Joy - I'm glad I'm not the only one struggling with this!

I do think that some of those tops you show look more like a printed top than a graphic or artsy t-shirt. To me, a graphic t-shirt is very casual, and maybe a bit too young for us? I certainly felt a lot of the ones I tried on were wrong for me. I might feel comfortable wearing the look for a very casual weekend (coffee shop, bookstore) but not for every day.

The printed tops you show are very nice. I think I would be very comfortable wearing one of those under a structured blazer. So yes, I do think it's a slightly different look, but I also think it's a nice look and maybe more appropriate for us older ladies.

I don't know if it's a question of age or just style. I felt more excited to try on that Ralph Lauren vest I found than I did to try on a t-shirt with a saying on it. I felt more sophisticated and stylish and "fab" in the vest. I did find a graphic t-shirt that I think accomplished the look, and sure, I did feel like I was wearing a "current" style, but I'm not sure it's "me."

I know you love the Sweet Pea tops, and the tops you posted are a bit similar. Some of the Reba ones are really nice and fun. (I had no idea she even had a clothing line!) I could absolutely see one of those under a blazer. I don't think it would be exactly the look, but I think it's a really nice look. Does any of that make sense?

Tara, thank you for your response. I meant to comment on your thread about the vest. I think you should buy the vest. You feel fab in it and will wear it often. I don't often pay full price for something unless it's pretty inexpensive anyway, but when I have bought something I really love at full price I have not been sorry. Sometimes it also means I get in on a flattering trend at the beginning.
I think Angie is trying to teach us that a few pieces that are fab are better than a closet full of just ok. You can wear your vest with plain tees or knitted tops as well as shirts and blouses, not just graphic tees. As a signature look that's fab on you, it won't go out of style.
I'm having some of the same difficulties with the biker jacket (see my response to today's blog). I'm now wishing I'd brought it home to try on for husband and friends, although they would probably prefer a different style. My body goes with the jacket, but I don't feel my face wrinkles and grey hair do. I need to be convinced it looks fab so I can sport the look with confidence....or not.
I'm looking forward to honest opinions of the "tees" I posted and would love to know what tees Angie put on her older clients.

Opinions will probably differ on this, but for me the 'classic' graphic tee has a 'plain' background with a print on part of the fabric, as opposed to most of the examples you linked to, they have a print all over.
But of course there are no set rules. It's a matter of making this look work for you, and if that means using a different kind of tee or top, then go for it!-)

I think it's these particular colours and prints that don't really appeal to me, but that's a matter of taste, of course.
But this one, e.g., could definitely be used for the graphic tee look:
http://www.dillards.com/webapp.....R=02646527

Tara, you're right of course, a graphic tee is casual. I think you have to find a way to 'dress it up'. Structured blazer and dark-wash jeans, dressy skirt + denim or leather jacket...
What did you think of the outfit Steffie posted today? I love that!

And Joy, what do you think of these? To me, they have a more modern feel to them than the ones from Dillards:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....67&P=2

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....67&P=2

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....67&P=3

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....67&P=1

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../13853.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/AST/Brows...../14457.jsp

I completely agree about having just a few FAB pieces, rather than a closet of so-so. That's what I'm trying to get to. It's hard though, because I think I can talk myself into things easily, LOL.

I do feel that vests in general are going to be an essential item for me. They give me the structure of a jacket, which I prefer to a cardigan, but will allow me to be cool in the summer because I can pop a tissue thin t-shirt underneath. I also think they fit perfectly with my Annie Hall vibe. I know it's not for everyone, but I'm really enjoying discovering my own individual style! I think that vest at Macy's is something I need to have - but at a lower price - and I fully intend to stalk it!

I wish you had posted a picture of the biker jacket! It's so hard to know without actually seeing it on you. I do understand shyness about posting, however.

I think you should start a specific biker jacket thread because I had some questions about the style too!

Inge, what you say makes sense about the patterns. I did find the second shirt I brought home to try: http://www.dillards.com/webapp.....R=02866574
The photos don't really show the print very well, but it looks more like something printed on a tee instead of an all-over design. The first one (London scene) I thought was that way, but is probably too old looking.
You posted some great shirts. I'm still hoping to find something in 3/4 sleeves and I need a neckline that comes close to the neck, so no big scoops or V's.
I'll keep looking. My other specifications are that they be long enough for pants and go with dark denim and black or white pants. There are several black and white designs I've seen, but I'd love to find something with coral or aqua or royal blue.
Tara, your plan sounds like a good one. Macy's is always having sales. I'm planning the same thing for my vest this summer, except that I will probably need longer sleeves. We'll see what my upper arms look like by then. Besides crinkly, one has a bad dog injury that's taking a long time to heal and is swollen and black and blue.
I couldn't find the biker jacket on line or I would have posted it for Jean. It had gold hardwear and was 70% off, making it about $70 now. It's not me that's shy about posting photos but a husband who wonders what on earth his wife is up to after being diligent with preteens and teens posting anything personal on-line. I hope that makes sense. I may yet convince him I need the opinion of 'strangers' because that would really help me make some style decisions.

