I admit it, I love a good graphic tee, whether it be a tee that creates a nostalgic feeling when I look at it (here is looking at you NKOTB and Prince) or depicts something that gives me all the warm fuzzies (Disney/Harry Potter) or even a tee that has a inspirational saying or quote that I feel defines who I am as a person (can one have too many ‘the future is female’ shirts).
However, even though I love a graphic tee and they are my go to for when heading to Disney or working from home, I am not one to ever really ‘go out’ in them. Because we have been homebound with the pandemic, on those rare occassions that we take the kids out or go out for dinner, I want to feel dressed. I want to do my makeup and look like I didn’t roll from my home office into the restaurant even though that is the case in most instances. Even when I was in a more traditional office setting, there was something about dressing up that I have always liked. If you follow Nicole Walters on social media (if you do not, what are you doing with your life), she says “functional over fancy” a lot and that is really the only way that I can explain how my style has evolved over the years (as I am sure with a thousand other pandemic women out there). Putting together a wardrobe capsule, getting rid of the ‘I just may wear these again’s’, and making sure that if I am investing in a piece or new clothing that it is one not one that already exists in my closet or could be replicated by something else. In other words, timeless.
With that being said, some of our offices (even though I am a Academic Advisor, I work for an Online division so I do not see students face to face, but I am in an office) although away from prying eyes is considered the ‘business building’ (IT and HR are housed here as well as many of the College VP’s), business attire is appreciated, but could be really more defined as business casual. On Fridays we tend to wear jeans, dress shirts, comfy shoes, etc. When I say jeans, I mean ones that are more dressier (dark denim, flare leg, fitted, etc). One should be able to almost mistake them for pants unless standing super close to you and if that is the case, they better be inviting you to lunch.
So yes, Friday was more of a business casual day. On these days, I would tend to wear dark denim, graphic tee and a blazer, complete with leopard heels (a staple) or black flats. Other than my denim jacket which I am obsessed with (a blog for another day) this became what would be considered as my other signature look and one that I think anyone can pull off in the right environment and if allowed. I feel that it looked appropriate for work, but was still fun and ready to go to happy hour if that particular Friday called for it (which was more often then not). And hell, if you are your own CEO, this could be your everyday.
First things first, a good blazer.
I love a good staple blazer and if you are looking for an inexpensive option that will be with you for many years, I suggest H&M or Zara. You can find some great ones at Target or Loft, Banana Republic or Express (during their sales), but I find more often than not I have to order try on and then I am returning more often then I am keeping as I am not a boxy blazer kinda gal and like them more fitted. And yes, Loft does come in petite, but the arms tend to be super short and do not always fit well which is why trying on is always a must. H&M and Zara always seem to hit the nail on the head every time, I have had mine for years and they still look brand new, and the sizes do not fluctuate. Apparently oversized blazers are REALLY in now, so I gotta be honest, I am glad I have what I have. I would look like I was playing dress up in it.
I personally feel that you can never go wrong in investing in a good blazer as it is a timeless piece. However, if you barely wear one and they tend to be more for dressing up an item than everyday wear or if you are not in meetings all day the latter is a 100% fine. I linked options accordingly.
Zara: THIS, THIS (I love this one) and THIS …Zara is nothing short of amazing blazers.
Loft: THIS, and THIS, and THIS
If color is out of your wheelhouse, but you want a pop of something, I suggest using ThredUP . I love upcycling pieces, I love the hunt for a good vintage piece, and the fact that I am not contributing to fast fashion is another bonus. Plus, not overspending on something I may not wear every day, but is still something I am looking to include in my wardrobe is a win in my fashion arsenal. There is something to be said for not having to scour the racks of Goodwill or Salvation Army. I am insanely jealous of people that do this as I wish I one, had the time and two, enjoyed it. Thredup gives me the feel of this without having to leave my home. Granted I do spend a little by going this route and not actually going to a thrift store, but at least I walk away with something that I love.
I was able to score the below vintage Lilly courduroy blazer (kelly green is my favorite color) and although the color does not have me wearing it a lot, it fits like a dream as its tapered at the waist, and I did not pay more than $30 for it. I feel it is work appropriate while still allowing me to dress it down. I paired it with one of my favorite Harry Potter shirts (thanks Hubs) since it is understated and unless you are a fan, you would not be aware what the icon on the shirt was. Plus the green of the leaves makes the blazer pop.
