How to Dress Up a Basic T-Shirt (2024)

Coloured t-shirts are a great way to bring bold statements to your look. Depending on the colour, will determine whether you wear that t-shirt for more formal or casual occasions.

During the warmer months, a lighter coloured shirt can be a fun item to wear on the weekend while grocery shopping or even watching the kids Saturday sport. On the other hand, a monochrome t-shirt in black, white, or other similar shades, can be worn for more formal or professional settings, while also being a great option to be layered with other colourful clothing.

T-shirts can also come in graphic designs and patterns, like stripes. These types of t-shirts are great for casual settings, and because of their bright and stand out nature, make sure to pair them with neutral-coloured pants, as contrasting coloured outfits can make you seem far too casual.

Crew Neck vs V Neck

There are two main types of t-shirts available for men. These include:

  • Crew Neck: A crew neck t-shirt is also known as a round neck t-shirt. These are the most commonly worn t-shirt and are great for that everyday look. The style of the crew neck draws the viewers eye out, which helps to broaden the look of the neckline and creates the appearance of broad shoulders. Layer underneath a jumper for a comfortable ensemble, a blazer for a modern business casual look, or on its own if it’s warm.
  • V Neck: A V neck t-shirt is categorised by the v design around the neck of the shirt. These types of t-shirts are less commonly worn as they have a less formal feel. Due to their lower neckline, V necks tend to draw attention to the neck area. V neck t-shirts are great for layering underneath a long-sleeve button-down, as the neckline won’t show if you have the top button undone.

Layering

How to Dress Up a Basic T-Shirt (1)

Layering a basic tee is a great way to blend both style and comfort look into any outfit.

Layer with a blazer for the ultimate business casual look that doesn’t compromise on style or ease of wear. For layering with a blazer, stick to basic colours, like black, grey, or white.

If you’re out and about on the weekend or going out to dinner for date night, a dark-coloured tee underneath a casual jacket gives the wearer an effortless look and keeps you feeling comfortable but also looking put together and stylish.

Pant Options

The basic t-shirt is a very versatile item of clothing that can be styled with several different pant options:

Shorts

Shorts, along with a basic tee, are staples for warm weather. The combination keeps the wearer cool and comfortable, while also maintaining a sense of effortless style. As a t-shirt is on the more casual side compared to a polo shirt or a button-down, try and stay away from tucking in your t-shirt. Keep it relaxed and sitting just on the hips over the waistband of the shorts.

Jeans

How to Dress Up a Basic T-Shirt (2)

Jeans are a great option to wear during transitional seasons where the weather is sometimes unpredictable. A basic tee works well with jeans, untucked, and resting on the hips like shorts. You can tuck in your t-shirt with your jeans if you are layering a jumper and don’t want the t-shirt to hang below the jumper, but for most outfits, keep it untucked.

If you're looking to dress up jeans and a T-shirt, one option is to wear a button-up shirt over the T-shirt and leave it unbuttoned. This adds an extra layer to your outfit and creates a more polished look. Another option is to add a blazer or sport coat to instantly elevate your style. Opt for a blazer in a contrasting colour to make a statement or choose a neutral tone for a more sophisticated vibe. Lastly, swap out your sneakers for dress shoes or boots to complete the transformation.

For an extra sense of style and business casual look pair with a belt, either brown or black depending on the colour of your jeans – If you’re not sure how to style a belt, check out GAZMAN’s guide to wearing and styling belts.

Chinos

Chinos are another great option to pair with a basic tee. Chinos offer you a classic, more formal look, so wearing them with a t-shirt will give you a more relaxed style that still appears neat and tidy. Don’t tuck in the t-shirt, instead keep it loose and relaxed sitting on your hips.

If you want to further elevate your basic t-shirt outfit, add a casual jacket or a blazer. This will give a stylish business casual look to your ensemble. Make sure to wear contrasting colours when styling your t-shirt and chinos – a light-coloured t-shirt with dark pants or vice versa. Try and avoid similar colour themes as this will ensure your outfit stays crisp and stylish.

How to Dress Up a T-Shirt for Work?

