Styled to a “T”

In the easy-breezy days of summer, it doesn’t get much better than pulling on your favorite jeans and t-shirt, knowing you’re fashionably prepared for wherever the day or night may take you.

Their classic, simple style adds a funky twist when worn under a fitted blazer, a preppy cardigan or even tucked into a high-waisted skirt. Whether you’re headed to the new wine bar or backyard barbecue, all you need is the right t-shirt for a cool summer look.

The classic t-shirt hasn’t always been such a versatile wardrobe item. The basic tee used to be just that – basic. Beefy, boxy, and boring, the only options you had was whether to go crew or v-neck.

The way I see it, the t-shirt evolution started when they got graphic. The trend was huge in the 80’s then simmered down a bit. In the last five years or so, it started to reemerge in a big way. Graphic tees in all sizes, colors and cuts suddenly piled up on store shelves from Target to Urban Outfitters. (Milwaukee is home to a swath of great t-shirt designers and screen printers – check out a few here, here and here)

After tees got graphic, they got long. It happened a little after the low-rise jean craze. I worked in women’s retail at the time and customers were so excited to see that t-shirts were breaking out of the awkward, boxy shapes, and the added length made them feel a little more covered when waist lines took a plunge. Longer tees are also ideal for layering with leggings or second-skin jeans. They give the illusion of a casual dress when worn over a super skinny pant.

Believe it or not, tees also got luxurious. Remember when Christian Audigier came out with those tattoo style t-shirts for Ed Hardy? (In case you can’t picture them, just tune into an episode of Jersey Shore…they’re worn by multiple members of that posse.) Some styles sold for a hundred bucks and though that look was (and still is, ahem) definitely played out, it exposed a market that was willing to play big bucks for a t-shirt.

Depending on how they’re made, what they’re made of, and who made it,  the sky is the limit.

Interested in some high-end t-shirt indulgence? Majestic is an incredible French line that blends cotton with cashmere for the yummiest fabric imaginable. They’re definitely on the pricey side — retail from about $89 and up — but if you consider yourself a true t-shirt aficionado, Majestic is a brand worth investigating.

The latest stage in the t-shirt evolution: bigger is better. Now I don’t mean ‘big’ as in a dumpy, oversized shirt you wear on laundry day. I’m talking about neck lines that slip off the shoulder or drape down the back, and dolman sleeves that give tees cape-like silhouette. It’s one of the softer, sexier versions of a t-shirt.

When you do this look, keep proportion in mind – shorter, cropped styles are super flattering with a slim or slouchy jeans. If you do go a little long, try belting it to give the piece more shape.

With a plethora of styles that can take you from day to night, it seems like t-shirts have a place everywhere, right? Wrong. No matter how versatile or luxurious your tee is, at the end of the day, it’s still a t-shirt. It will forever carry the stigma of casual wear, so it’s important not to think of it as a blouse or work shirt.

So what’s-up-and-coming in the ever-changing world of the t-shirt?

Set to launch this month is Stylemint, a new e-commerce venture with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen at the helm. (PS…if this sounds familiar there’s a sister site called Jewelmint under the direction of actress Kate Bosworth. Same concept, except the focus is exclusively on jewelry.)

With Stylemint, users can finding the perfect t-shirt based on a style and personality test taken upon entering the site. After the information is gathered, Stylemint will recommend selections that you can purchase each month for a modest price of $29.99.

Sound fun? Check it out.