The oversized t-shirt trend has made a huge comeback in recent years.
Oversized tees provide a relaxed, effortless look perfect for the laidback vibe of summer.
While basic oversized tees are a staple, there are many creative ways to style them to create fun, trendy outfits.
Today, my tips will help you get the most out of this versatile wardrobe item.
You will understand the ways to dress up oversized tees, style them for different occasions, layer them, and more.
With these ideas, you’ll be the most stylish person rocking an oversized tee this summer.
Tuck it into High-Waisted Bottoms
One of the easiest ways to instantly polish up an oversized tee is by tucking it into a pair of high-waisted bottoms.
This simple trick creates definition and shape while still allowing the relaxed look of the tee.
High-waisted shorts are a perfect summer choice for pairing with an oversized tee.
Go for distressed denim shorts or colorful cotton shorts.
Tuck and front-tuck your tee in different areas to add interest. Try tying a knot at the hem for a playful touch.
Pair with flat sandals or sneakers for a casual daytime look.
High-waisted jeans, trousers or skirts also look chic with a tucked-oversize tee.
Cuff wide-leg trousers or a midi skirt at the ankle and finish the look with heeled sandals or booties for nighttime.
You can also play with proportions by choosing bottoms that are the opposite silhouette of the tee. Balance an extra boxy tee with fitted bike shorts or mini skirt.
Go for an A-line mini skirt with a curved hem tee.
When styling, pay attention to the interaction between the graphic on the tee and the waistline. A cropped tee with a print hitting right at the waist looks cool.
Make sure to avoid awkward skull or face graphics getting chopped in half!
Take this look into edgier territory with leather or vinyl bottoms.
Tuck an oversize graphic tee into shiny leggings and throw on a moto jacket for downtown cool. Pair with chunky ankle boots.
For ultra-femme vibes, tuck a breezy oversized tee into a floral maxi skirt or ruffled mini. Finish with delicate jewelry and strappy sandals.
So don’t be afraid to tuck and tie your oversize tee this summer.
Let the tee billow out on top while cinching it in at the waistline. This simple trick lets you show off your figure in a laidback way.
Knot it Crop Top Style
Turn your oversized tee into a trendy crop top by tying a knot in the front. This instantly amps up your look for summer without showing too much skin.
The most common way to style a knotted oversize tee is tying it at the waist. Simply grab the hem in the front and tie a knot. Make sure to pull the top tight enough so it doesn’t come undone.
You can tie a basic single knot, double knot or bow style knot.
Get creative with different placement too – a little off to the side looks cute. Too much excess material? Tie a second knot for extra security.
Pair your knotted oversized tee with high-waisted shorts, skirts or pants.
This shows just a peek of skin at your midriff depending on how cropped your tie makes the tee.
For a night out, knot your tee over leather pants or a satin midi skirt. Heeled boots or strappy heels complete this sexy going-out look.
Instead of tying at your waist, you can also knot an oversized tee right under your bust. This shows off a touch more skin for a flirty style.
Wear your bust-knotted tee with cutoff denim shorts and sneakers for weekend wear. For date night, pair with a pleated mini skirt and heeled sandals.
Knotting your oversize tee on one shoulder is another trendy option. Simply tie the shoulder area into a knot and let the rest billow out.
This gives off Bardot top vibes with a casual vibe.
Wear your shoulder-knotted tee with distressed jeans, adding some layered necklaces.
For beach days, pair it with cotton shorts and birkenstocks.
No matter where you choose to tie your oversized tee, this styling creates an instantly put-together look.
The cropped effect flatters your figure while still keeping things comfy and cool for summer.
So don’t be afraid to get creative knotting your oversize tee in different placements.
Turn it into a stylish DIY crop top or flirty shoulder-baring blouse with this easy summer styling trick.
Layer it Over Dresses and Skirts
One cute way to rock an oversized tee is by layering it over dresses and skirts. This creates fun layered looks that are perfect for summer.
Throwing an oversized graphic tee over a slip dress is a cool grunge-inspired style.
Go for a crisp white tee over a black slip dress and finish with combat boots for ’90s vibes.
Or try a neon tee over a neutral slip to make the color pop.
For a sweeter take, layer a pastel oversized tee over a floral mini dress. Finish with white sneakers or sandals for a pretty springtime look.
A tee layered over a button-down dress or prairie-style dress also looks amazing.
Allow the dress collar to peek out from under the tee for quirky contrast.
