Looking for casual outfits that are current and stylish? In this video and blog post, I show you over 15 graphic tee outfits that will give you that cool girl vibe.
Styled specifically for women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, these outfits are for real women who want to look and feel their best every day.
After checking out this post and video, you will have plenty of graphic tee outfits, cool girl style to try yourself.
Rock the Look
The first time I recall seeing a graphic tee styled with a blazer and blue jeans was when Rachel Ward rocked the look in the 80s movie Against All Odds. I remember thinking the look was cool, edgy, and modern.
Only 18 years old, I was not ready to go there, but obviously her look made an impression on me that has stayed planted in my mind for 38 years. Who knew graphic tees would become such a fashion statement? So glad they have.
History in the Making
Not nearly as stylish, but probably a lot more fun, my quick internet research uncovered that the emergence of the first graphic tee was in 1939, in the movie The Wizard of Oz.
I vaguely remember this after watching The Wizard of Oz fifty times throughout my life, but multiple sources showed that the beauty parlor workers who helped to put scarecrow back together were the first bunch to rock the graphic tee look.
The tees simple read, “OZ,” on a basic green shirt. They belonged to something larger than themselves, the shirts confirmed it.
Not exactly a style statement, but they wore the first graphic tees on record.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission for promoting an item if you purchase through the link I have provided (at no additional cost to you). The items selected in this post are products I have promoted because I like them, and the opinions presented are all my own. For more information, see my blog compensation & disclosure page shown in the header or footer section of this page.
Now with more charm and personality, graphic tee options have exploded. Everyone has them. There are print-on-demand online stores on every corner of the internet, giving us countless options to choose from.
The cool thing about graphic tees is they give us an opportunity to share our message with the world without the permanence or commitment of a tattoo. A band tee, a political message, a funny meme, or whatever is on your mind, you can now wear it on your chest for everyone to see.
Dressed up or dressed down, they make a statement, literally. I’ve seen them styled with skirts, leather pants, you name it.
One of my favorite ways, go-to ways to wear a graphic tee is with a moto jacket. However, in this post I’m breaking out of my rut and exploring other, creative alternatives to wear them.
Make Your Own Statement
The graphic tees I share in these looks include a sampling of the tees I have collected over the last few years. Therefore, most of the graphic tees I’m sharing in this video and post are no longer available, but I have linked to similar t-shirts.
Casual, Effortless Style with Graphic Tees
Without looking very far, you will find my common messaging theme in the tees I choose to wear. Clearly nature, love, and kindness are my vibe.
Graphic tees are very personal because they reflect what we want to put out into the world. I have linked some cool tees currently available, from a variety of stores I usually shop at, as inspiration.
Take the outfit inspiration I have shared below and slot in your favorite graphic tees to share the message you want to put out into the world.
Graphic Tee Styling
1. Black Oversize Blazer with Graphic Tee
The best way to wear a graphic tee! Dress up your graphic tee by pairing it with a black oversized blazer. A black t-shirt and a pair of white, cream or blue jeans, and your favorite pumps create a fabulous impactful look.
You will definitely project cool girl vibes when you wear an outfit similar to these, out for a casual dinner, on a hot date, or out with girlfriends.
Get the look: Black Oversize Blazer, Girl Mom Graphic Tee, White Skinny Jeans (similar), Nude Heels
Get the Look: Black Oversize Blazer, Wild Horse Graphic Tee, Medium Wash Bootcut Jeans (similar), Black Heels
Get the Look: Black Oversize Blazer, Love Yourself Graphic Tee (Similar), White Skinny Jeans (similar), Nude Heels, Pearl Necklace
Love Yourself so you have more love to give to others.
United in Kindness, because we are all one.
2. Denim Jacket Outfit with a Graphic Tee
Perfect for polishing off an outfit, your jean jacket is a great grab-it-and-go wardrobe basic. Throw on your favorite jeans and flats and you are ready to go shopping or out to lunch.
Slip on your pumps with a jean jacket for an elevated look. You’ll definitely have that cool girl look as you head out the door.
Get the Look: Denim Jacket (similar), Love Yourself Graphic Tee (Similar), Black Bootcut Jeans (similar), Black Heels, Pearl Necklace
Get the Look: Denim Jacket (similar), Plant Kindness Graphic Tee (similar), White Skinny Jeans (similar), Rothy’s Nude Pointed Toe Flats
Get the Look: Denim Jacket (similar), Wild Horse Graphic Tee, White Skinny Jeans (similar), Nude Heels
Get the Look: Denim Jacket (similar), Wild Horse Graphic Tee, Ponte Knit Sheath Dress (similar), Camo Slide On Sneakers (similar)
3. Utility Jacket Outfit with Graphic Tee
Effortlessly casual, your utility jacket is another great wardrobe basic to pair with your favorite graphic tee. Khaki is a great go-to color that looks good with just about anything you’re wearing.
While we usually consider a utility jacket quite casual, you can certainly elevate your look by slipping on your favorite pair of black or nude pumps to up the outfit.
Get the Look: Khaki Utility Jacket (similar), Green Graphic Tee (similar), Blue Skinny Jeans, Nude Heels
Get the Look: Khaki Utility Jacket (similar), Plant Kindness Graphic Tee (similar), White Skinny Jeans (similar), Nude Heels
Get the Look: Khaki Utility Jacket (similar), Love Yourself Graphic Tee (Similar), Black Leggings, Black Heels
4. Yellow Cardigan Outfit with Graphic Tee
Another finishing piece that adds some color and interest to an outfit is your favorite cardigan. The yellow cardigan pictured here is an ultra lightweight finishing piece, ideal for adding interest.
Casual and effortless, these outfits are perfect when you need to run to the grocery store or out on a quick errand. Stylish, yet very simple, you look like you’ve made some effort. If you run into an old friend or neighbor while you’re out and about, you look put together – no problem.
Get the Look: Yellow Cardigan, Nature Graphic Tee (similar), Black Leggings, Rothy’s Black Pointed Toe Flats, Pearl Necklace
Get the Look: Yellow Cardigan, Nature Graphic Tee (similar), Medium Wash Bootcut Jeans (similar), Natural Espadrille Sandals (similar), Pearl Necklace
Get the Look: Yellow Cardigan, White Skinny Jeans (similar), Rothy’s Nude Pointed Toe Flats
5. Olive Green Vest & Graphic Tee
Loving this olive cargo vest with graphic tees. Another item that is neutral and goes well with any graphic tee.
When paired with a gray graphic tee, light washed boot cut jeans and espadrilles, this olive cargo vest is the perfect cool-girl finishing piece.
Get the Look: Green Cargo Vest (similar), Girl Mom Graphic Tee, Camo Leggings, Rothy’s Black Pointed Toe Flats
Get the Look: Green Cargo Vest (similar), Girl Mom Graphic Tee, White Skinny Jeans (similar), Nude Heels, Pearl Necklace
Get the Look: Green Cargo Vest (similar), Nature Graphic Tee (similar), Light wash bootcut jeans (similar), Natural Espadrille Sandals (similar), Pearl Necklace