If you buy one thing this summer, make it a tourist T-shirt. The once humble souvenir has been given a high-fashion makeover just in time for holiday season.
The first convincing argument that the item is worthy of a second look came in Chanel’s Métiers d’Art collection. With the show set in a Manhattan subway station, the inclusion of the classic ‘I heart NY’ T-shirt (albeit rendered in sequins) felt location-appropriate. Matthieu Blazy opted to style it with a natty tweed skirt suit to offer up a polish the tourist tee isn’t often afforded. The addition of the slouchy Chanel handbag tucked under its model’s arm gave the runway look an air of real-life wearability.
Just as it was on the Chanel runway, a tourist T-shirt, which states a place name clearly, is a breath of fresh fun that brings about a wry smile to off-duty combinations. But, as ever with all great fashion ensembles, context is key. We’re not saying that you can’t wear your vacation fashion find with flip-flop sandals and a sarong, but its best worn with pieces that don’t so strongly signal ‘paid time off’.
Chanel’s take sets the example, but these sorts of T-shirts, with their retro logos and jaunty graphics scarcely updated in 40 years or so, can also be worn with other polished pieces. Think a pair of sleek leather trousers and dainty ballet pumps, or perhaps its just the right item to offset this season’s big skirt trend. The graphic design of these pieces also contrast well with the gargantuan earring moment currently filling our jewellery boxes.
This sort of tee is best bought in bright colours to add to that note of irony. It’s an easy way to introduce bold colours and a sense of playfulness to the day-to-day wardrobe. You might not be on holiday any longer but that’s not to say your sartorial mindset can’t be. There are options that can be bought on home turf with neat ‘Positano’ graphics in serif fonts in sepia hues readily available, and they’re lovely. But, those willing should take it further with the kind of tees you can only buy on holiday. Think the ones that that state phrases like: ‘Someone who loves me very much went to [enter Mediterranean resort of choice] and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.’
So, the memo is clear: when you finally reach your summer holidays, it’s straight to the gift shop to claim a version for yourself. Sure, we all love New York but the more niche locations are sure to bring about not only enviable travel insight but new fashion credentials, too.
Prada Printed Cotton Jersey T-shirt
I Love NY I LOVE NY Classic Logo T-Shirt
Loewe T-Shirt In Cotton Blend
Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Slogan Slim Fit T-Shirt
Dolce & Gabbana Printed Cotton-Blend Jersey T-shirt
Balenciaga Planet Earth Cotton Jersey T-shirt
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