Add a belt over the tee to cinch the waist.
When layering over skirts, pay attention to proportions.
An extra boxy tee counterbalances the femininity of a fuller midi or maxi skirt.
For evening, layer a fitted satin skirt with a loose vintage graphic tee, tied at the waist.
Complete with mules or strappy sandals.
To balance a mini skirt, go for a cropped oversized tee hitting just at the waistband.
A curved hem tee looks cute peeking out from under an A-line mini.
Have fun playing with different skirt and dress lengths when layering tees on top.
Cropped tees look great over long maxis, while oversized tees add coverage over minis.
Layering over light, airy sundresses creates a grungy contrast for an edgy summer look. But you can also layer tees over other tee dresses. A graphic oversized tee complements the casual vibe of a striped tee dress.
When layering tees over dresses, you don’t have to fully tuck them in. Allow the front hem to hang out and tie a knot for a laidback style.
Oversized tee layered looks work great for transitional weather too.
When it’s still a bit chilly out, a tee over a dress adds the perfect extra layer of coverage.
So explore layering your oversize tee in unexpected ways over your favorite dresses and skirts this season.
The contrast between the masculine tee and feminine skirt makes for super cute summer style.
Dress it Up With Tailored Pieces
Oversized tees aren’t just for dress-down days.
You can easily dress them up too for a cool high-low look.
The key is pairing your tee with more tailored, elegant pieces.
For a sharp daytime look, tuck your oversize tee into tailored shorts.
Go for shorts with a high waist and wide leg silhouette. Tuck just the front of the tee in and finish with heeled sandals.
Pairing an oversized graphic tee with a blazer instantly elevates the look.
Go for a slightly cropped, boxy blazer to complement the tee.
Add high-waisted trousers and pointy flats.
For evening, layer a fitted tuxedo jacket over a boxy tee, along with cigarette pants.
Ground the look with sleek pumps.
Swapping out casual sneakers for a heeled bootie can make tees work for night.
Try a cropped band tee with leather leggings and black booties for dinner or drinks.
Using pieces with contrasting silhouettes helps balance oversize tees.
Pair with skinny trousers, pencil skirts or moto leggings.
Avoid top-heavy proportions by keeping bottoms slim.
Pay attention to fabric too.
Luxe materials like silks and satins feel dressier than cotton tees.
Try a metallic silk oversized tee with tailored shorts and strappy heels.
A simple white oversized tee instantly looks more polished tucked into a leather wrap skirt with pumps.
Add statement earrings to finish.
Don’t forget outerwear too.
Layer an oversized tee with a chic coat, like a cape or duster.
This balances proportions. Top with heeled booties and a wide-brim hat.
Oversized tees pair surprisingly well with suiting pieces too.
Counter a boxy tee with a fitted vest and wide leg trousers for androgynous chic.
You can even wear oversize tees to the office with the right pieces.
A blazer, trouser pants and pointy flats create a smart casual work look.
So don’t relegate your oversized tees just to casual days.
With strategic layering and pairings, you can easily dress up an oversize tee for day or night.
Make it Sporty-Chic
Oversized tees have an intrinsic sporty vibe.
Lean into this athletic aesthetic by styling your tee for sporty-chic summer looks.
Pair your oversized tee with classic sneakers like Stan Smiths, Converse or Vans slip-ons.
Tuck the front into jeans, shorts or a mini.
Top with a menswear-inspired blazer for weekend wear.
Tees with sporty logos, like college or brand names, double down on the athletic references.
Wear with tbh bike shorts and high socks for playful ’80s vibes.
Biker shorts are sporty bottoms that complement oversize tees perfectly.
Opt for cotton-spandex shorts in fun colors.
Keep them casual with a knotted tee and simple sneakers.
You can also wear oversized tees as cover-ups over swimwear.
Try a boxy tee over a one-piece swimsuit with sporty sandals for the pool or beach.
For running errands or a workout class, pair an oversized tee with leggings.
Go for a cropped style hitting at the anklebone and performance leggings with side pockets.
Finish with simple tennis shoes.
Oversized tees look super cute tied at the waist with athletic mini skirts that show off your legs.
Try a tennis skirt with a retro logo tee and preppy sneakers.
For music festivals or a day at the park, rock an oversize band tee as a lightweight dress over bike shorts.
Accessorize with bold sunglasses and a cap for a sporty laidback vibe.