Unfortunately I am unable to link the blazers or the t-shirts I am wearing as they are older, but it will give you an idea of how to pair your graphic tees with them and I am sure you can find something similar on a multitude of sites.
Some example of graphic t’s that I think would pair beautifully with a blazer and could transition in the office. HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, or HERE.
Old Navy graphic t-shirts traditionally come in men’s sizes (or at least the cool ones do), are really nice, wash well and come in a variety of interests.
Target also has a variety of really great graphic T’s, but they are not always optimal for washing (I throw theirs out more often than I like) and I do not even dry them which is saying a lot. If you can believe it, some of the best graphic T’s I have purchased have come from Forever 21. I have not shopped there in YEARS, but as you can see, this one is still going strong and is in constant rotation. It is fitted and a little shorter, but it still goes down to my torso and looks great under a blazer.
Plus, when am I ever going to find a Greek Geek shirt again? It will never happen and therefore I am never getting rid of it.
Some things to keep in mind when selecting a t-shirt for the office;
Keep it understated (less is more) or at least keep away from too wild images, unless it is a graphic tee with just a print on it (no words, bands, copyrighted images, etc.).
Make sure that if it is a flowy/boxy t-shirt that you either tuck it in or do a french-tuck (half in). You do not want to make it look like you are giving a fingers up to your office and looking like you crawled out of bed. The point is to make it office appropriate and transition in a way that makes it look like a suit.
Be selective about the graphic tee. Just because you are a hardcore lover of the musician, movie, fandom, etc. that you are representing does not mean that it should or is going to transition to the office. Think about the musician/movie/fandom that you are showcasing and think about the demographic and the community with whom you work when deciding how it will be perceived when you walk in. I am all for the ‘damn the man’ attitude, but sometimes we need our insurance, you know?! If you think it will raise eyebrows then leave it for after the office or for weekend wear. I have plenty of times put an extra shirt in my work purse to change into. Meaning, choose a band or person that has not landed on TMZ for anything other than a “aren’t they amazing” appreciation post (good luck).
It is Bowie for goodness sakes and you will never be able to tell me he is NOT work appropriate…
Yes, Hamilton may be controversial to some (I am not sure why, but who am I to argue), but I also work in higher education and the one I wear to the office is THIS (similar), so it doesn’t raise too many eyebrows and most people have no idea what it is (trust me, it is shocking for me too). I love a good silent nod to something that I love, such as; musical theatre.
All hair bowbands will ALWAYS be from Bellanotteandco
This rule also stands for inspirational phrases/terms on t-shirts. If someone is going to take it the wrong way or can be misinterpreted just go with the old adage that if you have to think about it or ask someone else, just deem it inappropriate for the office. Stay away from sayings on shirts like; This Mama Runs on Coffee, Dog Mama (not inappopriate but you see this more with leggings), any sort of religion or political reference should go without saying, jokes about work, controlling facial expressions (although I have this on a mug lol), etc. To me, these are more leisurely t-shirts and do not transfer to the office. I tend to wear the below and I have gray one that says “we rise by lifting others.”
If you are going to choose something that has a Disney/Star Wars character or some other animated character on it, keep it understated or retro. Such as, THIS, THIS, or THIS. You still want to be seen as professional even though you may wear Minnie ears in your spare time (::cough cough::). Plus, you do not want to cross the line where casual Friday is no longer a thing or if you get called into a last minute meeting and your having to explain your “I’m a 100% certain I’m a Disney Princess” t-shirt.
Even though the graphic is larger on the below shirt, I like that it is not in your face (unless you are an Edna Mode fan), there are minimal colors and it perfectly matches the tweed in the jacket (you can never go wrong with tweed) so it looks like a set. I would even wear this with a pair of straight legged paperbag pants like THESE from Target. I have them in black, but I am also 5 feet, so they are not highwaters on me, but actual full-length pants ;).
Sean literally waited until our neighbor’s pirate flag was picked up by the wind to get the shot…if that isn’t a Insta husband I do not know what is lol.
Do you have Casual Fridays at work? What do you normally wear? Do you ever sport a graphic tee with a blazer? Think you would now?
