CHOOSE A TEE FOR CURVY AND PLUS SIZE.

Wearing a tshirt doesn’t come naturally for a lot of women. While tees come in an endless collection of colours there’s the cut, length and fabric to consider. Finding one tee that ticks all boxes can leave many women giving up on tees altogether.

DRESS IT UP.

Your tee doesn’t need to be boring and can be one of the hardest working, most versatile garments in your wardrobe. Adding a vest, blazer or bling is a fabulous way to dress one up. That’s right there’s nothing wrong with a statement bling necklace to make a plain t shirt shine. Try adding a scarf, wear it billowy and loose or tie a chic short scarf above the neckline.

There’s always going to be times when you want to wear jeans and a tee but also need to make a good impression, so add some heels and a tailored blazer to your outfit.

Choose a plain tee under a blazer, push the arms up to expose your wrists and you will look casually elegant and chic. Miss Jessica Alba is the queen of this look.

CHOOSE YOUR FABRIC.

Not all tees are equal and fabric can be the deal breaker between a great one and one that lets you down. Being curvy my test is always to place my hand inside a tee, and run it along the front. If I can see every lump n bump it will be exactly the same if I wear it. I want my t-shirt to fall not cling. I also don’t want one so sheer you can see all my rolls, shape-wear or underwear.

My favourite tees are linen, even though some can be a slightly sheer the texture and drape make up for that. A quality combed cotton, heavier weight jersey, bamboo and modal also sit well and have lasting durability. Don’t forget the ever helpful smoothing camis under a tee, they really can totally change how it sits ?

PLAIN V’S PRINT TEE.

–If you’re going to wear a print jacket add a plain tee.

-Similarly if you want to add a jacket in a bold colour keep it simple underneath with a plain tee.

-When wearing a plain tee look for ‘style features’ like an unusual neckline, hi Lo hem or texture to create that style edge.

-Let’s not forget a graphic tee, there’s nothing like a good tee with a rock star slogan.

-If you love pattern (and who doesn’t) go for it! A print tee can disguise a whole lotta trouble spots as the print (if you choose correctly) can keep the eye moving, never settling in one place. Personally I like to add a vest/jacket/scarf to break up the ‘expanse’ of a print, also beware of pattern placement. I’ve bought a few things in the past where the print is a big splodge over a breast or a bullseye over my belly. Less than perfect.

LENGTH.

Who hasn’t had a tee that jumps up and doesn’t quite sit right? I’m all about the right length when it comes to tees. If like me you will most likely add a layer over your tee then buy them a little longer so you get the ‘peek a boo’ look with your t-shirt sitting a little longer than your jacket.

When wearing tees with skirts you don’t want them too long, they will swamp you, so do a half tuck or buy them so they sit on or just a little lower than your hip.

1. Harlow right by your side white tee
   2. Taking Shape Cora tee
   3. Bohemian Traders swing tee in floss
   4. Adrift navy swing tee
2. 

CUSTOMISE.

Sometimes a tee ticks lots of boxes but it’s not quite right. This is where I say, ‘customise it and make it your own’. There’s plenty of Youtube tutorials on how the cut your tee up creating new necklines. You could slit the sides, roll the sleeves, cut out a cold shoulder or remove the sleeves or neckline all together. .

You may even want to dye or tie dye it (just check the fabric first). Let’s not forget about tucking, half tucking and knotting, these are quick and simple ways to customise  a top to your shape, personality and the occasion.

GET THE BASICS RIGHT.

You get what you pay for when it comes to t-shirts so when you find a good one, stock up, investing in quality everyday basics makes sense.

Occasionally you can stumble on a great one that’s also budget friendly, hallelujah. I have picked up some great linen tees from Target over the years and a couple I’ve had for around three years.

Choose tees in colours that complement your skin and eyes, add a few neutral tees including a great grey tee and let’s not forget a stripe tee (or three). A stripe tee under a vest or blazer is classic, heck stripes anytime are a winner in my books ?

Do you have a favourite brand of tee? I’d love you to share in the comments as it will help all the ladies out.

til next time,

Jen x