CHOOSE A TEE FOR CURVY AND PLUS SIZE

Wearing a t-shirt 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 plus size tee that ticks all boxes can leave many women giving up on tees altogether.

City Chic Bonjour Tee (14-24), Confetti Rebels Love Yourself More Tee (XS-2XL), Blue Bungalow Cara Vintage Tee (8-18)

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. 

Katies 3/4 Raglan Sleeve Rib T-Shirt (XS-2XL), Kiik Luxe Four Zero Seven Tee (One Size), Taking Shape The Staple Top (XXS-XL)

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.

Harlow Right By Your Side Tee (XS-XL), Bohemian Traders Boyfriend Tee in Mellow Yellow (XXS-4XL), Adrift Relaxed French Stripe Tee (2XL-4XL)

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 bulls-eye over my belly. Less than perfect.

Taking Shape Line Up Stripe Top (XXS-XL), Gorman Every Colour Linen Tee (6-14), Adrift Long Sleeve Swing Tee in Autumn (2XL-4XL)

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.

Taking Shape Everyday Swing Tee (XXS-XL), ASOS Curve T-shirt with Utility Pocket (16-30), Kiik Luxe Four Six Four Tee (One Size)

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.

Harlow Right By Your Side Tee (XS-XL), 17 Sundays Basic Longline Tee (XS-XL), Bohemian Traders Crew Neck Tee in Black (XXS-4XL)

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.

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?

And how about a t-shirt dress? Same rules apply, just with a bit more fabric! Comfy as!

Harlow Love is a Stranger Maxi Dress (XS-XL), Bohemian Traders Basic Maxi Dress in Rosette Stripe (XXS-4XL), Adrift Long Sleeve Swing Dress in Grey Leopard (2XL-4XL)

Would you like to see how I style my fave T-shirts? Pop on over to my Instagram page & have a scroll for some inspiration on accessorising & layering your t-shirts!

Do you have a favourite brand of tee? I’d love you to share in the comments to help out other ladies on our SC community!

til next time,

Jen x