I really, really like this look, though I haven’t worn it yet. I got my first graphic tee yesterday and plan to get a few more for variety. Once spring comes, this will be one of my go-to looks for casual occasions.

I love graphic tees as layers (evidence here), but actually disagree that they can’t stand alone with a classy bottom half. Not a look that works for all, but definitely a look that is fantastic on some.

I think all the girls look great in their vests! I am interested in trying this look out. I do not know how to post pictures-but found on Nordstroms a navy William Rast twill vest (#236739) and wondered if this would look good with a “graphic” tee. I am 51 and would probably wear jeans with the vest. Do you keep the vest open or buttoned up?
Thanks for the help!

i love my graphic tees and couldn’t live without them. i admit to wearing them by themselves, though, i am not “older then a typical college student,” so i think i can get away with it.

jennell, i would leave the vest unbuttoned, or only button a button or two, as not to take away from the shirt too much.

I’m finding this look easy to do with a dark denim jean jacket and black or grey pants or black cord cropped jacket and jeans but want to experiment with vests, with a white twill jacket, more dressy jackets, and Angie’s suggestion of a serious suit.
Finding the right tee is proving harder than expected. For wearing with vests I want a sleeve to the elbow. I’d also like to see what everyone is doing to accessorize this look.

I have a collection of punk/rocker/goth tshirts – they are sort of my lifeline from middle age back to when I was a young hipster. I still listen to that music. So I am delighted to find I can now wear the shirts somewhere else besides the gym. Imagine Siouxsie Sioux’s eyes peeking out from a black blazer with the sleeves pushed up, skinny jeans (still working on fitting into these) and Chucks, or Docs, or Frye Harnesses . . . genius. And hey, black nail polish is back too!

Rock on!

Shari

That look is straight up your alley, Tanya. I can’t wait to see you sport it with style. I used to wear this look a lot about four years ago but it’s slowly stopped being part of my style. I might revisit the graphic T this season. I’ll keep you posted.

Sal, I’m glad you feel comfortable voicing your opinion on YLF and I am sure that there are many people who agree with you. But we shall have to agree to disagree! I find it hard to change my mind on the T-shirt thing when my feelings are reinforced daily. I firmly believe that after a certain age, T’s are not a good look when worn on their own. Very, VERY occasionally, you’ll see an outfit on a person that is polished to the extreme (virtually couture), the T is of impeccable quality and the look is fabulous. Patience did this on our forum yesterday and she totally made it work. But this is hard to do.

Jennell, whether you wear your waistcoat buttoned or un-buttomed depends on you, the look and your body type. Both looks are good. It’s a good idea to experiment.

I’m glad you’re adopting the look, Joy. How to accessorize the vibe will make a good blog post. Thanks for the idea.

Have fun rocking those T’s this way, Shari.

I was watching House re-runs yesterday and House does this look very well, pairing his graphic tees with an impeccable suit jacket and jeans.

I would like to give this a try, but it is difficult enough to find plain, petite tee shirts that fit just right, much less ones with a graphic design that appeals to me. (insert usual “I’m too short” whine). I would like a white tee shirt with a black design, and the neckline can’t be too high. And it can’t be just any design… I would like something that has a story that is personal to me, if that makes sense. But I *am* looking, so we’ll see!

Right now I’m lounging at home in a pink tee shirt we got for free – it has a local band’s logo on it – all black pattern. It’s kind of funky and could work, but it’s an XS and yet still very baggy on me.

I am madly searching for the Obama graphic tee that Halle Berry wore awhile back. It is his face with pink and I will try to find a good pic to post here. It looks like a nice fitting tee.

If anyone knows which one i mean I would be delighted!

Hurrah! I look fab! Thanks so much for this post today. As I was reading I was wearing my new blue graphic T, a black ruched jacket, dark wash wide leg jeans & tomato red cons. I really wasn’t sure if it was working and then *poof*; I was reassured!

Debbie, was it the Shepard Fairey Hope image? Try googling on that. I think I saw these tees on sale at Urban Outfitters. I would consider any of the other Shepard Fairey images too. Love his work.

Love it- looking good ladies!

