Every year around this time I peruse the best graphic tees out there and do a little roundup. They’re my favorite wardrobe staple and I’ve become quite the collector of band tees, artsy tees, and really wearable graphic tees that add a little interest to outfits.
The Best Graphic Tees This Spring
We’ve established before that not all graphic tees are created equally. Of course, you have to pick something that you like or that represents a little something you vibe with, but let’s not get carried away with saying all the things on our shirts, k? There’s a time and place for that one fun tee, but I find the shirts I grab most are band tees and those with a simple graphic print for a little pop of color.
I’ve also mentioned this in previous posts, but the ways I like to wear my graphic tees — beyond simply pairing with jeans or sweats — are:
- with preppy pieces like a blazer or trench coat, to create that sporty-casual vibe
- with more feminine or dressy items, like knotted with a pretty bias cut skirt
- with solid tops and pants that need some interest & color
- under coveralls & jumpsuits to break up the sea of fabric
These babies can add so much cool-factor to outfits that would otherwise be a little basic. But again, not all graphic tees are worth our while, so let’s check out some I’ve vetted for their wearability, non-cheeziness and just general “yes, I’d wear that” vibe.
01 | 02 & here | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11
Some of these tees are selling quickly, but I’ve rounded up even more options below the styled looks! Also if you click the collage image, you’ll see more linked there.
Hi. You can probably see I lean a little Bowie-heavy in my graphic tee collection. That is never a bad thing in my book. And I definitely need to add that black and white one to my wardrobe.
Black tees with white graphics are some of my most-worn. I have both of the other Bowie tees and adore them (see them styled below). Every single one of these is calling my name in some way or another. The faded options are great for styling up easily with just about anything. Same with the black and white tees, I find. The colorful ones are obviously awesome to add some pop to solid pieces.
4 Tried & True Ways To Wear Graphic Tees
I can’t properly, at this point in my career here, offer up a collection of tees without a few inspo shots of my favorite ways to style them up. So, here are my top go-to looks! (I could include a bazillion more, but stopped at four for now…haha.)
1. To Make A Blazer Less ‘Stuffy’
You can see from this outfit and the one in the opening of the post, I love this combo. I’m such a fan of mixing preppy and edgier pieces together, and this has probably become a signature look for me. If you’re more of a sneaker fan, swap out the loafers for some rad white sneaks.
blazer (similar, or linen version) | tee (similar, mine is thrifted or this) | jeans (26 or these) | loafers
2. To Jazz Up A Cardi & Sweats
The tee here just adds a little pattern to an otherwise super casj lounge outfit. Add colorful sneaks (and a mask) and you’re set to actually venture out of the house! This is my preferred grocery-run lewk right now.
pants or here (1) | tee (or this tee on sale) | cardigan (similar) | sneakers
3. To Add Interest To White Jeans
As I mentioned in the styling white loafers article, white jeans are tough sometimes, especially if you want a little edge to your outfits. I get that by adding a rad band tee to my white jeans and voilà. I didn’t mind this look with the white loafers, but I like the contrast of the black shoes better here.
jeans** (27, or distressed version) | tee (s) | mules
4. For An Easy Jogger Look
A graphic tee just makes any outfit fun, even plain black joggers. I loved mixing in the printed Vans too, because I can never get enough graphic pops, haha. I’ve linked to similar Athleta joggers below, but the Vuori performance joggers are my newest FAVORITE. I sleep in them even, and they don’t bag out at the knees. It’s magic!
joggers (same brand, similar fit or these, my new FAVS) | bowie tee (s) | vans
Shop More Rad Graphic Tees
You can’t go wrong with any of these, honestly. And the b/w Bowie tee is on sale right now, woo! I included just a couple of sweatshirts I love below for those of you still in cool temps, and one graphic tee maxi dress that I’ve been eyeing forevs.
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow all my daily musings, donut pics and dance parties over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle. I try to keep it real over there, with a side of fun and a good dose of social justice.
Hey-o, this one’s for the Pinners…
Any recs for graphic tees that are NOT crewneck? I prefer v-neck or scoops, but they are harder to find with cool graphics.
Totally get it. I’ve tried but the graphics then have to be right on the boobs and I don’t love that. Occasionally I’ll see a small scoop neck that’s ok, but as someone who likes v necks too I’ve tried so many times and they just look weird :/ I’ll keep looking tho!
LOVE your graphic tee recs! But I have a question not about tees…do you like the Billabong fleece jacket? What size did you get?
Thanks so much! Ooh yes I LOVE it. I sized up to a Medium bc sometimes the surf brands run small, but I also wanted it slouchy. It’s definitely oversized so you could stick to your regular size! It’s a great mid-weight fleece for the transitional weather this time of year!
ok in your opinion are the annie bing graphic tees worth the cost? I’m so drawn to them but need to know why they are so great?
So, in my opinion YES. And I didn’t used to think so. But I have one of her sweatshirts and it is the one I most often grab because it’s just well made and the cool-factor is what I love. I have slowly started adding more higher end pieces I get really excited about after having tried on SO many pieces of clothing over the last 5 years here. I’ll say so far I haven’t been disappointed in saving for those purchases and not making as many of the cheaper purchases. The cost-per-wear kinda thinking. I have a post coming up soon on an Anine Bing army jacket and why I think it’s worth it. Obviously these decisions are very personal, but for me this has been a good shift in my clothes-buying thinking!
Thank you!