le tee-shirt blanc

Hello mes fashionistas,

Vacation time has (finally) come for me but before packing my bags, I offer you one last article based on a basic in our wardrobe, the white t-shirt. Totally versatile, it has become as essential as jeansthe two forming an irresistible combo. Simple and efficientit enhances any style of outfit, whether classic, sportswear, casual chic, modern, retro, minimalist, etc…

This is also the theme that I chose this week with my partner Patricia @nouveaux_regards_ for our #jeshoppedansmondressing challenge on Instagramwhich highlights the slow fashion and encourages us to take a fresh look at the clothes we already own. To bring a little fantasy and a touch of color to my summer outfits, I chose patterned or message t-shirts. And as always, the pieces that make up my looks are old collection and second hand.

A little history

The white cotton t-shirt as we know it today (short sleeves and round neck) appeared during the First World War as underwear worn by soldiers of theUS Navy under their uniform, replacing the traditional wool or flannel undershirt: cotton is more pleasant to wear, absorbs perspiration better and dries more quickly. The t-shirt became popular in the 1930s under the impetus of sport and the American army when brands like Jockey International Inc., Fruit of the Loom or Sears Roebuck & Co start mass manufacturing it.

In 1932, it was adopted as a jersey by the USC American football team (University of Southern California), and during the Second World War the image of victorious American GIs helps to popularize it on the European continent. Then it was the turn of Hollywood cinema to make it the paraphernalia of rebel heroes including Montgomery Clift in “A Place in the Sun” (1951), Marlon Brando in “The Wild Team” (1953) and James Dean in “The Fury of Living” (1955). From underwear, it then becomes a real garment in its own right, symbol of cool and attractive man.

With the emancipation of morals initiated by the hippie movement in the Sixtieswomen are starting to wear the t-shirt and we opt for a colorful version thanks to the technique of tie & dye (tie dye) which creates psychedelic patterns. In the early 1970s, the t-shirt became a universal and unisex clothing. It was at this time that personalized versions with messages or images appeared, under the leadership of rock groups like the Rolling Stones: an ideal “blank canvas”, the t-shirt allows the younger generation to show their difference (sexual orientation, musical tastes) or to express one’s political opinions (against the Vietnam War for example).

During the 1980s, theuse of branding and logos brand is booming: technical progress in screen printing (quality of inks in particular) allows brands to make the t-shirt a real communication tool. Like clothes streetwear casual borrowing from rap culture, it becomes oversize in the 90s. A trend which marks a comeback this season, just like the print tie & dye and the graphic t-shirt, even if we note a revival of the plain t-shirt among men.

1. With denim

I really like the white cotton and light denim combo, I find this combination refreshing in summer, especially when it’s with a light mini-skirt, ideal in heat waves! This t-shirt has a fairly loose cut that does not stick to the skin and its clear V-neckline is also comfortable, the whole being feminized by the knot which creates a slight draped effect.

The “TROPIC” pattern decorated with sequins is made with garter stitch in shades of green, pink and apricot, which I reproduced with the crochet bag with multicolored stripes and wooden handles. I completed the look with coral resin drop earrings and my favorite pair of python-effect leather mules (vintage 90s), and voila!

T-shirt PROMOD (old co)
Skirt H&M chez EMMAUS ALTERNATIVES(old co)
Earrings H&M (old co)
Bag found at garage sales
Vintage mules found at garage sales

2. With houndstooth

I opted for a two-tone outfit in black and white with a graphic and timeless rendering. The t-shirt has a classic cut (round neck, short sleeves, shoulder seams) in thick and soft organic cotton, with good opacity. I took it in size M to wear it loose because I don’t like being too cramped in my clothes.

The trapeze cut houndstooth mini skirt reminds me of models created by Mary Quant or André Courrèges in the 60s – favoring geometric patterns (checkerboard, stripes, chevrons) – but the general appearance of the look is inspired by the style of the 90s. If you want more information on the American brand Chic NYC – which has since ceased its activity – I refer you to my article here.

T-shirt CHIC NYC (old co)
Skirt H&M found at garage sales (old co)
Solar DOLCE & GABBANA (old co)
Bag found at garage sales
Vintage mules found at garage sales

3. With persimmon

For this last outfit, I chose a less classic two-material model: the back of the t-shirt is in plain white cotton and the front in slightly embossed ecru polyester. I was seduced by the tropical inspired pattern featuring “SUMMER Garden” which brings color and shine with its golden sequins.

Combined with khaki shorts which act as a neutral piece, I added a vibrant touch thanks to the lemon yellow mesh tote to hold all my summer essentials and the thin orange leather belt. Finally, I succumbed to the current trend for mules/clogs with this pair in natural leather with a wooden platform: they are very comfortable and ideal for gaining a few centimeters in leg length but watch out for sprains!

T-shirt PROMOD (old co)
Short PROMOD (old co)
Belt ETAM (old co)
Vintage sunglasses found at garage sales
Sac ONAGRINE found at garage sales
Mules TEXT found at garage sales

Among the influencers

And you girlszzz, how many t-shirts do you own? Do you prefer classic plain white or black models, graphic versions with messages, or colorful patterned pieces?

Looking forward to discussing with you, I wish you a happy National Day! Enjoy your summer and have a good vacation at tutti, I’ll see you at the end of August for a new article.

Until then, you can find me on my social networks Facebook et Instagramas well as on top Pinterest which offers a selection of my best looks.

Take care of yourself,
Agnes