I'm

NATALIE

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

Read More

10 Rules for Effortless, Everyday Style

In this series, I share some simple tips for leveling up your daily looks.

One thing I want to do more of moving forward is show how certain pieces can work for more than just a certain season (I even started a new tag to keep track of them and add a quick link to the top menu). I try to fill my closet with pieces that can be worn tons of different ways, and that includes for different types of weather. I will give a disclaimer here that I obviously live in California, so my cold weather looks won’t necessarily work for a Michigan winter, but hopefully I can show you the versatility of a graphic tee and at the very least inspire you to get yours out of your closet (or try one out for the first time)!

The tee I’m styling in this style session is this one from Anine Bing and it fits true to size with a slightly oversized fit. In all of the looks I’m wearing my Julia Earrings in Matte Gold Arches (available September 5th), my three Yearly Co. bangles (I have two Initial Bangles with “J” and “L” on them for my kids’ initials, and a Twist Bangle) as well as my hammered gold ring Brian got me from J. Albrecht Designs in Colorado.

Everything is true to size unless otherwise noted.

FOR SPRING + SUMMER

These shorts are a summer no-brainer and I’ve been wear mine several times a week this summer. I went up a size and am happy I did, but if you have a more straight figure or less of a curvy backside, you could for sure stay true to size.

This is my current favorite outfit with the tee. I wore it to a friend’s birthday party the other night and it was incredible comfortable but I also felt put-together and stylish. Win-win. I love the way the mules really extend the appearance of my legs since they’re close in color to my skin-tone. That’s one way I “dress tall” (I’m 5’4″). You can find other nearly-identical skirts here and here, too!

Mom jeans and mules are in constant rotation for me when the weather is transitional, like spring and fall. They create such a good, chic base and become sort of a uniform of sorts that make getting dressed really easy. I got these mom jeans in the short length and am really happy with where they hit on my leg. They also come in a curvy fit if you find you need a bit more room in the thigh area (these have no stretch FYI). I went up a 1/2 size in the mules, but they are wider than my other Madewell mules so you could possibly stay true to size.

This is the same look as above with a gray blazer added as a light layer. This feels springy to me because of the woven bag, but I bet I’ll end up wearing this in the fall, too, as I transition from summer into cooler temperatures.

 

FOR FALL + WINTER

Blazer / Jeans (c/o) / Bag / Boots

I can’t wait to start wearing these boots!! They are so comfortable and the perfect height for me. These dark wash skinnies were worn more than almost anything else in my closet last fall and winter, and for good reason. They fit great and go with everything. I love the dark wash for the cooler months, and I have the ankle length so I don’t need to roll them. The blazer runs big so I recommend sizing down.

Cardigan / Jeans (c/o) / Bag / Mules

Get ready to see several looks with this cardigan! It’s kind of an unexpected pairing with the tee, but I love it. I sized down and got the petite length. Also, know that it is WARM—I was sweating shooting these photos! It’s going to be a perfect layer for California winter.

Cardigan / Jeans (c/o) / Bag / Boots

See? I wasn’t lying…more camo cardigan! I swapped out the flat mules for boots and added a pop of color with my Clare V bag.

The tee works well with these faux leather leggings with the addition of a long top layer to cover your backside. The mules fit small and narrow, so definitely go up 1/2 size or even a full size. Also, I recommend going up a size in the leggings for the best fit (aka so you can actually breathe while wearing them). Note: the leggings are also available in plus and maternity!

Same exact outfit as above, I just swapped in the gray blazer for a different look!

Do you have a graphic tee you love? Which look is your favorite? (See my top graphic tee picks here)

9 Ways to Wear a Graphic Tee All Year

Read the Comments +

  1. […] Want more graphic tee outfit ideas? See the post here. […]

  2. Amy says:

    Hi! So in love with all your looks! I know you said you sized down and got petite in the camo cardigan. Does that you mean you went with a petite xs?

  3. […] recently shared 9 Ways to Wear a Graphic Tee All Year, and several of you requested some more graphic tee options that were either under $50, or just a […]

  4. […] Classic brown boots (I own these…see them on me here) […]

  5. Morgan says:

    I think the mom jeans, mules, and sweater blazer look is my favorite!! But the spanx + camo is a close second!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

  6. Ashleigh says:

    I love these looks, and a good graphic tee! Any recommendations for more budget-friendly options than the awesome Annie Bing ones?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi, I'm Natalie

I am a believer in owning your personal style, saying what you mean, asking for what you want, living authentically and the power of simplicity — in fashion, and in life.

READ          LATEST

the

The Blog Playlist

In The Mood For...

DAILY LOOKS

CAPSULES

PACKING LISTS

FALL OUTFITS

DENIM LOOKS

Spring 2024

The

EDIT

See and shop the things I am currently wearing or have on my wish list. I love minimalist, effortless pieces that can be worn multiple ways and cherished for years to come.

My top picks for the season.

Favorite Items               Spring

for the

Favorite Items                Spring

for the

follow @natalieborton

If you're into minimalist style, shopping quality over quantity, things I find funny + probably way too many videos of my coffee and my Great Dane Hank... You've come to the right place. 

Follow Along →

Let's get casual →

Tons of style inspo →

Straight to your inbox →