T-shirts have come a long way from the 40s and 50s, when ‘greasers’ donned white t-shirts with cigarette packs folded underneath the shoulder seam. Rebels without a cause had style back then but the tees were worn without graphics. Today’s fashion-minded kids and adults draw attention with an array of shirts expressing attitude and brandishing artwork, political figures, 80’s cartoons, and other iconic figures.
Having style is not as simple as heading to the mall and making a purchase. Mind the following details before hitting the social scene and wearing your artwork tee.
Know the Scene
A “Raisin Hell” shirt featuring Tthe California Raisins is going to go over well with a reunion gathering of friends from the 80s but may raise eyebrows at a parent-teacher meeting. Know where you’re going and who will be attending before wearing a risqué graphic or t-shirt that could be seen as too immature for the setting.
Supplement an Era
Too often, a nod to an era involves just a shirt. To give proper “props” to an era, supplement the shirt with another accessory, such as a watch, available at Spencer’s or other online vendors. For example, one wearing a Knight Rider t-shirt would appear extra eighties by pairing the television show reference with a Swatch watch, another throwback item of the era.
Don’t Settle
You don’t have to settle for what’s available at the local novelty store, mall, and online sites. Make your own t-shirts at home with a bit of time and creativity. Do you notice that existing vendors do not have shirts featuring movie stars, slogans, or once-popular references? Buy the needed home accessories, and who knows? You may transform the personal investment into a supplemental or full-time job, supplying shirts for people in your city, state, or around the world.
Support Locals
A number of neighborhoods, going green and making efforts to give back to the environment, support local artists, farmers, and service providers. Support a local artist by wearing clothes featuring paintings, sculptures, figurines, and other creations. It’s a great way to become a trendsetter and support local artists who need to introduce their art to a wider audience.
Coordinate with Facebook
If you’re unsure of a purchase or if a particular tee is appropriate for a future event, ask your friends on Facebook for opinions, suggestions, and ‘likes.’ Friends and friends of friends are roving social networks such as Facebook around the clock. If you’re unsure about a potential buy, let your Facebook friends be the fashion judge and jury.
Style is a Marathon and Not a Race
If you’re serious about wearing graphic tees, a one-time wear is not enough. In order to commit to the style, be confident in purchasing a range of art and pop-related tees. With a dash of creativity and confidence, graphic tees wear tees during formal and informal events.
Fashion possibilities await those who buy, make, and trade graphic t-shirts. However, making the style work for you is not as simple as making a hasty purchase. Consider intended setting, added accessories, and altogether commitment to style along with your new fashion statement.
Rachel Lemelin is always on the lookout for fashion ideas and inspiration. When she finds them, she likes to post about them on the web. You can read her interesting articles on many of today’s top websites and blogs.