Vintage T-shirts are wardrobe staples just like a biker jacket and black ankle boots. Vintage tees are particularly brilliant because they are comfortable and add a cool model-off-duty vibe to an outfit. And it doesn’t really matter whether the T-shirt is proper vintage or brand new with a worn-in finish. It will still have the same effect.
A vintage T-shirt paired with jeans is a timeless classic, but it’s definitely not the only way to style a tee. That retro T-shirt can be paired with almost anything. And sometimes layering T-shirts with unexpected pieces produces the best looks.
Different styling combinations prove that, with the right tweaks, vintage tees can be worn almost anywhere. There’s no need to save them for lazy weekends when they can be dressed up for brunch with co-ords or given a sexy spin with a sheer skirt and jacket.
Get ready to grab those vintage band T-shirts and old logo tees and have a look at these street style-approved ways to rock them.
[ Next: 22 Fresh Ways to Wear a T-Shirt in 2017 ]
Images: Imaxtree
Ways to Wear Vintage T-shirts That Are Anything but Boring
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Upgraded Basics
This is the fashion blogger way to do a vintage T-shirt and jeans. Tuck the rock T-shirt into a pair of mom jeans and repurpose a button-down dress into a long coat. A pair of colorful sunglasses and black boots add even more rocker cool.
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Sheer Surprise
A retro tee with a sheer maxi skirt? Why not? Take it one step further with a long jacket. Team it with a pair of work boots to add another twist to the outfit. It may seem completely random, but the chunky shoes ground the look for day.
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New Classic
A T-shirt and a miniskirt are as classic as a tee and jeans. Classic doesn't have to equal safe, however. Add some interest to a plain T-shirt and mini with a printed bag. Complete the look with pastel sneakers and a pair of chunky black sunglasses. It is summer, after all.
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Pile It On
Every one of Alessandro Michele's Gucci runways has been filled with maximalist styling ideas. This look from the Spring 2017 show is just one fantastic example. Make like a proper Gucci girl and pair the T-shirt with a printed midi skirt, contrasting bag and quirky flatforms. Then top the outfit with a silk turban and a statement pair of sunglasses. Don't forget to layer on some jewelry.
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MOD Dressing
A black motorcycle jacket plus skinny jeans plus a vintage music T-shirt is the definition of model-off-duty style. Just make sure you don't forget the essential black ankle boots.
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In the Red
The red co-ords would look beautiful with a white blouse, but an old graphic T-shirt works, too. Dress the look up with a silk bandana, cat-eye sunglasses and a mini bag. Add a thoroughly modern touch to the look with two mismatched earrings.
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Underneath It All
The T-shirt may not be fully visible, but it transforms this look. Layer a round-neck tee under a dress with a low neckline. Choose a frock with a contrasting color and pattern for maximum effect. Tie everything together by coordinating the shoes with the tee.
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Ditch the Jeans
Jeans and a T-shirt are a great combo, but there are so many other options. For a dressier look, tuck an old T-shirt into wide-leg pants. Choose trousers with a paper-bag waist and belt for added interest. Then there's no need for accessories.
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Day to Evening
Bring that retro T-shirt into evening by teaming it with a floral pencil skirt a la the Kenzo Spring 2017 runway. Strappy sandals and a metallic bag add to the dressy vibe. A slick of red lipstick completes the cocktail-ready ensemble.
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Patterns, Please
A vintage T-shirt can be a bold piece, but it doesn't need to be the focus of a look. Forgo one focal point entirely by mixing a patch-adorned jacket with the tee and a wrapped scarf skirt. Keep accessories equally bold with a colorful bag, statement shoes and dangling earrings. Remember: When it comes to street style, there is no such thing as too much.
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Show Some Shoulder
Here's an unexpected way to do an old T-shirt and denim. Swap the usual jeans for wide-leg trousers, then add in the denim with an oversized jean jacket. Make like a proper street style star and adjust the jacket so it hangs off one shoulder to reveal a bit of the T-shirt and keep it in place with a thin belt.
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Super Chic
Take a retro superhero tee out of costume territory by dressing it up with a printed jacket and flippy skirt. Draw inspiration from the Ellus 2nd Floor Spring 2017 runway and accessorize with ankle boots and fishnet socks. Ditch the superhero mask for a single statement earring.
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Top It Off
Caps and floppy hats are the go-to hat styles for summer. But a beret is just the thing to add an insouciant French girl vibe to a knotted T-shirt and straight-leg jeans. A shoulder bag, pointy-toe boots and sunglasses add to the effortless mix-and-match vibe.
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Keep It Simple
Give the classic tee and jeans a new twist by ditching the denim for track pants. Statement wedges and a patterned mini bag keep things interesting. Try choosing pieces with similar tones for a coordinated look that's more dynamic than basic monochrome.
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All American
Of course, the all-American Tommy Hilfiger runway shows have ample T-shirt styling inspiration. For a high-fashion take on collegiate chic, style the tee with a printed bomber jacket, fringed miniskirt and printed shoes.
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Tee and Jeans
Not ready to veer too far outside of the T-shirt and jeans comfort zone? Take baby steps by trading in skinny jeans for a distressed pair of boyfriend jeans. Leave the white sneakers behind in favor of metallic wedge sneakers. A wide-brimmed hat and backpack are simple additions and they're practical.
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Tucked In
Give that T-shirt a preppy update by tucking it into a pleated skirt. When it gets cooler, add a coordinating jacket and over-the-knee boots. Keep the color palette dark for a chic finish.
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Cozy Chic
Here's proof that it is possible to be comfortable and cool at the same time. Style a favorite vintage T-shirt with patterned skinny pants and a sweatshirt tied around the waist. No look would be complete without Ray-Bans and a pair of trusty sneakers. Top the ensemble off with a chunky beanie.
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The Clash
A quirky retro T-shirt should have equally whimsical bottoms. Disregard rules about matching colors and patterns and try a contrasting tee and pants.
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Pretty in Punk
Rocker tees go hand in hand with red plaid and Dr. Martens. Try a red plaid midi skirt as opposed to the usual skinny trousers. But don't give up the chunky boots or the rock 'n' roll attitude.
