From Closet Staple to Statement Piece
With the Fall weather fast approaching, it’s time to tuck away the light clothing and start thinking about pieces that can transition easily into the upcoming season. Although graphic t-shirts might seem like an item that can be stored away until the nice weather approaches again, they are a must-have piece that should remain in a closet. According to fashion stylist, Style me Mena, there are several reasons to keep those tees nearby as they are easy to style with a blazer. By using different graphic tees, she offers advice on how to style them with a blazer, creating looks that are fun, playful and can be professional too. She proves that graphic tees, accompanied by blazers, can be some of the most versatile pieces that a person will have in a closet.
The first look inspired by Mena, begins with a slogan tee and adds a black blazer on top. This look requires minimal jewelry; gold studs, a bracelet and a watch, in order to make the slogan tee pop. Although this type of tee is playful, the structured blazer allows this look to be taken into the office. To complete the office look, Mena suggests adding a simple straight leg denim pant or a simple trouser. If a quick transition is required to change into an evening look, Mena says, “Switch the bottoms to leather trousers or a slip skirt with ankle boots.” A bold lip can be added for that extra touch. On the weekend, Mena says this same graphic tee and blazer can be, “Swapped for high-waisted jeans, sneakers, and don’t forget to push up sleeves on the blazer.”
The second look styled by Mena combines an artsy print tee with a simple grey blazer. If wearing this look to the office, Mena says, pair it with a black skirt, tights, and add a bow in the hair. For shoes, simple black boots with a kitten heel are a great choice and she recommends dainty earrings for jewelry. After work, this outfit becomes more playful. Mena says to change bottoms into, “A mini skirt with tights, ankle boots, and add layered necklaces.” To wear this artsy tee and blazer on the weekend, Mena says both will compliment a straight-leg jean, block heels and a crossbody bag.
A true fan favourite is the third look from Mena, a retro band tee and a plaid blazer. For the office, Mena says this type of tee and blazer can be worn with a fitted trouser, sneakers, small gold hoops, a stack of rings and a fun bag. This fun look transitions easily into nighttime with a quick change into black shorts, strappy heels and statement earrings. Finally, Mena says for that weekend look, pair the retro tee and blazer with a denim midi skirt, trainers and a straw tote. Mena adds that this retro band tee and blazer can be mixed with different textures like linen, denim, leather and silk.
The final look described by Mena is a minimal graphic tee and a bold red blazer. To wear this look to the office, Mena says, wear the graphic tee, and bold blazer with black wide- leg trousers, add pumps, subtle jewelry and top it off with a cheetah print belt. To take his look into the evening, Mena says to change into a monochrome skirt, add metallic heels and don’t forget a clutch. If you wear this on the weekend, pair the tee and blazer with light-wash jeans, ballet flats and a woven tote. According to Mena, a helpful tip to consider when pulling off these three looks is to keep all clothing simple, as it allows the blazer colour to pop.
In addition to giving outfit suggestions for styling graphic tees with blazers, Mena has styling tips that she likes to rely on. When choosing a blazer, she says, “Shoulders and fit are everything”. There should only be one focal point- either the blazer or the tee, otherwise the look becomes too busy. To create an instant vibe, she suggests changing shoes, as well as rolling sleeves on a blazer. For the final touch, Mena says to layer jewelry, but make sure it’s not overdone.
