How To Upgrade The Classic T-Shirt

By Brian Maynor

 

Looking through my closet the other day, I was startled at the number of t-shirts I have amassed. Now in all fairness I do wear them almost every day. Plus no two are alike or cone in a multipack.

T-shirts are easy, comfortable and one of the quickest pieces to throw on and head out the door, and luckily they are also incredibly versatile if you know how to work them. If you’re like me and practically live in t-shirts, here are a few ideas on how to update them for this summer and ensure maximum use:

1.    Relax the fit. Summers are hot, so it’s no surprise a relaxed, slightly loose fit t-shirt is a must, but you want to be careful you just don’t go up a size in a standard fit. T-shirts can now be found in various shapes and styles to help ensure you maintain the proper proportions. Whether you are looking for longer lengths or dropped shoulders you can find those elements without sacrificing fit.

2.    Loosen the neck. V-necks can be tricky, especially for guys, because you don’t want to show too much chest, but a tight crew neck can feel restrictive on hot summer days. Play around with various options like the depth and width of your neckline. You can find multiple styles in both V-necks and crewnecks.

3.    Play around with pairings. It’s easy to get in a throw-and-go-rut with t-shirts so take some time and try them on with different pieces from formal to casual. If your staple look is a t-shirt with shorts try adding a lightweight blazer and neck scarf to amp up the casual style. If a t-shirt and jeans is more your style, try swapping out the jeans for cropped chinos or loose-fit linen pants. You also want to experiment with tucking in your t-shirt in various iterations like the front tuck or half-side tuck.

4.    Dressing them up or down. While the t-shirt and formal blazer trend may be a bit predictable now, there are other ways to dress up your t-shirt. For example try wearing one under a full suit or even with a skirt. To keep this look current I recommend not wearing a graphic print, but rather a solid or striped.

They also make great partners for swimsuits. You can use a long line one as a cover-up or a slub jersey one to take your trunks to lunch.

5.    Stock up and take care of them. When you find a style you like it’s always a good idea to buy two or more of your favorites. Not only will you want a spare, wearing them frequently will wear them out faster. One way you can prolong the life, and shape of your t-shirts is to wash but never put them in the dryer. Nothing is worse than pulling your favorite shirt out of the dryer and seeing it shrunk or misshapen. Instead lay them flat and let them air dry.

Just because t-shirts are common doesn’t mean you can’t make them stylish and unique. It simply takes a little faith to try on various styles and pairings, knowing some will work and some won’t and that’s perfectly okay. Putting in the effort to find the perfect ones in the store will save you time getting dressed at home.

 

 Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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