Inge - I loved the outfit that Steffie posted. She looked amazing. I liked that her t-shirt was white with a simple graphic - very subtle. I need to play around with this and figure out how to get that, but for my body (shorter, heavier.)

For some time I've had in my mind an outfit I've been trying to achieve - very similar to what Steffie posted - a sort of Annie Hall look, with black drapy pants, a casual (probably white) t-shirt, a black structured jacket, and sneakers. But so far I just can't get it right. I need some kind of heel when I wear most pants, otherwise I look squat (and my thighs look huge.) But this look needs a casual shoe I think. So I'm still trying to figure out how to make it work for me. (I probably need some amazing $500 pants that drape just so. And ... that's not going to happen.) But I do think a graphic t-shirt would be great for this imaginary outfit I have in mind!

Joy, I suspect once you pop a layering piece over one of these tops, it would have the same effect. These tops remind me of a tee I got my DD three years back... it was beautiful. She grew out of it and recently gave it away. Wish I still had it, I would give it a try.

I'm also having trouble with this whole trend. I never liked how I looked in tee shirts to begin with. I was so happy when Gap started making petite tee shirts, which actually fit me! Otherwise, I have traumatic memories of being required to wear ultra baggy logo tees (sometimes the dreaded polo, no less!) to man trade show booths throughout my career.

Other than cheap ugly tees I sleep in, I have just that one graphic tee - Elie Tahari and it's petite. It has metallic on a gray tee. The tee is nice and soft, and has a v neck which is also not too low. But it is too dark with a black jacket over it.

I did go into my kids' drawers today and tried on some of their tees. They have quite the collection, my DD16's sense of humor is hysterical. But, they were either too big and baggy (esp around the sleeves) or too tight and built for a more junior shape.

I don't think I'm going to exhaust myself trying to fit in with this trend. I will probably hop over to forever 21 and try on some of their tees, but I'm not going to knock myself out trying to make this work. If it happens, it happens!

Although my DH did offer to take me over to this little pop-art boutique here - in "student ghetto" area of the city - to see what they have. They may have some fun, unique "slacker" tees (as he calls these).

Tarzy - get the vest! It sounds like you really want it. So you should get it. Disregard what I said before: what's more important is that in your heart you know this vest is right. So you will regret if you don't scoop it up while you still can!!

Joy - as for the moto jacket, if it fits you that well, I suspect you will totally rock it, regardless of your age!!

As for the posting of pics when you warned your preteens and teens not to... that's an easy one for me: I tell my kids that there's a BIG difference between what adults do and what teens do. The same rules do NOT apply.

Tarzy - I can definetly see you in the graphic tee look, so I hope you don't give up on it quite yet. You have such wonderful layering pieces to really make this work.

Joy - you made me laugh! I imagined your kids looking at you with stern faces.

"Now Mom, you have to be careful what you post online. These photos can haunt you for the rest of your life. You don't want to blow your chances at being accepted into AARP."

You know, if you guys like some sheen, glitz or sparkle to your tees, you should check out Armani Exchange. All their tees had some kind sparkly embellishment.

LOL. Tara! That's exactly what my kids would do.
I'm going to see if the biker jacket is still there and get it if it is. The brown is a bit softer than black would be, although I already have a brown leather Pendleton jacket about the same color but much more boxy.
The tiger top is going to be a keeper and the city scene is going back. I've felt good about the graphic tee look with a couple of cheap Target junior tees and want to carefully expand my collection.
As for glitz and sparkle on tees...it's great done right, but on my age can look like a bluehair-gone-brassy-blonde that escaped from a Florida retirement village.

I'm with Shiny -- I'm not so sure the graphic tee is a look I want to actively seek out, but if I see a shirt that works I might pick it up. I did like many of the Reba printed tops you posted, Joy, and I don't think they'd be a bad look under a jacket or cami, etc -- much like the way we're supposed to wear graphic tees.