A t-shirt and jeans have become a classic casual outfit, suitable for men, women, and nonbinary persons alike. For most women, a t-shirt and jeans is a daytime staple, at least in casual settings where the function is more important than form.
But throwing on a t-shirt and jeans doesn’t have to look lazy. With the right accessories, shoes, and cosmetics, you can turn a casual laying around the house outfit into a stylish night on the town ensemble.
Accessorize
When it comes to sprucing up your t-shirt and jeans look, accessories can make all the difference. A nice piece of statement jewelry, like an elegant pair of earrings or a striking necklace, can take things up a notch. T shirts for women come in a variety of neckline types, so choose the right one for your piece of jewelry. A V-neck or scoop neck is perfect for showing off shorter necklaces and more delicate pendants, but longer chains and bulkier pendants stand out just fine against the fabric of a graphic tee. Add a belt and shoulder bag or, for a night on the town, a clutch or evening bag.
Scarves are also a great choice for accessorizing jeans and a t-shirt. The right scarf alone can add color and interest to a casual outfit, and scarves work great paired with heels, boots, and sneakers. They’re a great way to keep warm in the winter, and some scarves even come with secret zipper pockets to stash your necessaries if you need to keep them close to you and/or don’t want to carry a purse. A good scarf can add color to your cheeks, draw attention to your face, and add interest to your outfit.
Put Your Hair Up
Pulling your hair up into a quick, easy updo shows off your pretty earrings and makes it look like you really put in an effort. Plus, it’s a great solution for those times when you need to look put-together but don’t have time or don’t feel like washing your hair.
Do Your Makeup
No one is saying you have to put on a full face in order to glam up your casual ensemble. At a certain point, you’re defeating the point of keeping things casual with your jeans and t-shirt. Keep your makeup light but don’t be afraid to go for a bold lip, dramatic cat eye, or even a bold pop of eyeshadow.
Layer with a Patterned Jacket or Coat
A basic jeans and t-shirt ensemble can easily go to the next level when paired with a patterned full-length jacket or blazer. A classic plaid checked or houndstooth coat adds a sophisticated flair that works just as well for the office as it does for Sunday brunch. But there are so many patterned blazers, coats, and jackets, that you can really get creative with this. Add a whimsical, feminine touch with a floral patterned blazer. Tweed, suede and leather, and even faux fur coats and jackets can all be paired with a t-shirt and jeans for running errands or heading to work.
Grab the Right Handbag
You can dress your ensemble up or down with a mere choice of handbag. The fancier the handbag, the more eye-catching and sophisticated the look. A clutch or evening bag adds a touch of haute couture to a quotidian style, especially when matched with heels and/or a coordinating jacket or coat. If you’re running errands or heading to the office and need to keep your hands free, grab a shoulder bag.
Add the Right Shoes
Shoes can almost dress up an outfit on their own. Heels, wedges, flats, or booties are a nod to fashion that will do more than most accessories to add style to your look. When you’ve got no time to pull together an outfit, throwing on a pair of nice shoes and maybe adding a scarf or jacket will give most people the illusion that you put in a lot more effort than you did.
Dressing up a t-shirt and jeans is easy with the right accessories. A nice jacket or coat, a pair of heels, some statement earrings, and a clutch can really take your casual look to the next level — without sacrificing your comfort.