Love the look! I’ve cut up a graphic tee and made it into an artsy T ala Marcy Tilton’s pattern (Vogue), adding a bit of mesh and paint. Good for those t shirts that you just can’t bear to part with, but still love. My friend did one with an old style Mickie Mouse, awesome. Angie has got it pegged, must be worn with upscale fitted jacket or vest – so stylish.

Joy, I wore mine with pearls. I just liked the contrast of pearls and other “dressy” pieces with a T.

I don’t need to talk about how much I love this look because I think that was made pretty clear

I love this idea! I’ve actually never owned a graphic T. Like Shiny, I’m petite and have just not found many that appeal to me and fit. Add in the fact that I can’t imagine paying more than $20 for a T-shirt and I’m not sure if I’ll ever find one. For now I will admire the look on others, but if the right shirt comes around I will certainly give it a try.

I wore this look a lot two, three years ago without thinking about it. I never took off the top structured layer. I’m eager to try it again with waistcoats once the weather warms up.

Yay, the graphic T post! I love this look on guys but haven’t seen too many gals wearing it…maybe we can change that. It’s a nice way to not feel overdressed, but still put together. Does mine break the rules because I paired it with a cardi?

I can’t see me taking to this look. For one thing I am not the least like a rock chick. For another, I can not guarantee that I wouldn’t take the jacket off, thus breaking YLF rules on T shirts alone.

This is why I like this site so much. I never would have thought of pairing a graphic tee with a structured jacket, but I like it. It looks fun. I think I might try it!

Graphic T + vest + Converse = Killer Momwear. Thanks, Angie!

I’m all for this look! I wear it ( thank you, Angie!) and it really works with my stay at home mom life. It is casual enough to pick up the house in yet looks great when i’m running off to the store. It is a great look that i will wear all the time!

I’m definitely going to try this with a vest this spring and keep doing it with the pencil skirt and fancy heels. Thank you for the compliment, Angie. I got the idea straight from jcrew and originally bought the black pencil skirt specifically for this purpose. The first arty tee didn’t last long unfortunately. I think I’m going to wear the jeans, heels and a jacket version tomorrow.

I love this look. Everyone on YLF wears it so well! I also blogged today about peace themed graphic tees in a funny way.

I’m glad there are takers for this look. Our forum members did a great job of inspiring us.

Hannah Michelle, I’m sure you’ll pull off the look with a cardi. I quite like the idea of a graphic T matched with a boyfriend cardi and belt. KLauren, you always find creative ways to embellish your outfits.

Anne, I encourage you to try the look. It’s right up your alley as far as lifestyle and comfort goes. You do not need to emulate a rock chic vibe at all. Laura is spot on with her formula.

I like this look with the cropped jackets. It’s a great way to dress them down!

Actually Angie, Laura’s suggestions had indeed already got me thinking that maybe I could make this a goer. Don’t currently own any cons though! Still a bit concerned about the issue of taking off the top layer with weather fluctuations, though that may be easier with a vest than a jacket

You’ve hit the nail on the head, Ellen. Layering a graphic T under a tailored jacket is a great way to dress it down.

That’s good thinking, Anne. I’m sure you’ll make the look work.

I love a cool interesting graphic T, but beware a couple items.
a) Many graphic Ts go from cool/kitschy/funny/clever to played out and tiresome really quick. we’re talking under a fashion season here. Buy it the very first time you see it. Stop wearing it when UO has prominently displayed it 2 months in a row. (this isn’t all graphic Ts, just the c/k/f/c ones) But its a t-shirt, so besides environmental issues, a short self life is ok, assuming you’re not buying marc jacobs.

b) Speaking of marc jacobs… don’t buy high end designer Ts. ignoring the ridiculous price, as an almost absolute rule, when designers do street wear (t-shirts and sneaks – sorry kanye/LV) they copy it from street style (i.e. the innovators are the affordable brands here) and they replicate it a way that screams no cred.

I have never tried layering a tailored jacket over a graphic T shirt, so this is one look I’d like to try. It’s a great way to dress the jacket down for the weekend and more interesting than a solid T shirt.