How to Style a Black Superhero Graphic Tee | With Smart Track Pants

Black graphic tee with Panama hat, khaki track pants, strappy platforms

This is one of my signature styles: Lots of rich neutrals and textures; quite tomboyish; a graphic tee or bold print; denim or chinos; a cap or hat.

I’ll often reach for the masculine chic look on the weekend, but try to throw in at least one small feminine element, like a heel or a pretty scarf.

Here I started with the graphic tee – an Obama hero t-shirt I bought in NYC many years ago. I’d never worn it before (I was actually keeping it as a souvenir), but as I was doing the graphic tee themed day for #iwillwearwhatilike on Instagram I was actually hunting for my Duran Duran 1983 tour t-shirt – and found this instead. It only needed these khaki track pants from Marks & Spencer (yes, M&S again!), a Panama, heels and – the likes of which I have a serious “thing” for right now – blue mirrored aviators.

I’ve done this style in various guises over the years – you’ll see what I mean looking at these versions:

So you can see there are various key pieces that pop up again and again… See what I mean about a style? I hadn’t realised it before now but it’s interesting to see how my outfits have evolved over the years yet remained true to my personal style.

Then there’s the fit-and-flare dresses with heels, but that’s a whole other story…!

Do you have a signature style that’s a tried-and-tested formula for you? What key pieces are part of that look – do share in the comments!

Black graphic tee with Panama hat, khaki track pants, strappy platformsBlack graphic tee with Panama hat, khaki track pants, strappy platformsBlack graphic tee with Panama hat, khaki track pants

Black graphic tee with Panama hat

T-shirt: Midtown Comics (NYC, 2009) | Track pants: Marks & Spencer | Panama hat: Tumi at Amazon | Sandals: Debenhams SS13 | Bag: Karen Millen | Sunglasses: Asos | Watch: Fossil | Bracelets: Asos, SENCE Copenhagen | Nails: Essie Ruffles & Feathers | Toenails: Chanel Blue Boy

P.S. Like this post? You might also enjoy 12 Ways to Wear 4 Classic Hat Styles!

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28 Comments

  1. 18 August 2015 / 3:41 pm

    I love dressing up graphic tee's too! Love that hat!

  2. 13 August 2015 / 11:58 pm

    This is a cool look! I like the hat and the braid along with the block heels to add that touch of girliness! If I wasnt on vacation I would particiapte more in the IG # fun, will try!
    Thank you for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday'
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

  3. 11 August 2015 / 11:32 am

    Just so cute! And loving your hashtag instagram too 🙂 Thanks for linking-up with Turning Heads Tuesday today! Sabina | Oceanblue Style

    • 13 August 2015 / 8:26 pm

      Sabina I'm so pleased – thank you!! And yes everyone seems to be really embracing the #iwillwearwhatilike hashtag which is kind of amazing. It's been so much fun and we're not even halfway yet…!!

  4. 11 August 2015 / 9:35 am

    In love with this whole look! The braids and panama hat provided the right amount of chic to the look 🙂

    xo,
    Abby of Life in the Fash Lane

  5. 11 August 2015 / 8:12 am

    Love this look. I will have to dig out my 'vintage' tees. What is the fit like on the M&S pants? I have seen these on a few people and they look great. A nice change from my usual skinnies. X

    • 13 August 2015 / 8:24 pm

      Hi Alex, thank you so much! I hover between two sizes depending on the brand, but here I went for the larger size and they're a perfect fit. They're meant to be a loose fit anyway of course, but as the waist is a drawstring it allows for any slight fluctuation (like after a heavy meal, haha). Hope that helps…! xx

  6. 11 August 2015 / 7:06 am

    My signature style has always been jeans, preferably skinny ones! I'm a casual girl when to comes to clothes but as I approach my 40th birthday (just a few months to go!) and the start of my new lifestyle blog, I realise it's time I started to look the part. I love the way you've paired the graphic tee with the rest of this outfit – I'd alway assume such a t-shirt would only 'go' with jeans and trainers. How wrong could I be?
    Suzy x
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • 13 August 2015 / 8:21 pm

      I've worn another graphic tee with a ladylike full midi skirt a month or two ago, Suzy – that's one of my favourite combos! I often like a contrast of masculine and feminine, though here the feminine is the heels. And welcome to your 40s – you're going to love it!!!! Thanks my lovely x

    • 14 August 2015 / 4:52 pm

      Thanks Catherine! I'm going to try and find your other post now 🙂
      Suzy x

  7. 11 August 2015 / 5:55 am

    My formula for work is pencil skirt + blazer and on the weekend it's all about comfy wear. Love this outfit on you!

    Alice
    http://www.happpinessatmidlife.com

    Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.

    • 11 August 2015 / 5:53 pm

      Always a great combo, Alice! Thank you sweetie x

  8. 11 August 2015 / 1:31 am

    Love this casual chic look!
    xoxo – katestylepetite.com

  9. 10 August 2015 / 9:29 pm

    You have a Duran Duran tour t-shirt from 1983? Yay! I still have my Ultravox world tour programme from 1982/3. I can't bear to part with it! You always look so cool in a graphic tee and I just love your panama hat.

    http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/

    • 11 August 2015 / 5:52 pm

      I do – it was a Seven and the Ragged Tiger one, though I'm a little worried about where it is now! I found the program and the (Wembley) ticket, the t-shirt is evading me right now 🙁

      Thank you Stephanie! x

  10. 10 August 2015 / 6:24 pm

    Very, very cool. So relaxed and confident. xo

  11. 10 August 2015 / 5:50 pm

    You suit the tomboyish-edge to your look….but you always remain so feminine.
    I loved looking through your previous outfits and having a little flat cap envy (I love hats)…I must see if i can find my grandpas….
    XXX
    Samantha
    FakeFabulous

    • 11 August 2015 / 5:50 pm

      Aw that's really sweet of you, Samantha, thank you! And I don't think I'll ever tire of flat caps, whether they're in fashion or not…!! x

  12. 10 August 2015 / 2:57 pm

    I'd say my signature style used to involve a jacket, but it's evolved somewhat to more relaxed pieces! When in doubt though, I will pull on a blazer! jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 11 August 2015 / 5:49 pm

      Oh I'm definitely a blazer girl too, Jodie! Just maybe a bit less so since working f/time at home…!

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