A #joydrop on this was requested a while ago

Helen said in the Facebook group “Talk to me about Graphic Tee’s…! Where are you guys getting fabulous fun colourful print graphic Tee’s? I have 2 that I live in (#rebellioushope and #stronggirlsclub!) but they are black and white! Fine with a brightly coloured cardi but when it’s warner I don’t want the cardi and find them so easy to wear when darting about with the kids I defo need to add some more to my wardrobe.”

Honestly? I can’t tell you how versatile a good graphic or slogan tee is in your wardrobe.
It’s one of those sneaky staples that adds instant interest, colour, and personality to even the simplest outfit. A plain blazer and jeans? Throw on a tee that says something brilliant, and suddenly it looks styled—not just thrown on.

In my opinion, whenever you're reaching for a basic tee, a slogan version can often do the same job but better. And they’re also a great way to balance colour in your outfit—just pick out one of the shades in the graphic and build the rest of your look around that. It’s such an easy styling win.

A few things to bear in mind when you’re shopping for one:

Placement matters:
You want the slogan or graphic to sit on the top half of your chest—so it can actually be seen. Especially if you're tucking it in or layering under a jacket. No point having a brilliant tee if the good bit is hidden under your waistband!
Fit is key:
There are loads of oversized tees around at the moment—Gen Z are loving them, and they’re often worn completely untucked (I know… deep breaths).
As a millennial firmly devoted to the power of a tuck, I usually steer clear of the mega-oversized versions. But if you love a slouchy, effortless look? Go for it. Just make sure it’s a conscious choice, and not something that’s accidentally drowning your shape.
Say something meaningful:
At the end of the day, a graphic tee is just something to look at—so why not make it reflect your style persona? Love music? Grab a band tee. Want to shout about feminism, joy, or mental health? There are loads of indie brands doing amazing things in this space.

Extra tips for making it work for you:

Jewellery can help balance your shape:
If you usually avoid high necklines or crew necks, add a v-shaped necklace or longer pendant to open up the neckline.
Bold earrings also help draw attention up to your face and can add a bit of intentional sparkle or drama.

Use colour to your advantage:
Just like Helen suggested slogan tees are a brilliant way to sneak in your best colours. Choose one with shades that flatter you—or keep the tee neutral and add colour through your accessories (lipstick, earrings, shoes). Remember if there is a pattern on the tee, not all the colours have to match your colour season -you are aiming for about 70% match - and probably the base colour of the tee.

Layering is your friend:
If you’re not loving how the tee looks on its own, layering can completely change the vibe:

Add a denim or leather jacket for structure
Throw on a cropped cardigan to define the waist
Style under a blazer to elevate the tee and add polish

This is especially helpful if you find tees feel too casual or not quite “you” on their own.

What if it doesn’t suit your body shape?

It’s true—graphic tees can be tricky for some shapes. They’re often boxy, high-necked, and straight cut, which can feel off if you’re used to more fitted or lower-cut tops. You might feel like it flattens your shape or throws your proportions.

A few things to try:

Tuck or knot the tee to give your waist more definition
Go for a graphic that sits higher on the chest (not across the bust or tummy)
Try cropped versions with high-waisted bottoms
Layer with open necklines to break up the shape
Add visual length with long jewellery or a structured jacket

(And yes, I did see someone on Instagram cut theirs straight down the middle and turn it into a shirt. Still undecided on that one—but it did look very cool.)

"Another great thing about graphic tees is just how many options are out there. Because adding an image to a white tee is fairly simple, loads of online platforms showcase indie designers and let you choose your own graphic to be printed. It’s such an easy way to personalise your style. Everpress is a great example of this type of website.

✨ A few I spotted in the shops that I think you’ll love too:

One of the trickier things I’ve noticed about graphic tees is that a lot of them tend to come on a white background. I’ve grouped them into colour seasons based on the colour of the print, but it’s worth having a think about whether you’re happy wearing a white-based tee before choosing.

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