Can we talk about Graphic Tees? - YouLookFab Forum

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Can we talk about Graphic Tees?

Cilleena

Veteran

Angie features graphic tees in several of her MOTG formulas. As our "Fashion Leader" and with her extensive experience in the fashion field, I have a great respect for her opinion. Sometimes things are hard for me to understand. For example, I have steered away from graphic tees in favor of solid tees for a long time. As a MOTG with a casual and sometimes messy lifestyle, tees just work best a lot of the time. So, I can see the appeal of a cute, graphic tee with a cardigan or jacket over it. However, I don't know what graphics are suitable for me at 40 years old.
I had several, what I thought are cute, graphic tees in my cart and decided to drop them after all because I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the idea of the impression I'm giving with a "quirky saying" or image on my shirt. Solids or a striped tee just seems more mature to me. It's kind of like the converse shoe debate in my head. I think they are adorable, but I'm not sure they are appropriate on me in my environment. I can see a funky, urban, fashionable lady like many of our YLFers at any age looking adorable in them, but I'm not sure I'm one of them, no matter how much I want to be....but this post is about the graphic tees...what do you say? Appropriate for a MOTG or not? Let's vote on this one too...since it's so fun to do. If you vote Yay, can you elaborate on what type of graphic tee is ok, or if they all are...well, except for the obviously tacky one.
Here is one that I had in my cart...appropriate?http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=824733062 I'm a southerner living in the north and it just appeals to me since it's a school that I love from my home state.

Dressing

32 replies

Latest reply was from Janet

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I've been struggling with this as well. I have a vintage ziggy stardust tshirt but I haven't been able to figure out a way to wear it in a way that makes sense for my body.
I have cardi's in every shape and size (although mostly black). I feel like one of them just has to work, but it hasn't yet! I would love some suggestions for how to style this outfit too.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I'm going to refrain from voting yet, but I want to throw out there that not all graphic tees are created equal.

There are arty graphic tees.. like the ones Maya is modeling in this blog post

http://youlookfab.com/2009/02/.....manhattan/

and there are "theme" graphic tees like the one you linked to as well as the beatles tee shown in this blogpost
http://youlookfab.com/2009/10/.....-outfit-1/

I don't think one is more "right" than the other, but they do send different vibes. My guess is that more of us in the over 30 crowd are more comfortable in the more subdued "arty" tees than the theme tees that advertise schools, bands, cartoons, holidays, etc.

Elly

Veteran

There are graphic tees and then there are message t's. Graphic t's can be beautiful with an abstract design or something. "My boi is so hot" in text-speak or a cartoon monkey is much, much harder to pull off. I think the recent consensus on message t's (with sayings on them) is that they are out for everyone but kiddos and preteens.

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img.....3912109000

Anonymous

After reading Angie's blog about graphic tees and noting how members wore the look, I searched for the right one. As an older woman, I think they look best with a jacket, need to be long enough for pants, and be somewhat fitted. It's also a casual look to me, and that may be why you struggle with it (if you prefer to be dressy). I've yet to find a real tee that works for me, but I've liked graphic tops made of nylon knit or even the dreaded polyester. My favorite is a Japanese print made in Italy that I found at a consignment shop. It's a tee shirt shape of knit nylon. I also like designs of city scapes or buildings. I like Peter Nygaard tops at Dillards to use as graphic tees and look for designs that don't look repeated when worn under a jacket:
http://www.dillards.com/webapp.....R=03366025
http://www.dillards.com/webapp.....alogId=301
http://www.dillards.com/webapp.....alogId=301

You may also want to pay attention to crew vs scoop vs V neck.

lynne

Veteran

modgrl, I can help you with your dilemma. Just send me the ziggy t. I am a huge David Bowie fan ; )

crwilson

Veteran

I like graphic tees, but for me, I don't want anything with any sort of writing (which I would consider a message tee anyway). I vacillate between liking and disliking discernible images. I feel safer in more abstract patterns that aren't one set thing (i.e. avoiding butterflies and such). There's something whimsical about certain images that I like, though, and I haven't decided yet if I'm too old for that look.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I think it is a matter of matching your personality to your graphic tee. I wear concert tees and baseball tees, and (I think) it works out because I'm something of a tomboy at heart. If you are a very classic dresser with a more serious personality, you could try graphics of paintings or musicians you like.

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Diana

Veteran

I agree that there is a big difference between arty graphic tees and theme ones. Personally I wear the arty type but not generally the theme ones (I do have a couple but they are for super casual days). I am in my early 30s (not a mom though) and my style is arty and a little urban, if that helps.

I think the big thing with graphic tees (as with plain ones) is finding one that fits properly! For me, that means no crew neck, no boxy fit, long enough so I can wear over jeans without showing skin - unfortunately a whole lot of tees fall into the unflattering category!

