Attempt at Graphic T-shirt look

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I like it! The slogan and sentiment suit you

17 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Can we see the T without a jacket? I'm just curious to see how much of the shirt the graphic takes up. I kind of want to see more of it because it's so covered up right now that it looks like you don't want people to see it. The idea of it, however, is great.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Soft T-shirts, mmmm I like the sound of that;-)

I like it too Tara, but I think I would prefer some colour contrast: i.e. this black tee with your white denim jacket for example. Or this black blazer with a white tee (the William Rast one Laura posted in another thread would be great), or another colour.

By the way, I found a few black tees that might have a similar vibe as the Tanika Ray one you were talking about:
http://www.searlenyc.com/store/product1767.html
http://www.searlenyc.com/store/product1821.html
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/.....4*-1*-1*13
http://www.maxstudio.com/cgi-b.....D=48759516

17 years ago

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I like, but I have to agree with Maya, I would love to see the jacket unbuttoned, or maybe even wearing with a vest! To me, the purpose of the graphic tee is to show just enough either at the top or at the bottom to provide an interesting artistic contrast against the rest of the solids in the outfit. I think here it's almost too hidden to be appreciated.

Inge's suggestion of some color contrast might work as well. I think there are a lot of different ways you can end up using this shirt within your wardrobe!

17 years ago

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I d not have much to add other than I agree with all comments,including that it is a great look for you. Somehow the blazer seems like the wrong cut for the T although it could be as simple as unbuttoning it. A contrasting color would also help.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

Hi Tara, I am glad you have not given up on this look.

I think the long sleeve shirt under the tee shirt is adding unnecessary bulk, and and more grey. I agree with the others that the either the jacket needs to be unbuttoned, or a different style jacket or even cardigan or vest should be tried. There is something kind of masculine about this particular combination.

Also, I'm thinking that for those of us who are not in our 20's wearing this with non-denim bottoms is going to be a better look...or if it is denim, I think it should be VERY smart denim--dark washed and impecable.

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Thanks! Great suggestions, all. I appreciate the honesty and attempts at help.

I think I need more guidance to get this look right.

Nicole -you're right. It was very cold this week, so I had the grey layer underneath. The way I had it, I think it would only work for very casual Sunday - (bookstore, coffee shop, etc.) Maybe worn with Cons. I did not feel it was smart casual, but I was hoping it was kinda "rock 'n roll." But to be honest, I don't think I'm really a "rock 'n roll" kind of gal, even when I try!

I think you guys are right - there needs to be some interesting contrast. Antje nailed it with her t-shirt, which had visible graphic at the bottom. I also liked Nicole's green t-shirt - the color was nice at the bottom of her cardi. I couldn't find anything similar to those t-shirts at my mall, except for a regular solid colored t-shirt, which didn't seem to be the look I was after.

It's so funny - after a year of YLF and thinking "I have to step it up from T-shirts! No T-shirts!" now I am actively looking for a T-shirt. It feels like a trick, LOL!

Back to the drawing board!

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

Oh - and could someone tell me what kind of jacket would be better? I have mostly Ann Taylor jackets, which tend to look somewhat business-like, but I do like them with jeans. But if that's not right for this look - what kind of jacket would work? Any ideas where I could look for one?

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Do you have a leather moto jacket, or a bomber jacket? Either of those might work.

I was thinking of doing this formula: graphic T + bright-colored cardi (like cobalt or something that picks up on colors in the T) + moto jacket or fabric bomber jacket + jeans + flats.

What do you think of that idea?

17 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Not that I am the expert on this look, but when I wore mine in the YLF convention pictures, I also had a black jacket. Mine was not a business jacket though, and that really came through in the details. The sleeves and pockets were slightly gathered, there is subtle pickstitching throughout the lapel and pockets, and it's actually a super fine wale corduroy that added some texture. You can't really tell from those pictures because they're taken at a distance, but there is a lot of origami work that went into it. I'm not saying you need those EXACT details (I can't even imagine you in puff sleeves), but you might need something to kick it up from being so formal and businesslike. These are from AT and would all look nice, although I can't say for sure whether they'll work on you (I'm bad at imagining things on other people):

http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....ory=Misses

Unfortunately they are still all black or very dark, and I think the jacket needs to contrast a bit more. I also think a vest would look great (though I am biased).