Don’t forget outerwear too!
In cooler weather a windbreaker or bomber jacket balances the sportiness of a graphic oversized tee.
You can also nail sporty-chic style by layering oversize tees over fitted workout tops. Allow the hem and sleeves to peek out from under a cropped yoga top.
For night, dress up an oversized tee with a bold red jacket and heeled booties.
This adds just a touch of athleisure attitude to any going-out look.
So if you love athleisure or sporty style, don’t be afraid to flaunt that with your oversized tees.
Let its sporty vibe inspire playful looks perfect for summer active living.
Add Some Glam Elements
While oversized tees on their own read super casual, you can instantly glam them up too. Just add some shiny and sparkly accents.
An easy way to make tees glam for evening is swapping sneakers for strappy heels.
Pair with leather leggings and a shoulder-baring knotted tee.
Sequined and metallic skirts also bring all the glitz.
Try a distressed oversized tee with a high-shine midi skirt and simple heels.
Glittery eyeshadow and bold lipstick amp up the glamour factor of a basic oversize tee. Go for a sultry nighttime vibe with smudgy eyes and red lip.
Don’t be afraid to accessorize with some bling too!
Layered gold necklaces dress up an oversized tee for dinner or date night.
Statement earrings also elevate casual tees.
Try colorful chandelier or shoulder dusters. Stacked bracelets add shine to bare wrists.
For events like parties or concerts, spell out words or phrases on your oversized tee with rhinestones. DIY your own customized glitter tee.
Metallic booties, bags and other accessories make any outfit instantly more glam.
Shiny Chelsea boots and a holographic shoulder bag balance a relaxed oversize tee.
You can also add some shimmer to the tee itself for built-in glamour. Look for tee with subtle metallic sheens or glittery graphic prints.
For beauty, amp up your makeup more than your average daytime look.
Opt for lush lashes, defined contouring and nude-glossed lips.
Slip on a silky kimono jacket or faux fur coat over jeans and a tee to glitz up the look effortlessly.
So don’t be afraid to pair your laidback oversized tees with glam pieces like metallic accessories, heels and bold makeup.
Elevate the look of a casual tee for an easy day-to-night switch.
Half-Tuck into Jeans or Pants
One of the most ubiquitous ways to style an oversized tee is half-tucking into jeans or pants.
This classic technique flatters most body types.
Front-tuck just the front hem of your tee into jeans, leaving the back out.
This defines your waist while still feeling laidback.
When half-tucking, pay attention to the interaction between the graphic print and waistband. Make sure you don’t chop off any design elements awkwardly.
Cropped tees look really cute half-tucked, showing off a sliver of midriff.
Try this with high-waisted vintage wash jeans for weekend wear.
You can play with how much of the tee you tuck in.
Just do a tiny tuck at the center for subtle definition. Or tuck under the whole front hem for more shape.
Half-tucked tees pair well with relaxed wide leg pants for balanced proportions. Let the tee billow out to balance the volume of the pants.
To make this look a bit dressier, swap out sneakers for leather booties, loafers or kitten heels. Add some layered jewelry too.
Oversized tees half-tucked into trousers create a smart-casual vibe perfect for work or school. Finish with ballet flats for an effortless look.
For weekend wear, pair a half-tucked tee with cutoff denim shorts. Mix in a straw bag and retro sunnies for laidback summer style.
Cropped oversize tees work well for half-tucking over leggings too.
Show off a cool buckle detail on high-waisted leggings this way.
The half-tuck flatters all body types, creating shape while still keeping the relaxed oversize tee look.
Play with versions from subtle to fully tucked-under.
So make sure to have some staple tees and jeans on hand this season to recreate this classic casual look.
It never fails for looking cool, whether running errands or meeting friends.
Knot it On One Shoulder
Knotting an oversized tee on just one shoulder creates an alluring one-shoulder effect while still keeping things laidback.
It’s perfect for summer heat.
This style looks great with the shoulder fully exposed.
Pull the neckline over to one shoulder. Then tie a simple or double knot at the strap.
You can also knot the tee strap halfway down your upper arm, similar to an off-the-shoulder blouse.
This offers a bit more coverage while still showing some skin.
Pair your one-shoulder oversized tee with cut-off denim shorts or a casual mini skirt for weekend wear.
Finish the look with sandals.
For date night, don a one-shoulder knotted tee with distressed skinny jeans and heeled booties.
