The Fashionista's Guide to the T-Shirt. Yes, the T-Shirt.

Confession:  I never thought I'd see the day when I wrote an article with such a title.  I have a natural aversion to wardrobe basics and comfortable fashion, which I really need to get over, I suppose.  I vividly recall a conversation that I had with my professor in college, a brilliant French woman, who was completely disgusted by sweatpants - both the word AND the item of clothing itself.  She dubbed them as completely American, and pointed out that such a casual item would have no place in the closet of a French woman.  She suggested that comfort had no place in fashion, at least not in her mind.  A couch, she said, was comfortable.  Shoes and clothing?  Not so much.

That really stuck with me. 

I'll admit that I don't completely buy it, but I understand her point.  It's hard to feel confident and sexy when you look like MC Hammer from the waist down.  Hey Dr. B?  You'll be proud to know that I don't own any sweatpants.  At all.  I do own 2 sweatshirts, and I pull them out when I'm sick or when everything else is dirty.  (Confession number two: I'm not very domestic, so laundry is not my strong suit.  My theory is wear it and then buy more.  My wallet hates this concept, however, so I find myself being forced to wash things.  Quelle horreur.)  Today I started thinking about t-shirts, and put out a query on Twitter:  Can t-shirts be stylish?  The response?  100% yes.   

Quelle surprise.

So, I started looking around.  I'm not sure if I'm dismayed or delighted that there are actually some super-cute, rather stylish options out there.  Plus, there is something to be said for stocking up on well-made wardrobe basics.  Right?  Right.

So, here we go - some recommendations on how to rock a t-shirt. Be still my heart.

1.  Let the t-shirt be the most casual part of your look.  A fitted white t-shirt under a boyfriend blazer, paired with a chunky necklace, skinny jeans, and some studded ankle boots is hot.  A t-shirt with gym shorts, yoga pants, or flip flops?  Not hot.   

2.  Buy the women's, FITTED, version.  If the t-shirt says unisex in the tag, run away.  Run far, far away.  I don't care how much you like it.  Don't buy it.  If you can't find it in a fitted version that is specifically cut for women, consider it a sign and put your credit card back in your wallet. 

3.  Go vintage, with a little tweaking.  Pull out your old, soft t-shirts and cut them up a bit.  If you are handy with a sewing machine, cut them on the sides and then sew them in to be a bit more fitted. A little Rocker Chic goes a long way.

4.  Rock a t-shirt with flair.  Going for a graphic tee?  Go for something that inspires you, or with a brand or company that you love.  I'm especially partial to the shirts from Fleurty Girl because they are feminine and appeal to me as a New Orleans native.  Oh, and they're just plain cute.  (I especially love the logo tee!) 

5.  Invest. Invest. Invest.  I know, this seems to be my mantra as of late, but it's true.  If we're talking basic (as in not graphic) t-shirts, I think it's wise to invest in something that will last. Why wear $300 sunglasses with a $6 t-shirt?  NYC-based stylist Matt Shea recommends t-shirts from James Perse, and says that they are "always casual, yet chic".

Voilà!  There you have it, ways to make a t-shirt cool.  Confession #3?  I suppose t-shirts aren't that bad after all. Of course, never forget:  everything in moderation.