I’m not a gal who wears a lot of prints or colorful patterns, but I’ve often relied on graphic tees to add a bit of color to my outfits. Graphic tees add that little bit of interest (just like color or prints) but in a way that totally fits my style.
I’ve noticed lately that graphic tees, like jeans, seem to be going through a transition moment. Not only are the graphics themselves changing, but the overall shape of the graphic tee is changing as well.
Graphic Tee Trends For 2022
Since we’ve gotta switch things up a bit — our usual fitted graphic tee just isn’t cutting it anymore — I did a bit of graphic tee research. What IS on-trend?
— Sizing up or choosing an oversized tee
— Boxy is better
— Less words, more pictures
— Go for thermals, sweatshirts + long sleeves
— Classic brands are in
— Sportswear brands are in
8 Ways To Wear The New Graphic Tee Styles
These new graphic tee styling ideas all strike the right balance of approachable but fresh. And while some of them include finding the right trousers to wear with your tees, others are easy…like sizing up or tucking in or just going for a long sleeve option.
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1. With Trousers, Tucked In
Yep, the bear is back! I forgot how cute it was. I love, love this tucked-in vibe with the all black look. It makes a cutesy tee really work. I just got a Polo Bear hoodie and adore it. I know it’s not for everyone, but I’m totally on-board with this trend return.
2. With Faux-Leather Pants (or Joggers)
If a sweatshirt look can be chic, this is it. I’m a sucker for faux leather pants anyways, but love how a graphic sweatshirt balances them out for daytime…but add heels and it’s a fun mix of sporty meets glam.
3. Oversized, With Trousers + Heels
I swear anytime I see or hear “Iron Maiden” I have to quote Bill & Ted — but I digress…LOVE this styling of an oversized black tee so much. You could make it work with any black tee. This one would be cool, too. Just size up as that brand runs smaller. Or grab a band tee from your partner’s closet and pop on a little black heel. So cute.
4. Belted + Heeled Boots
Love the warm shades, the big belt, the tucked in tee. It all works to really make a whole fabulous look instead of sticking with super casual for the tee.
5. Oversized + Layers
This is the one I have and love. It’s perfectly faded black and a soft tee. I styled it up here if you’d like to see it on me, but also I want to layer it over a button down and play with more styling. Love the neutral boots and plaid shirt here.
6. Boxy + Tucked In
This Rolling Stones tee is almost sold out, but I’m liking this Ramones option and this pale Stones tee. The sleeve length on this one makes it a little more flattering for that oversized boxy look, but not dowdy.
7. Long Sleeve Thermal + Slouchy Jeans
So cozy and cute and love that we’re printing on thermals right now. I’ve been a fan of them forever for cute layering options. The V-neck cut in this makes it flattering, too. I’d style similarly with distressed jeans and white sneakers and throw my black moto jacket on top.
8. Oversized Long Sleeves + A Half-Tuck
Free People Queen of Hearts LS Tee
This tee is just super cute, perfectly oversized, and seeing as I live for the half-tuck, cute to see styled this way. You can easily roll or push the sleeves up too for a really intentional look when wearing some of these. It helps finish the look off much more than it seems like it would. I do the half-tuck with almost everything since I’m on the shorter side and want to lengthen my legs visually and show off my waistline. Here’s a more budget-friendly alternative, too, for a similar vibe.
Shop Graphic Tees
I have to say I’m digging this change-up in the graphic tee realm. Here are a few more options out there to choose from.
Stay tuned as I try to style some up in similar ways. As always, if you’ve seen a cute option, let us know in the comments!
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow me and my Southern-born, Pacific Northwest-residing self over on Instagram @laurajansenstyle for more rad fashion finds, kitchen dance parties, donut reviews and a side of taking things not too seriously — from Portland, OR.
This one’s for the Pinners…
Yes, yes, yeeeeeessssssssss!! Laura, I love that you covered this topic. I have wondered if graphic tees are no longer “cool”…but you’re absolutely correct, we just need to freshen them up! Love every single option…and the Ralph Lauren Bear?! So nostalgic. Would love more styling posts on this topic, please!!
I’m so glad you liked this! Thanks so much!
Tracee Ellis Ross ( on Blackish) is frequently seen wearing graphic t-shirts. I love her styling on the show when she wears a graphic t.
Ah nice! I love her style. I’ll have to check out her graphic tee looks!
I just ordered a couple of graphic tees recently! I love the inspiration here. And trousers, swoon. That was exactly my plan. I also am taking notes on the layering. I think graphic tees are always cool as long as you find one that means something or speaks to you.
Oh yes totally agree on that, Lisa. Trousers, right?! This styling got me all excited. Now to try some out…
I love love love graphic tees! I have soooooo many and I wear them all the time! My fave way is with a blazer, jeans and a heeled bootie. Throw on a big scarf now that it’s getting chilly. Kinda glam rocker, ya know?
I appreciate that you talked about sizing up, tucking in, or going for a long-sleeve option can also be a way of wearing graphic tees aside from pairing them with the right trousers. I will try those for myself when I find Daydreamer LA graphic tees in my size this weekend. It might be a nice, casual outfit for the event that my best friend and I are going to next weekend.