A few years ago, for my birthday, I attended a Stevie Nicks concert, and while there, I took advantage of the merch table, picking up a t-shirt and a tote. The tote is something I now carry whenever I’m going into an unsure situation, a sort of talisman to ward off bad energy, think professional development trainings, dinner at my in-laws, parent-teacher conferences. But the shirt, like other band t-shirts, is tricky to wear as often as I would like while still being appropriate for my adult life.
As a teenager and 20-something, I could get away with wearing a band or graphic tee every day. In fact, the early 2000s were rife with ironic tees and band apparel.
Now, as a mature, sophisticated lady, how do you wear those beloved t-shirts in real life, rather than just cleaning the house? In other words, how can you make a band tee look like a deliberate outfit choice rather than a lazy one?
The trick to making a humble T-shirt look like it’s part of a styled outfit versus something you happen to be wearing is by pairing it with elevated pieces. What is considered elevated, you may wonder? Well, take what you would normally wear with a souvenir band tee, say jeans, or cutoffs, and swap it out for the opposite, like trousers or tailored Bermuda shorts. Better yet, tuck in your shirt with higher-waisted pant/short and add a belt, because there is nothing lazy about a belt. They are quite deliberate and can help marry the casual tee with a more formal bottom.
Elevated does not have to mean dressy or fancy. Elevated basics also make great fashion foils for concert t-shirts. A simple cardigan rendered in cashmere, or a cashmere blend, adds polish to your favorite faded band tee, even when worn with jeans. Well-pressed khakis with a black blazer and loafers can take your T-shirt to work, as can pairing it with a pencil skirt, pumps, and silver jewelry. Or layer your tee with a simple shift dress, under or over, for a casual dinner or community event.
To go beyond basics, mixing textures is another fun and unexpected (read stylish) way of incorporating any T-shirt into an intentional look. This past spring, I paired my Stevie tee with a dark green silk midi skirt, tucked in, and a moss-green velvet oversized blazer. For warmer days, pair your T-shirt with a matching linen set of pull-on pants and a vest with mesh sandals. Come fall, layer a turtleneck under the tee, add a tweedy bottom with boots, and finish the look with a quilted or satiny jacket. How you play with texture depends on the fabric and weight of the T-shirt; flimsy shirts should contrast with more durable fabric, and try pairing heavier tees with lighter, more romantic material.
Speaking of romance, a feminine, floral, floaty skirt belted, if possible, with flats and a chunky or statement piece of jewelry can take your usual gym band tee (laundered, of course) for a night out. Another way to contrast the casual, dressed-down feel of a concert T-shirt is by pairing it with preppy-esque pieces like a madras skirt and a polo sweater around the shoulders. Or take it into boho territory with a maxi skirt or printed joggers and sandals, maybe add a crochet bolero or cardi to further push the eclectic mix of your look.
As hinted above, it’s also important to take the fit, fabric, and condition of the shirt into consideration when putting together an outfit. Raggedy-but-delicate tees may not be the best candidate for your look, as it takes quite a pro to make a good outfit from distressed pieces. While oversized XL or XXL shirts are better meant for sleeping and lounging. However, if you are handy at the sewing machine, then you may be able to alter your baggy tee into a more style-able garment. Again, that’s pro level, not to be taken lightly. For shirts that aren’t overly baggy, but instead on the looser side, play with bigger-on-top/smaller-on-bottom proportions. Tuck them into straight or mini skirts, fitted, cropped trousers, or, if it’s flattering, paperbag waist shorts. Then balance the look with a chunky or substantial shoe.
And speaking of shoes, the right pair can turn a ho-hum tee and jeans combo into a polished outfit. If you’re not in the market for pairing your favorite band T-shirt with trousers or skirts, but still want to look put together, swap out the flip-flops and sneakers with a Mary Jane, ballet flat, or lace-up Oxford to finish off a band tee and dark-wash jean ensemble. Also, don’t be limited to your favorite old band tee. If you’re making it to concerts and shows, stop by those merch tables to buy a new T-shirt and support those acts. These outfit ideas work just as well with newer tees as they do with vintage and standard favorites.
