Can a Graphic T-Shirt Do Smart Casual?

graphic tee over 40

There’s one thing I almost always do when I visit Barcelona: buy a new Custo Barcelona t-shirt. Of course, they are available in many shops around the world or online, but I find it nice to stop by a shop, or two, to see the styles not available online. And it’s a bonus if there’s a sale, like this time.

So, now the question is, how to style this top. The obvious answer would be wearing it with jeans, but I wanted to do something different.

Now, super casual style doesn’t appeal to me any more than formal style does, so I’m trying to find a sort of a happy compromise. That elusive blending of casual and smart elements that makes you look well put-together but down-to-earth at the same time, that’s the goal.

Rebecca Minkoff minibag

I decided to wear wide-leg trousers and patent leather shoes to put more ‘smart’ in smart casual. And then I added my new Rebecca Minkoff minibag and an old pair of Prada sunglasses to give the outfit a bit of a luxury edge.

Outfit details:

top: Custo Barcelona / trousers: Marks and Spencer / bag: Rebecca Minkoff / 

sunglasses: Prada / shoes: Clarks

How do you wear graphic t-shirts?

Tiina

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26 Comments

  1. Shybiker
    10 April 2016 / 1:02 pm

    This is a nice compromise. Dressy yet relaxed. Chic yet unfussy. If I saw someone wearing this outfit, I'd approach them with a smile: you look like the kind of person I'd enjoy being friends with.

    • Tiina L
      11 April 2016 / 7:45 pm

      That is such a sweet thing to say, thank you.And I'm all about a compromise… No, on second thought, I would never compromise comfort.

  2. Patti
    10 April 2016 / 1:39 pm

    Great choices, Tiina – I love a Custo Barcelona print and this one is wonderful. xox-Pattihttp://notdeadyetstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      11 April 2016 / 7:46 pm

      I collect Custo Barcelona tops, I get at least one very year, as a souvenir. They're so much fun, aren't they?

  3. Monica P
    11 April 2016 / 1:59 pm

    Fabulous! I love me a good graphic tee and I have done smart casual, but these days .. it's mostly a graphic tee and jeans :-)Monica.

    • Tiina L
      11 April 2016 / 7:48 pm

      Thanks! This is my minimal effort smart casual, just a step up from jeans and a t-shirt.

  4. No Fear of Fashion
    11 April 2016 / 3:06 pm

    Oh .. I love this. I love Custo shirts anyway and yours is really good. Beautiful handbag too.Greetje

    • Tiina L
      11 April 2016 / 7:49 pm

      Yes, Custo shirts are fun. And this one was on sale!!! I never buy anything on sale! How great is that?

  5. Irene Papadopoulou
    12 April 2016 / 6:18 am

    love how you styled youe tee! beautiful colorsIrenewww.thedailylace.com

    • Tiina L
      12 April 2016 / 5:22 pm

      Thanks, Irene.

  6. nancy baten
    12 April 2016 / 1:17 pm

    Great colors. Looks like you are having a fabulous time in Barcelona :-)www.nancysfashionstyle.com

    • Tiina L
      12 April 2016 / 5:23 pm

      Thanks, Nancy. Yes, Barcelona was great, even though it was just a few days. I will post some pictures later, though.

  7. Amy Christensen
    12 April 2016 / 3:28 pm

    This is a great outfit. I love the pop of pink on the graphic tee. I would wear this outfit to shop in. It looks stylish, but comfortable. – Amywww.stylingrannymama.com

    • Tiina L
      12 April 2016 / 5:25 pm

      Thanks, Yes, it is a good shopping outfit, very comfortable. But I've also worn this to work.

  8. Jill James
    12 April 2016 / 6:53 pm

    This Tee Shirt most definately does smart casual well. I really like the graphic on this , I must keep a look out when we are in Barcelona in May.I will look forward to your post on your trip.

    • Tiina L
      13 April 2016 / 5:23 pm

      Thanks, Jill!Oh, you're going to Barcelona! Lucky you, there's so much to see and do.

  9. Anonymous
    12 April 2016 / 10:12 pm

    Love how you mixed it up with a different pair of pants. I'm a graphic tee and jeans or pencil skirt kind of girl. xo~ Megan The Fashionista Momma

    • Tiina L
      13 April 2016 / 5:26 pm

      I also like jeans or a denim skirt with a graphic tee, but I wanted to try something different here. But this top goes with a lot of things, so I think I will wear it a lot.

  10. Jessica Jannenga
    13 April 2016 / 6:00 pm

    I love the tee and its colors, looks great! I think you can wear this many ways and the bag is just the right size, love metallicove the mix of patterns! Looks great RebeccaThanks for linking up with Turning heads tuesday!jess xxwww.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Tiina L
      14 April 2016 / 1:47 pm

      Thanks, Jessica!

  11. Jacquard Flower
    15 April 2016 / 3:19 pm

    Another gorgeous little bag. I'm a huge fan of RM. Have a nice weekend. Gemma xwww.jacquardflower.uk

    • Tiina L
      15 April 2016 / 4:08 pm

      I'm a real Bag Lady, literally… Bags are my weakness.

    • Tiina L
      18 April 2016 / 4:44 pm

      Yes, graphic tees are great, a good way to show a bit of attitude.

    • Tiina L
      18 April 2016 / 4:52 pm

      Yes, I can see how that could work. A graphic tee with a skirt looks just edgy enough for my taste, too.Thanks for the invitation to the link-up!

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