Add a moto jacket for an edgy vibe.
The one-shoulder tee looks super summery with voluminous wide-leg pants.
Tuck the opposing side into the waistband and add hoops earrings.
This knotted style pairs well with bike shorts too.
Try a bright neon tee over black bike shorts for pop.
Add high-top sneakers to keep it sporty and cool.
You can also style a one-shoulder tee solo without any bottom layers. Wear it as a mini dress with some strappy sandals for hot summer days.
For music festivals or beach days, a one-shoulder knotted oversize tee makes a perfect lightweight cover-up. Add sunnies and a floppy hat to complete the look.
Don’t forget to finish off your one-shoulder tee look with fun makeup too.
Try a bold matte lip, graphic liner or pops of color on the eyes.
The one-shoulder tee gives you a flirty bare shoulder to show off with some cool accessories too.
Add stacked rings, chain necklaces or hoops.
So stay cool while looking hot this summer in a casually knotted one-shoulder oversize tee.
This simple DIY style instantly amps up basic tees.
Pair with Prints and Patterns
While oversized tees look great with plain bottoms, you can also have fun mixing and matching prints.
Clashing patterns creates an eclectic look perfect for summer.
Pairing oversize graphic tees with floral bottoms is a super cute contrast.
Try a boxy band tee with a ruffly floral skirt or flowy wide leg pants. Top with a denim jacket for a grunge vibe.
Plaids and checks also complement oversized tees nicely.
A relaxed tee with cuffed plaid pants or mini creates a cool modern ’90s look.
You can also double up on graphic prints, like pairing a striped oversize tee with graphic printed shorts. Anchor the busy look with a neutral bag and sneakers.
Mixing unexpected prints and colors together makes the look more interesting. A neon band tee over red plaid pants creates a fun color-clash effect.
When combining prints, make sure they share a similar color palette so they don’t clash too harshly. A red graphic tee works well with navy gingham shorts.
You can look to retro decades like the ’60s and ’70s for print pairing inspiration too. A paisley button-down under a band tee channels boho hippie style.
For a night out, layer an oversize vibrant graphic tee over sequin patterned bottoms.
Heeled mules keep the look dressy but playful.
If you don’t want to go over-the-top, just add one subtle printed accent.
A striped tote balances an abstract art graphic tee with jeans.
Or pair printed accessories like shoes or jewelry with a printed tee. Try animal print sneakers with a tie-dye oversize tee.
Having fun mixing contrasting prints lets you maximize summer’s bold, vibrant aesthetic. So break out of your print comfort zone and turn the clash into a cool style win.
Wear It as a Mini Dress
Oversized tees have enough fabric to easily double as a cute mini dress. This sporty DIY dress is perfect for hot summer days.
Look for boxy, tunic-length tees that hit at least mid-thigh.
Avoid anything too fitted or short, which can look immodest as a dress.
A striped oversized tee makes a chic French-inspired dress. Add ballet flats and a beret for weekend brunch style.
Slip a fanny pack or crossbody bag over a tee dress instead of carrying a purse. This keeps the sporty dress look hands-free.
Pair an oversize band or vintage graphic tee dress with high top sneakers.
For a pop of color, add bold socks scrunched up over your ankles.
You can add definition to a shapeless oversized tee dress by layering a thin belt at your natural waist. Go for fabric belts in fun colors or patterns.
An oversized tee with side slits transforms into an effortless mini dress. Add strappy flat sandals to show off a pedicure.
Keep the sporty dress casual for day with low ponytails, baseball caps or sunglasses. Save glam makeup and jewelry for night.
Dress up your tee dress for going out by layering a leather jacket on top and ankle booties on bottom. Finish with a bold red lip.
To ensure ample coverage, opt for bike shorts underneath oversized tee dresses, especially if your tee runs super short.
The oversized tee dress is so versatile too.
Dress it up with heels and outerwear or down with sneakers and baseball caps. You can wear it anywhere!
So beat the summer heat and slip on an oversized tee as a lightweight, breathable dress. This sporty mini is cute, comfy and covered up.
Make it Work-Friendly
While oversized tees seem too casual for the office, you can easily adapt them for work with the right pieces.
A blazer instantly elevates any oversize tee into work-appropriate attire. Look for more tailored fits versus slouchy styles.
Solid colors or subtle patterns work best.
Pair your tee and blazer with dress trousers on bottom.