Wow Inge, those tops are sweet but I can't believe how EXPENSIVE they are! $148?!

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Ooh, another thought. You could do it the way Ana did and try a white jacket, then put your black T with grey cami under it (so the cami would show at the bottom), plus jeans.

The white jacket can't be white denim though - you need something more like a twill.

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Or, since you look so good in vests, you could try a black T under a vest like this one:

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

This jacket is pretty cute and I could see a graphic T under it:

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ory=Misses

Okay I'll stop with the suggestions now

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I know Maya, that's a lot of money-(

I don't think the jacket you're wearing now, can't be paired with a graphic tee Tara. Like some of us have said: just try some more colour contrasting, maybe different bottoms, and how about adding a chunky necklace, a colourful scarf or some statement earrings?

E.g.
http://www.polyvore.com/safari/set?id=5815408
http://www.polyvore.com/wearin.....id=5000349
http://www.polyvore.com/my_new.....id=3407410

I also like graphic tees paired with dressier A-line or pencil skirts, a great denim jacket (or leather, or...) and fun jewellery. Perhaps you could try that look too?

E.g.
http://www.polyvore.com/untitled/set?id=6141432
http://www.polyvore.com/early_fall/set?id=2620174
http://www.polyvore.com/such_i.....id=4034763
http://www.polyvore.com/cest_la_vie/set?id=5625757

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Those are some great examples, Inge. The second one even features boots like Tara's tobacco boots!

I hadn't thought of JCrew (there are some major devotees of JCrew on polyvore, aren't there??) as a graphic T place, but OF COURSE it is!

17 years ago

tarzy

Veteran

God - you guys are all amazing! GREAT advice.

Color? Scary!

Inge - those Polyvores are FANTASTIC! You've given me a lot to think about. I really need visuals and those are very helpful.

I love those J. Crew t-shirts - those ones are all from past collections, but hopefully they'll come out with some new ones for the warmer weather! I'll definitely keep my eyes open for J.Crew tees. And a different jacket.

Geez - who would have thought a simple T-shirt outfit would be so hard?!

17 years ago

Alecia

Veteran

Gotta love, Inge's thorough thoughtfulness. Thank you, Inge. I always love when you do our research.

Tara, I just wanted to second the idea of color contrast. I like the style of the jacket you've got happening here. If the AT ones are styled like that, I think they could work. The issue really is the lack of contrast, from my perspective.

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such fabulous suggestions!

I understand your need to remain neutral, Tara (after all, you are a New Yorker at heart!) My suggestion would be to go for a cream or grey arty T under the black jacket. Also, what’s the look like with the jacket unbuttoned?

Consider getting a dark red handbag too – same colour as your specs. This will give your neutral preferences texture. Ever thought of a grey jacket? That way you can wear a black arty T.

17 years ago

Anonymous

Tara, your outfit looks close to fab. I like Angie's idea of sticking to neutrals with either a grey shirt or jacket. I think you can use the jacket with jeans and a graphic tee.
I hear you about Lucky tees and the cost. I actually bought a Lucky tee for $68 last fall before the whole graphic tee discussion started here. I loved it but returned it thinking I must be crazy. It is no longer on their site. *sigh*
On another note, did anyone notice what looks like a graphic tee under a very different jacket (patterned swing style) on the colver of today's Kohl's ad?
http://kohls.shoplocal.com/koh.....hls-090215
Also, several pictures in the ad had women wearing blouses or knit tops with just the front tucked into jeans or pants, the rest of the shirt bottom hanging out. Is this a trend or are they just showing the pant waistline?
http://kohls.shoplocal.com/koh.....hls-090215
I'm not sure what to think of the looks...both graphic tee with patterned jacket and front tuck.

17 years ago

Tanya

Veteran

That's a very cool tee Tarzy. You already got some great suggestions, I will agree that the look is too much black, but a grey jacket would look great, and a denim one with micro check pants too.

17 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

I'm like that too Tara, I need visuals to picture the look on myself or somebody else.

By the way, this was mentioned on another thread I believe, but I could really see you pull off a terrific suit with a graphic tee (add a funky scarf and a great bag, and you're good to go).

Also: I know it's 'colour', but have you ever considered getting a beautiful fitted red jacket or blazer? I bet you'd look stunning!

17 years ago

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