blonde woman in black graphic tee and leopard skirt for how to style graphic tees
Image via @haisewell

Once upon a time, t-shirts were reserved solely for casual outfits; these days, graphic tees are bonafide fashion items–thanks to the It-girl crowd. With their ability to instantly up the personal style factor of a look, band tees and shirts emblazoned with cheeky messages and embellishments have become a street style staple. We’ve seen them paired with everything from distressed jeans and slide sandals to animal print skirts and blazers. The outfit options for these closet MVPs are seemingly endless–and there are fun fashion graphic tees on offer to fit every vibe. So whether your look is retro Cali girl or trend-forward style star, we’ve got some fresh ideas for how to style graphic tees your way this season.

With a Flirty Floral Mini Skirt and Sleek Accessories

cream fashion graphic tee and floral mini skirt with snake sandals and a black chain strap bag for how to wear a graphic tee

How to wear a graphic tee for date night? Pair it with a frilly floral print. A flowery ruffled skirt feels fun and fresh, while snake sandals and a structured bag with gold hardware add a polished effect for evening.

Shop the Look: Motorcycle Raceway Beige Cropped Graphic Tee, Pondering Petals Mustard Yellow Floral Print Ruched Mini Skirt, Zayla Snake Print Embossed Leather Strappy High Heel Sandals, Tempest Black Handbag

With High Waisted Jeans and 80s-Inspired Extras

white bojour beach tee with light wash jeans and shield sunglasses and sneakers and black belt bag for how to wear a graphic tee

The ’80s are back in a big way (pastels and neon, anyone?) so get in on the trend by wearing a cropped t-shirt with light wash high-waisted jeans. Classic canvas sneakers, a convertible belt bag, and mirrored shield sunglasses finish off this throwback look in a modern way.

Shop the Look: Bonjour Beach White Cropped Graphic Tee, Tana Light Wash High-Waisted Button Fly Cropped Raw Hem Jeans, Champion White Canvas Sneakers, Party Favor Black Studded Convertible Bag, Kiki Matte Pink Mirrored Shield Sunglasses

With a Leopard Skirt and Street Style-Approved Add-Ons

black fashion graphic tee with layered gold necklaces and leopard skirt and white mules for for how to wear a graphic tee

The cool-girl secret to styling a graphic tee: Add some animal print. A leopard midi skirt works with just about any top in your closet, including an edgy black motorcycle graphic t-shirt–the same goes for a gold layered necklace and white mules.

Shop the Look: Thunder Washed Black Graphic Tee, Valois Leopard Print Midi Wrap Skirt, Atira Ivory Leather Peep Toe Mules, All Your Love Gold Layered Pendant Necklace

With a Denim Mini Skirt and Laid-Back Accessories

cream aerosmith tee with denim skirt, straw bag, white slide sandals and sunglasses for how to wear a graphic tee

A retro band tee and distressed denim skirt make the perfect vintage-inspired pair. Keep the ’70s California-girl vibe going with a woven bag and beachy white slides.

Shop the Look: Aerosmith Wings Rebel Beige Cropped Tee, Deconstructed Light Wash Denim Mini Skirt, Jaslene White Slide Sandals, Hobbs Tan Round Woven Purse, Grade A White And Yellow Mirrored Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses

We want to see your ideas for how to style graphic tees! Show us your outfit inspo on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus!