shirt.
- Look for soft, breathable, and less likely to wrinkle materials such as linen blends, merino, jersey, and stretchy fabric like lycra or spandex.
- Do not choose synthetic fabric except for sporty activities.
- Do not choose an ultrathin or lightweight fabric because it may look like an undershirt instead of a t-shirt garment.
Pay attention to the neckline.
- A double-stitched neckline, especially if it’s white, makes the t-shirt look higher quality.
- Crewnecks flatter almost all body types and are the best choice for women with a thinner frame.
- V-necks give the illusion of height and balance a short torso or neck.
- Stay away from t-shirts with logos or graphics and choose solid colors like grey, navy, black, or white.
5 ways to dress up and layer a t-shirt
Wear it with a colorful bottom
- Wear the basic tee with playful print pants or skirts, and try the full tuck for a streamlined silhouette.
- Dress up with a blazer and pointed pumps.
Polished workwear
- Dress up a tee with forever classic tailored pieces.
- Choose a white crisp crewneck t-shirt and tuck it into pants or a skirt.
- Chinch a belt around the waist to add texture and personal touch.
Layer up
- Layer long sleeves under a slightly oversized t-shirt, play with textures and patterns, and add colors with accessories.
Update the classic
- Update the classic jeans and tee combo with a smart blazer.
- Bring a distinctive allure layering a crewneck tee under a v-neck vest for an interesting neckline.
Suit up
- A suit and a t-shirt is the modern approach to business attire.
- Keep your look cohesive and polished by tucking in the t-shirt and a splash of color with a bright handbag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear a t-shirt with a suit?
Yes, a suit and a t-shirt is the modern approach to business attire. Keep the look cohesive and polished by tucking in the t-shirt, and add a splash of color with a bright handbag.
How should a t-shirt fit to look elevated?
Choose a classic cut with seams that line up with the ends of your shoulders, not too tight around the chest and waist. It should be long enough not to expose your midsection when you raise your hands, and it should drape over your chest and follow the line of your torso.
What t-shirt fabric should I look for?
Higher quality fabric lasts longer and holds its color and shape, so look for soft, breathable materials like linen blends, merino, jersey, or fabrics with a little stretch. Avoid synthetics except for sport, and skip ultrathin fabrics that can make the tee look like an undershirt.
Which t-shirt neckline is most flattering?
Crewnecks flatter almost all body types and are the best choice for women with a thinner frame, while v-necks give the illusion of height and balance a short torso or neck. Stay away from logos and graphics and choose solid colors like grey, navy, black, or white.
How do I dress up a plain white tee for the office?
Choose a crisp white crewneck and tuck it into tailored pants or a skirt, then cinch a belt around the waist for texture and a personal touch. You can also add a smart blazer and pointed pumps to take the look firmly into polished workwear territory.