For those who want to dress up a t-shirt for work, it's all about finding the right balance between casual and professional. Pair your t-shirt with a tailored blazer and dress pants for a sleek and modern look. Opt for a T-shirt in a neutral colour like black, grey, or navy to maintain a professional appearance. To add a touch of sophistication, consider adding a tie or a pocket square that complements your outfit.

Accessories play a crucial role in dressing up a T-shirt for work. Remember, the key is to keep it simple and understated while still maintaining a professional aesthetic.

When it comes to wearing and styling a basic t-shirt, there are many ways to style them, and with a few simple tips and tricks, can be styled and layered to provide an effortless, stylish look.

Time to update your collection of t-shirts? Shop our range of men’s basic t-shirts from GAZMAN now.

How to Dress Up a Basic T-Shirt (2024)

FAQs

How to Dress Up a Basic T-Shirt? ›

Ditch the pants

How to dress up a plain t-shirt? ›

Make sure the neckline of the tee is not too low, and tuck it into fitted dark jeans, black trousers, or pencil skirts. Finally, elevate the look by layering it with a blazer or cardigan and it will make your classic T-Shirt look polished and professional.

How to style basic tshirts? ›

5 Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt for Day Looks
  1. Throw on a blazer. If you can wear a T-shirt to work, dress it up by putting a blazer over it. ...
  2. Pair with a skirt. ...
  3. Wear a button-down over your T-shirt. ...
  4. Tuck into your shorts. ...
  5. Play with colors and patterns.
Feb 24, 2022

How do you make a simple t-shirt cute? ›

Lay the shirt flat on a table and cut small slits on each side of the shirt, starting about 2" below the armpit and stopping around the bottom of your ribcage. Once I cut one side, I usually find some sort of straight edge device to make sure it's remotely even on both sides.

How do you modify a plain shirt? ›

More T-shirt alteration ideas:
  1. Trim the sleeves to create a cap sleeve.
  2. Cut off the sleeves for a sleeveless top.
  3. Cut off the neck edging and reshape the neckline to a slash neck or V-neck.
  4. Shorten to a waist length or crop top.
Sep 7, 2022

How to dress up a shirt for work? ›

By adding a third piece like a blazer or little silk neck scarf, you'll make a t-shirt feel more intentional and complete. Versus looking like you just ran out of the house without finishing getting dressed. I think this is key to making everything look complete.

How to spice up your outfit? ›

Choose colors that match but vary in shades. This can create a very interesting effect. Belts, purses, unusual shoes or accessories can spice up a monotonous outfit.

What to wear under a tshirt? ›

Opt for t-shirt bras to wear under fitted t-shirts or any clothes or when you desire a seamless look. T-shirt bras are stylish everyday undergarments not just to wear underneath form-fitting t-shirts, but also for smooth appearance. It is well known for its versatility of wearing under any attire in your wardrobe.

How do you layer a tee? ›

Layering Techniques for Different Seasons

Start with a base layering tee in a cozy fabric like thermal or merino wool. Then, add a mid-layer, such as a cardigan or lightweight sweater, for insulation. Top it off with a jacket or coat to seal in the warmth.

How can I make my Tshirt look nicer? ›

There are many ways to make a plain T-shirt look cute! You can try tucking it into a high-waisted skirt or jeans, adding a statement belt, layering it with a cardigan or a denim jacket, or pairing it with a colorful scarf.

How to dress up a tee shirt? ›

10 Ways to Dress Up a T-Shirt | Womens Fashion
  1. Add statement jewelry. Accessorizing your t-shirt with bold and eye-catching jewelry can instantly elevate your outfit. ...
  2. Layer with a scarf. ...
  3. Tuck it into shorts. ...
  4. Wear it with a statement accessory. ...
  5. Pair it with a statement skirt. ...
  6. Add a pop of color. ...
  7. Layer with a denim shirt.

How do you spice up a plain outfit? ›

Try layering.
  1. Wear two tops with different necklines.
  2. Wear a cute vest, shrug or bolero with a top or dress.
  3. Wear a camisole or tank top beneath an open blouse.
  4. Wear a sweater or cute leather jacket.
  5. Wear a shawl in the evening.

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