Graphic tees are the unsung heroes of a versatile wardrobe. They’re fun, expressive, and comfy—but even better, they’re not just for summer or lounging anymore. In fact, one of the most fashion-forward ways to wear your graphic tee is by layering it over another top. Yes, you heard that right—layering under your graphic tees opens up so many options for style, warmth, and interest.
Quote of the day: “Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest.” Hermann Hesse
This all came about because my Ageless style group suggested graphic tees for styling. We have explored this topic in the past:
Thrifted options
5 ways to wear one
An 80 yr old wearing a graphic tee with a maxi skirt
Because we’ve showcased them many times before, I wanted to get creative. We don’t often think about layering under the t-shirts. Once I started brainstorming, I was full of ideas and actually think there are even more than we’ve shown.
I’d also like to welcome a new crew member to this photoshoot. Her name is Laryssa, and she is one of Valerie’s friends who joined us for the day.
My goal is always to show that all women can be stylish, and I hope you agree.
Do you know what else is beneficial about including other minds in our styling challenges? You get a wide range of interpretations. For example, both Valerie and Laryssa wore graphic tees that are a graphic print artwork instead of words or images.
And while Valerie and Laryssa both used layering under their graphic tees, they also layered over them at the same time.
1. Laryssa–The Mesh Layer
Laryssa joins us, styling a blue mesh shirt under her flowered graphic tee. I love how it’s an instant pop of color to an otherwise neutral look featuring mostly black.
Why it works: Mesh brings in texture without bulk, and you can find versions with embroidery, florals, or shimmer to play with the tone of your tee.
Most mesh shirts are too thin to wear alone, which makes them perfect for layering.
Details:
-Since Laryssa styled a black and white look overall, I love how the blue mesh and turquoise accessories add some color to the look.
-This is a perfect example of how a flowy lower half (cargo joggers) can be paired with a flowy duster. It has fabulous movement, and you almost don’t know where the duster and joggers start and end.
-Take a gander at the bottom hem of Laryssa’s top where she used a barette to pull up the tee’s fabric to show off the blue mesh even more.
2. Jodie–The Striped Tee
I had a hard time deciding on which top for this idea of layering graphic tees. It seemed like everything in my closet could be a possibitlity.
However, since I was being bold with the metallic jeans, I opted for something safer like this black and white striped top.
I loved how this gave the outfit a nod to French-girl fashion with a twist of whimsy.
Why it works: Stripes add a classic, graphic element that complements rather than competes with the print of your tee. It’s a great way to add interest when your base tee is more neutral.
Details:
-I recently found this scarf while thrifting and have worn it more than I thought. Today, I styled it as a necklace with this style hack. (1st IG video)
-These are some of my favorite Frannie & Elinor earrings because they are gold and silver combined.
-I did incorporate some bits of print mixing with my belt, striped top and print purse.
3. Charlotte– The Turtleneck
My mother layered a white turtleneck under a yellow graphic tee with a sunflower design. Isn’t the color combo just sunshine in an outfit? The turtleneck not only adds warmth but also makes the outfit feel polished and purposeful.
Why it works: Turtlenecks are classic cold-weather staples, but they take on a fresh vibe when styled under a tee. It’s a simple swap that totally transforms the look.
Details:
-I love how my mom used a scarf clip to pull up the t-shirt instead of tucking it in or leaving it hanging.
-My mom found this skirt recently hanging in her closet after we took photos with a polka dot skirt, not realizing she had it. So I told her, she might as well wear it.
-This creates yin/yang since we think of a skirt as dressier and feminine, while the graphic tee is more casual and athletic.
Style tip: Match your turtleneck to a color in the graphic, or go bold with a contrast. This is a perfect time to wear a turtleneck that seems too tight to wear alone.
4. Lesley–The Button-Up Shirt
Lesley is rocking the ultimate classic layering combo: a crisp white button-up shirt under a bold Wonder Woman graphic tank. This one’s a little unexpected—and that’s exactly why it works.
Why it works: The contrast between a structured button-up and a casual tee adds dimension.
Details:
-Lesley said she felt like a cheerleader in this look, and I said there’s nothing wrong with that.
-At first I didn’t know what the “W” stood for, but of course, it’s Lesley’s alter ego.
-I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but Lesley usually keeps her earrings simple. Yet today she went bolder and wore pink textured ones that pull out the multicolors in the “W”. Her bracelet does the same thing.
5. Valerie–The Lace Top
Valerie took a beautiful lace-trimmed extender and layered it under her printed graphic tee. You might even think that the two are connected.
Insider tip: This is the perfect example of how someone else can think differently and provide amazing inspiration. When Valerie opted to style lace under her graphic tee, I imagined lace sleeves sticking out. But having the lace extender at the bottom is another fabulous option I hadn’t considered.
Why it works: Lace adds instant femininity and elegance. Layering it under a graphic tee makes for a surprising contrast that feels fresh and modern.
Details:
-Valerie’s lace extender is actually a long vest, yet it works perfectly layered this way.
-I love how Valerie wore her bendable necklace as a bracelet. I took inspiration from that and used it on Wednesday in last week’s Daily Looks post.
-I’d also like to point out the mixture of metals from her shoe decorations to her accessories.
6. Jodie–The Thin Sweater
Let’s not forget one of the easiest and most practical layering tricks of all—wearing your graphic tee over a lightweight sweater. This look is a great alternative to the turtleneck approach and adds both warmth and color without adding to the neckline as much.
Insider tip: This was the outfiit from my daily outfits wearing jeans on Tuesday, that was seen with the shacket over it thus you didn’t see the sweater. It’s a great way to hide extra layers for warmth.
If you’re like me and has ordered a sweater online only to find out it’s too thin to wear alone in the winter, I have learned to adjust my thinking and have it be a layering tool.
Why it works: A thin sweater gives you extra insulation for chilly days while adding a pop of color or texture under your tee.
Style tip: You could also use a cardigan for this idea. Just button it up and wear it like a normal sweater under the t-shirt.
Details:
-The pink pops of color really add spice to this grey t-shirt and jeans outfit.
-My belt leather was starting to peel so I added fingernail polish to fill in the white areas. BTW, it’s best to do this when the belt is not wrapped around you (I found out the hard way).
-My exact t-shirt can be found at Target or on the site. And here’s what the sweater looks like.
Why Layer Under Your Graphic Tee?
Let’s talk about the why for a moment. Sure, a graphic tee is cute on its own. But layering underneath:
- Extends its wearability into cooler months.
- Creates endless outfit variations without needing more tees.
- Allows you to play with colors, textures, and proportions.
- Is a great reason to hold onto those “too tight” tops.
- Allows stained or seasonal graphics to be worn under another tee, this way.
- Creates stylish options for items that aren’t trendy anymore. For instance, think about wearing a flowy kimono under your graphic tee. (I tried something similar under a vest and cropped top).
Basically, layering under your graphic tee turns it into a style chameleon. You get mileage, comfort, and flair.
A Closet Workhorse with Personality
If you’ve been wondering how to keep your graphic tees in rotation beyond summer or how to make them feel more “styled,” now you’ve got the tools to do it.
I know it seems unconventional to layer this way, but unconventional methods are the ways we learn and grown.
Whether you’re adding a touch of edge with mesh, classic vibes with stripes, warmth with a turtleneck, polish with a button-up, or a feminine flair with lace—you really can wear your graphic tee over almost anything.
It’s about layering with purpose and having fun with fashion at every age.
My friend, Angie, recently posted about ways to wear this fabulous type of tee, so you can get even more inspiration (she even showcased my mom in her article).
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