Go for a high-waisted wide leg or cropped cigarette trouser. Add pointy flats to finish.
You can also tuck your oversized tee into a pencil skirt for a professional look.
This balances the proportions nicely. Try a knee-length skirt in black, gray or navy.
For a business casual office, swap the blazer for a fitted cardigan or sweater vest layered over your tee. Stick to minimal graphics or patterns.
Leave your tee untucked but make sure the hem hits just past your hips – avoid anything too cropped for the office.
Structured bags like leather totes complement dressed up tees for work. Just avoid anything with loud graphics or slogans.
Look for oversize tees in office-friendly fabrics like lightweight linen or cotton blends. Solid colors tend to look more polished than neon prints.
Tailor your makeup and hair to balance the casual tee with a professional feel.
Opt for natural looking makeup with polished waves or a low bun.
You can also layer an oversize tee under a dress with a collar to peek out. Just make sure to avoid distracting graphics near the neckline.
Save your oversize music or graphic tees for days when you don’t have external client meetings.
Opt for solid tees those high-visibility days.
For jobs allowing jeans, an oversize tee with dark denim and loafers creates a smart casual feel that’s still work-ready.
Having a few oversize tees you can easily dress up for work expands your outfit options. Follow these tips to make tees office-ready all year round.
DIY Cut and Crop it
One way to refresh an old oversized tee is giving it some DIY cut and crop makeover inspiration.
Put those scissors to work!
Cutting the sleeves into a muscle tank shows off your shoulders and guns for a trendy summer look.
Use the cut sleeves to tie a knot somewhere else if desired.
Cropping a boxy tee a few inches above your waist makes it instantly summer-ready.
Create a box cut hem for a modern vibe.
Cut wide strips into the tee hem for a jagged, rock tee effect.
Keep them evenly spaced for balance.
Cut the neckline wider, towards the shoulder seams, for off-the-shoulder appeal.
Keep enough sleeve to cover your bra straps.
Create side slits up to the waistband by cutting upward from the tee hem. This gives you leg room while keeping the tee oversized on top.
Cut strategic horizontal slits down the tee to tie knot cinches through.
This lets you transform the tee shape.
Cut fringe into the tee hem for a festival or boho feel. Customize the fringe length and thickness as desired.
If you love the half-tuck look, permanently crop your tee shorter in the front vs. back for built-in style.
Look for tees with interesting hems to cut for a unique end result. Curved or pointed hems add cute detail when cropped.
Repurpose tees from old concerts or vacations by cutting them into tanks to showcase the graphic better.
So pull out the old oversized tees languishing in your closet and give them new life through strategic cutting and cropping.
Unleash your inner DIY fashion designer!
Keep it Minimal
While there are infinite ways to accessorize and style oversized tees, sometimes keeping it simple works best.
Let the effortless tee be the star.
Stick to minimal, basic pieces like classic blue jeans, white sneakers, small hoops and a pendant necklace.
This creates a timeless casual look.
Solid color tees in muted hues like gray, olive and navy have an understated elegance on their own.
You don’t need much to make them look chic.
Neutral tees work well as starter base layers you can build more bold looks on top of over time. Keep it minimal first before accessorizing.
A perfectly oversized white tee with ripped jeans just needs simple white sneakers to look polished but laidback.
Add a cardi wrap if needed.
For all-day events like travel or festivals, let an oversize graphic tee dress work solo with no accessories that may get annoying. Keep it comfy!
If your tee features an intricate graphic print design, keep accessories minimal to let the art shine. Stick to simple stud earrings and delicate necklaces.
The oversized tee’s volume provides enough visual interest on its own against tailored pants or pencil skirts. Avoid more loose layers.
When wearing an oversize tee with loud color-blocked pants or a bold printed skirt, keep the tee simple so it doesn’t compete.
Layer a casual oversized tee under a statement blazer or coat. Show off the cool outer layer by keeping the inner tee muted and basic.
Minimal tees with small logos make great foundation wardrobe staples to build looks on top of. Mix, match and accessorize them endlessly.
So embrace the simplicity of an perfectly oversized tee now and then. Its laidback style needs little embellishment when done right.
Oversized tees are the MVP of summer wardrobes.
They can be adapted for any occasion and look stylish with minimal effort.
Use these tips to refresh your tee game this season.
With endless styling possibilities, you’ll never get bored rocking an oversize tee this summer.
So get ready to kick back in the comfiest – and coolest – tee yet!
