Three Rules for Dressing Up a T-Shirt + #LetItShine Link-Up
North Cackalacky T-Shirt: Gravel Road Tees c/o | Statement Necklace: eBay (similar) | Bar Necklace: 9th and Elm c/o | Bag: Target | Shorts: The Limited (sold out) | Shoes: C. Wonder c/o | Lip Color: Bite Lipstick
I was born and raised in Virginia. I spent 24 years of my life in the Old Dominion… but after moving to North Carolina over five years ago, North Carolina has totally won my heart. I love this state and I really don’t see myself ever leaving it. I’m not sure at what point I’m considered a true, North Carolina girl, but in my heart of hearts, I feel like I’m already there.
Anyway, when Cassie of Gravel Road tees got in contact with me and I saw her AMAZING line of t-shirts, I immediately feel head-over-boots in love. This North Cackalacky tee, in particular, stole my heart. I get emails a lot from readers asking how to dress up a “plain ol’ t-shirt” and I thought this would be a great opportunity to show how I dressed this particular one up and share three “rules” for dressing up a t-shirt!
Now, remember, it’s fashion… not rocket science. So, these “rules” are more “guidelines” – they are not hard and fast rules… so keep that in mind.
Rule # 1: Give yourself some shape
A t-shirt does exactly what it sounds like… it gives you the shape of a “T” – which, unless you’re a dude, is not flattering. So, you need to give yourself some shape. Wide leg or relaxed jeans keep the boxy look of a t-shirt looking, well, boxy… so avoid that. Skinny jeans, a pencil skirt, or even structured shorts are a great way to keep your girlish figure in tact since the top half of your body is looser.
2. Add in a statement piece
Whether it’s a fun statement necklace or a statement bag (I decided to go with both) it helps to really add a pop of fun and girly-ness to the outfit which detracts from the plainness of the t-shirt.
3. Look for a t-shirt with a fun detail, graphic print, or even a “slub knit” shape
I love this t-shirt in particular because of the fun, curvy font that the North Cackalacky is in, plus it’s more of a “slub knit” shape, rather than a traditional t-shirt shape. All of those things combine make it much more girly and a little dressier than a plain ol’ t-shirt.
What about you? How do you like to dress up a t-shirt? Check in on my Instagram account later today because I’m going to be doing a giveaway with Gravel Road tees! 🙂
Welcome to Let it Shine! Welcome to the new, revamped Funday Monday! After two years, we decided to rename our link up to something we felt was a better fit. Welcome to Let it Shine! Why the name? Because, we want this link up to be just that…..your chance to let it shine! We will be sharing our favorites each week here, and on social media! The biggest change? Monthly Inspirations! Each month we will share some fun post ideas, one for each week. Do you HAVE to follow the inspirations to link up? Absolutely not! If you’d like to be considered for a feature, those will be picked from the inspirations…..check out the September lineup!
Last week, we talked about transitions to fall……and we are DEFINITELY ready for cooler weather!
/ Plumalicious / Modern 20s / Jeans for Fall /
Another place we will be showcasing our favorites? The Let It Shine Pinterest Board! We will also be posting ideas for the weekly themes….so be sure you’re following! 
Linking up to Let it Shine? Don’t forget to link back to our blogs or share our button, thanks y’all! 
Molly you are just so adorable! Your outfit is so so cute! Thank you so much for hosting the link-up!
XOshannon
http://www.onestylishmom.com
Thank you so much for featuring my tee on your fabulous blog! The pictures are beautiful and I just love the way you styled it…..the shorts, necklace, shoes….I’m dying over this look! – Blessings, Cassie
I’m totally a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl:) Love your tips and that tee is so cute!
Love this look! Thanks for hosting this link up. I always look forward to seeing what you have to share.
Love this outift Molly!!
xo, Lee
Totally agree with all your points about dressing up a tee, Molly – pretty much exactly what I do! Although I do love keeping it casual with jeans, they’re also brilliant for dressing *down* a fancy item like a posh skirt or fancy pants. Great with statement necklaces too – like yours, it’s gorgeous!
Thanks for hosting sweetie… have a marrrrrvellous week!!
Catherine x
notdressedaslamb.com
totally agree, catherine!! thank you!!!
I definitely agree with your rules for dressing up a tee! You styled yours perfectly, love it! Thank you for hosting the link up 🙂
xo
Lexi
the-streetsofgold.com
thanks lexi! <3
I love this post, such a cute outfit! Tees are such a fun items because you can dress them up or down! I can’t wait to meet you in a couple days at the Stitch Fix event! Love your blog!
thank you SO much, natalia!! i’m SO EXCITED to meet you!!! i can’t wait!!!! 🙂 safe travels as you get there! <3
Love how you dressed up this cute tee! Especially the gorgeous necklace. As always, thanks for hosting. ~Cynthia
thank you so much, cynthia!
Love this with your bag and statement necklace.
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
thanks, amy ann!!
What a fun tee! Love your statement necklace! Such a cute outfit!
Jill
dousedinpink.blogspot.com
thanks, jill!
Your t-shirt is adorable and it gave me a good chuckle. Such a cute outfit! Perfect for a North Carolina girl!
xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
aw thank you, whitney!
I have discovered a new love for fashion tees. I wore one this past weekend with a button down layered on top. I added a statement necklace and it changed the whole look. Tees are not what they used to be. Great look! Susan
yay! LOVE it, susan!
Absolutely adorable summer look – those shorts are particularly nice! I have a soft spot in my heart for NC as well, as I spent a semester studying up in the Appalachians. I will never forget that Autumn, it was one of the most beautiful places in the world to be as the trees changed colour! P x
aw thank you so much, porcelina!! LOVE me some NC 🙂