The summer possibilities of the T-Shirt

CEBU, Philippines — It’s summer and ambient temperatures are soaring! Under the condition, one would be tempted to throw away her cares about being stylish. The go-to staple would simply be shorts and t-shirt.

But, hey, the homey summer wear can actually be made to look chic. According to Avery Matera, at www.glamour.com, the throw-on-and-go t-shirt can be dressed up – graphic t-shirt especially. She cites style influencers who have been pairing tees with quirky phrases, and perhaps a sassy French word or two, with pencil skirts, culottes, and even pantsuits for a high-low look that can go from the corporate catwalk to late-night cocktails.

And, right – who says that only shorts would do for a comfortable lower piece in summer? Matera writes that with a whimsical statement skirt, a graphic t-shirt is the perfect casual complement to prevent the outfit from looking over-the-top. Of course, denim is a classic pairing, she adds, but one may style herself up a bit by tucking in her top and opting for heels over casual flats.

The girl may even choose to jump into the pool of pantsuits this summer. “With bold head-to-toe color, a graphic tee will keep the look grounded,” Matera assures. And she gives some more style ideas for the t-shirt:

• Keep a floral pencil skirt from looking too girly by throwing on a t-shirt. Knot the front or fashion a half-tuck to have fun with the easy style.

• For an after-hours look, grab a leather mini and edgy heels.

• For an outfit that you can wear straight into the next season, pair a bold graphic tee with a pair of denim flares. The addition of a luxe tuxedo blazer is one styling trick to dress up our jeans.

• A feminine shorts suit and boyish sports-inspired tee could be juxtaposed for everything from a summer Friday at the office to happy-hour cocktails afterward.

• Opt for a striped cotton skirt and chunky-heeled sandals. It’s also the perfect time to go a bit bolder with a pop of color.

• Those with an obsession with culottes may find it daunting to style. Try tucking the bold tee into a pair of the cropped silhouette.

• For more traditional styling, pair the top with black jeans and a leather jacket. To keep the look edgy, opt for a simple, yet bold, black-and-white tee.

• Graphic tees don’t have to be bold and new. Shop vintage stores and steal from your parents’ closets to find the perfect worn-in options.

• Lace can often feel too prim for most tastes. Add a sporty element to complement the ladylike bottom by reaching for a slouchy printed t-shirt.

• Boyfriend jeans and a blazer make the ultimate borrowed-from-the-boys look, all year round. Why not go full-on tomboy and slip into a tee instead of more feminine top?

• A graphic tee may even do for cocktail hour. Seek one out that bares a little more skin, then style it up with a full skirt and sky-high heels.

There are many more stylish possibilities for the t-shirt – not only for summer but all year round. Well, it might take some creative juices flowing. But the result is almost always uniquely one’s own.