DanaLynn

Cilleena, I know exactly what you mean. I'm not a MOTG but I do work from home and tend towards the casual. I have always struggled with graphic tees and can't bring myself to wear message tees- they seem far too young for me. I too stick to stripes and solids a lot. I think my biggest problem is that I have a hard time finding designs I like.

The one you selected, for Duke, I would wear without a second though. I would support schools or teams that I have some connection with. I think for me the key is feeling put together. I would probably throw on a cardigan or scarf depending on the weather and definitely have nice denim, handbag and shoes.

Rae- I love that tee of Monet's garden! Where did you find it? I would wear that one in a heart beat. it would look great with a cardi or scarf.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I don't group tees with a saying or word on the front (or team tees) into the same category at all. I think the graphic tees that work best are more of an abstract design.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I am on the "don't care if it's tacky" side of this one! I just bought a message tee at my half marathon because it made me smile. In my defense, I also considered that it would do double duty as a layer tee with the light tissue weight burnout material
But I agree that a graphic tee is separate from a message. Here is a graphic tee I struggled over whether to purchase a few months back (first one after joining YLF) and am so glad I did! It adds interest to a casual look but is still as easy as throwing on any plain tee.

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Cilleena

Veteran

The main reason I am looking for graphic tees is because they DO add a bit of visual interest over a plain tee. Plus, they are usually pretty durable and if they get mud on them or some other stain, I don't care so much. I was actually excited to see Angie's post about graphic tees because I would like to wear them...just a matter of finding the right one. Also, I agree that it has to be a scoopneck or v neck with a closer to the body style. I figure even with somewhat less grown up designs, you won't notice it so much if I have a cardi or jacket over it.

Steph

Veteran

I think that if you're going for a graphic tee or message tee that is something other than an abstract print, it has to say something about you/to you. So the one you posted--if you went to Duke, I think it's great to wear. If you didn't, though, it just makes no sense to me. What I dislike is if someone is wearing a tee-shirt with, say, Cookie Monster on it, but it turns out that they don't even like Sesame Street. What's the point?

Personally, I wear all sorts of graphic tees. I have one each for my baseball and hockey teams, I have a few that might be construed as message tees (one has an illustration of a cute cartoon chick and says "Love Me, Don't Eat Me," another has a different cartoon chick and says "Veggie Chick" on it), and several of actual characters I love (Little Miss Stubborn, Little Miss Bossy, and Little Miss Chatterbox from the Little Miss and Mr. Men series, for example). Some might think of these as too casual or juvenile, but they all say something about me so I love wearing them, and I think they work for my casual weekend style.

But if you personally don't feel comfortable in something like that and prefer to stick with stripes or solids, that's totally fine as well. It's so hard to pull something off when you feel awkward in it.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Steph, I think part of the point of the message tee is to express yourself. Kind of like bumper stickers for your body ha ha. And I think most of us do it with tongue in cheek. Some people find it juvenile but I'm with you and find them enjoyable in a corny way and/or illustrative of what that person is about. Mine say 'Got Wine?' - which I'm all about! - and '13.1 miles because I'm only half crazy' - bought at my race. They express me and make me smile but I know they're not loved by all fashion wise.

Cilleena

Veteran

Steph, I have to disagree. I would be wearing the Duke tee just to show my support of a school that I think is great. Just like people wear tees of sports teams they like all the time, but didn't necessarily go there or play on the team.

MsMary

Veteran

I'll wear a graphic tee (I LOVE the third one in Rae's post above) but for me, message tees are strictly for the gym. I'll wear team wear outside the gym, only if I am actually attending a game or watching it on TV.

Lisa

Veteran

I like graphic tees with a print, I prefer when there are animals or insects or flowers on them, versus one's with words or abstract prints. For me, the more words on them, the more "for my kid sister" I think the t-shirt is.

RandomThoughts (Andrea)

Veteran

I wear graphic tees all the time. I'm leaning into 41 and am on board with Mo: I don't really care if some folks might consider my tee tacky or juvenile if _I_ like it. I don't like to over think things like that. Obviously if I am going to wear a tee to work it has to be in good taste (my clients need to trust me, believe I am professional, competent and knowledgeable but it is a casual/dirt-full job) and as I get older I'm just not as attracted to message tees (except my "Kiss me I'm Irish" one) but I still wear some silly ones, for instance my Scooby Do shirt, because it makes me laugh.

I think that's the trick: are you comfortable wearing it? If the answer is no, then don't.

FWIW, I like the tees on Threadless.com - there is a large variety of style and fit.

Steph

Veteran

Cileena, I should have added that as an option as well--if you like the team. My general point was just that the shirt itself should mean something/say something to you. Of course, if you do wear the Duke tee-shirt, I'm sure a lot of people will ask you if you attended Duke, or will assume you did. But if that doesn't bother you, go for it. I just meant that it wouldn't make sense to wear a shirt that said Duke if you didn't actually *care* about Duke in any way.

Mo, I think we would have a good time walking around in our tee-shirts together.

Cilleena

Veteran

You're right, Steph. I didn't think about that. I don't know that I want to have to explain that I'm just a fan.

Anonymous

I saw an older woman wearing this tee today:
http://www.zazzle.com/leavenwo.....2806864563
It's all in the attitude as to pulling it off. I did wonder what her connection with the prison is. She was wearing jeans, a leather jacket and boots.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I agree not all graphic tees are created equally. I can't take anything from Juicy Couture or Ed Hardy. Cileena I am interpreting your question to imply shirts made from makers like these, so I am voting "nay." But I can see I'm alone!

A *printed* tee with graphic design element on it is different, IMO. I would still consider those.

Inge

(website)

Hi Cileena,

I don't think 40 is too old at all to wear a graphic T (perhaps maybe the ones with tacky slogans;-), I think one can pull them off at any age, depending a bit on how you wear them. Paired with a cardi, jacket (knit, pleather, leather, moto style...), blazer etc. Add a brooch or a fun necklace and it's already a different look.

I love art, film, music, literature, language, fonts, travel etc., so I'd personally start looking in that direction, but I'm not convinced the T-shirt needs to be about something that interests you per se. To me the actual design, colours (most graphic tees have a white, cream of black background, I'd love to find one in a brighter colour), fabric (soft but substantial fabric tees are not so easy to find) and the 'placement' of the 'illustration' are the most important factors.

E.g. I'm not a huge fan of the Beatles but I really love that Beatles tee, because the design is so strong, the red really pops out and the 'illustration' is on the upper part of the tee (usually they're more in the middle and then they're for the most part obscured by the jacket or cardi you are wearing, which doesn't work as well in my opinion).

I also agree that it's harder to find graphic tees with V-necks than crewnecks.

Here are some more (Express has quite a large selection of V-neck tees at the moment).

I hope we'll see you sporting some fun tees soon, Cileena!

P.S. J. Crew usually has a few good ones each year, but nothing much caught my attention on the website.

Inge

(website)

http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....pe=Regular

I forgot to say: I also love colour-block prints and abstract patterns, not graphic tees in the strictest sense of the word, but worth considering too...
http://www.anntaylor.com/catal.....pe=Regular

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../37788.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../39558.jsp

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....6spc%3D193

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....6spc%3D193

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/.....6spc%3D193

http://www.express.com/graphic.....8;bypass=Y

Inge

(website)

http://www.express.com/graphic.....038;Mppg=0

http://www.bluefly.com/French-.....detail.fly

http://www.bluefly.com/Diesel-.....detail.fly

http://www.nyandcompany.com/ny.....Acat350010

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....ngPriority

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com.....ngPriority

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStor.....-_-Primary

Adore this one, but so expensive-((
http://www.asos.com/Prod/pgepr.....38;mk=VOID

http://www1.yoox.com/item/YOOX.....sr_women80

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45.....rt%2Fwomen

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59.....rt%2Fwomen

Because I'm still thinking of Jasmine
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68.....hildrens-t

http://www.etsy.com/listing/59.....rt%2Fwomen

http://www1.yoox.com/item/YOOX.....sr_women80

http://www1.yoox.com/item/YOOX.....sr_women80

http://www1.yoox.com/item/YOOX.....sr_women80

http://www1.yoox.com/item/YOOX.....sr_women80

Zoe B.

I just jumped on the graphic T wagon a few days ago with a The Who band t-shirt and it felt great. I think you're on the right track looking for something that has personal meaning to you. If you're looking for something with a connection to your home state, you can find a shirt with the mage of the state animal, for example--it doesn't have to be the exact logo the state uses, it can be a modern and graphic interpretation of it... just a jumping off point. Sorry I don't have any specific T links, I just wanted to encourage you to keep looking because I think it's a refreshing thing once you find the right one(s).

Cilleena

Veteran

Thanks Inge! I like a lot of those tees! The one of the child with the umbrella is so endearing. I'll keep looking for the right graphic tees that suit my personality. I'm determined to not setttle for all plain colored tees anymore!

Patty

Veteran

YAY but I think it's a comfort level thing--is the t a message feeling.
When I was wearing lots of t's (before having kids) they were usually the men's boxy variety and kinda hated the look on me but I could do my dirty jobs in them without fear. I didn't really know any better until I stopped wearing t's then I rediscovered the more fitted shapes, choice of collars, better sleeve styles and varied lengths. I have a few of those-gothic revival open source graphics designs I see as embellishment and my fave is a dark military green "Make Art Not War" from Zellers of all places (Canadian department store) is graphic but message-y. I won't go back to the old style men's shirts--if an event has only these style shirts I pass now.

DanaLynn

My absolute favorite place for graphic tees is threadless! Here is a fun one offered right now. http://www.threadless.com/prod.....tyle,shirt

They are a little different because artists submit their work and then we vote on whether it should be made into a shirt or not. Fun concept and really original designs!

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