So the two most popular requests I've had during lockdown are most definitely t-shirts and dresses.  It seems that this is mostly what we're wearing - I'm assuming we are wearing trousers and skirts with those tees - and they're the best thing that you can buy and then wear afterwards as well.  I'm also going to throw wide leg trousers and jeans in as well BUT finding good ones of those is like the proverbial rocking horse poo.. I WILL tackle it though. 

For now though - we are going to look at an instant wardrobe lift.  As I said when I looked at these a couple of weeks ago, they really do last the test of time.  I have had mine for years,  They also offer a versatility you might not have thought.  Team with a black suit and suddenly they're perfect for a dress down day at work - off duty with jeans and trainers and throw on heels and whatever trousers rock your Out Out world.  

And in lockdown they work with everything. 

PLUS you don't have to spend a fortune.  Starting with some very reasonable ones in 100% cotton from H&M. 

Dare I say this one has a vibe of the Bella Freud's about it? 

Text print t-shirt from H&M £3.99



Another variation on a plain white tee.  And this one is part viscose so will have a fabulous drape to it.  

Off White Love Flocked Slogan Tee from New Look £9.99


Now I know it seems like MADNESS mentioning a cropped one but actually with high waisted trousers or skirts, these work. As opposed to trying to tuck in lots of fabric, these give a much smoother look with not a hint of midriff (muffin in my case) on show.  

Cropped printed t-shirt from H&M £9.99



And finishing with a long sleeved one which I LOVE in the sale at MiH at ASOS. 

MiH peachy slogan top was £117 now £60. 



And this from Victoria Victoria Beckham at Fenwick was £110 now £55



And I KNOW it's getting warmer but I couldn't not post this as it's such a bargain.  I've ordered one in the interests of research...

Bella Freud DJ Fred jumper from Fred Perry was £125 now £37.50


OR... in the Ecru... again only £37.50 for a wool Bella Freud Jumper (very limited sizes left, somewhat unsurprisingly..).










TA DAH!!!  As you can see, i am a MASSIVE fan... Logo tees are for life - not just for lockdown...

...yes it's the good old slogan tee.  These aren't for everyone.  To some, they are the epitome of naff, dare I say even mutton?  I am not a paid up subscriber to this school of thought.  At all.

I love them, literally adore them.  I do think it depends how you wear them but for me - if you generally favour a more classic vibe to your clothes, then these add the perfect juxtaposition of yoof.  There's no other way to say it, they can transform a work suit to a weekend, cool (sorry for the naffest of words) and laid back look. 

Un-Queen Mum your loafers, brogues, ballet flats, chunky heel tassel style footwear, or any other style shoe that could fall into the "prim" category.  A pair of distressed, loose jeans, slogan tee and top and tail your outfit with a classic - granny footwear of your choice and a blazer and you're set.  A modern twist on a more traditional outfit. 

Alternatively I love them teamed with a super feminine skirt.  Pretty and voluminous with a modern, more androgynous style tee creates the perfect combo.  Denim jacket, biker or tweed cropped blazer finishes the look of perfectly.  For footwear, I would go with trainers or a chunky sandal or boot, weather depending.  

Budget wise, there is absolutely something for everyone, ditto shape, ditto how funky you want to go.  All out rock chick or something a little less mid life crisis inducing (for the record, I am band tee ALL the way - I like to wear my mid life confusion with pride.  And I don't see it as that by the way, I see it as just living and not giving two hoots....)

So let's start.  

Classic monochrome at IKKS (very well known French shop in France!) at La Redoute and I LOVE this neckline.  Unusual for a tee like this and whilst it's not the cheapest, you will have this for years and years.  For me, it also would absolutely work as a night out top which means cost per wear, it will pay for itself in no time. 

Printed cotton t-shirt with v neck from IKKS at La Redoute £55



Off white again at IKKS at La Redoute £55



Classic black and white at hush £35 




And my other favourite t-shirt brand from French Company MKT Studio.

MKT Studio Joplin T-shirt £45 from boutique Lulu & M 



Ok now hold onto your hats here but this is a cropped tee.  Have I lost my mind and am advocating swanning around with your midriff bare?  Hmmm not exactly (ie no).  But with so many very high waisted jeans and trousers around at the mo, this would actually work and be pretty useful.  They also do this in petite and tall.

Cream Kyoto t-shirt from Topshop £12



This one is very much up there with my favourites - again it would be simply perfect with all black - with shades of cream with navy or with khaki.

Hello Sunshine Tee from hush £35




Dare I say this is rather appropriate...?! 

Cotton mix slogan t-shirt from Vero Moda at La Redoute £12



Round neck t-shirt with short sleeves from Vanessa Seward at La Redoute £30


White again in the sale at ASOS. 

Blend She Uzma Love slogan tee was £18 now £15



White with a lipstick from New Look £8.99 (see below for special offer) 




More lips at H&M 

Velvet Underground tee from H&M £12.99



And another that's in the offer from New Look - white with leopard lips.  LOVE this.  Perfect with camel, with black, with whites.  £8.99




White La Pomme tee from H&M (I have this one, it's v good...) £9.99



White Coca Cola also at H&M £9.99



If white isn't your colour, there's always cream.  And I have to say, I am and always have been a huge fan of hush tees.

Flock Cotton Tee from hush £35




And the other colour I love as a base - let's just guess, yes that will be black.

A classic black and white at New Look £8.99


LOVE the Nirvana one from New Look £14.99 BUT if you buy two that are marked 2 for £16 this works out to be an utter bargain (this one is in the offer so you can get another tee - the one above for example for £1.01!!!) 



Or this one again from New Look - black with leopard lips £8.99




Black Roar Tiger T-shirt from Topshop £15.99



Upping the budget now but again, it's in the sale and again, I would wear this for out out.. when there is such a thing as out out and there WILL be... 

Alice & Olivia Jeans Shira Band Tee was £95 now £65



Black and metallic at hush. 

Triple Manana Tee £35




Grey is also a great neutral.. probably better with an all black suit.  Add white trainers - sublime look. 

Graphic tee from Hollister was £17 now £6.80 I can personally confirm that Hollister tees are all sorts of superb.  I inherited a couple from a much younger daughter.



Grey with leopard lips from New Look £8.99 - I actually think I prefer this one to the black one.



BUT I absolutely love this one.  

Grey ACDC tee from H&M £12.99



Dark grey Hello Kitty.  This is so wrong it's RIGHT.  £12.99



And for those who like to mix it up with a bit of colour... 

Red at Topshop (yes, this is more fitted but would be perfect with a voluminous skirt or wide leg trousers - for me, it's all about the proportions.  Think about making sure your proportions work - so something more fitted on the top half with more volume on the bottom or vice versa).

Red Freedom Ringer Tee from Topshop £12



Red again from Alice & Olivia so not cheap but in the sale. 

Alice & Olivia Jeans Cicely Graphic T-shirt in red was £89 now £65




Bowie Print Crew Neck Tee from La Redoute was £20 now £12



Yellow with a lower scoop neck at ASOS 

Blend She slogan tee was £17.99 now £14



Yellow and pink at hush £35




A more yolky yellow (sounds hideous but it's a great great shade) again at hush. 

Sunrise Tee from hush £35



Grey and yellow at ASOS.

Blend She Umay rush slogan tee was £15 now £12



And then there are the old school branded numbers.  The '80s and early '90s called and they want their tees back. 

White Logo T-shirt by Wrangler from Topshop was £20 now £16



Green Trefoil Tee by adidas at Topshop £22



And here I am in one of my very favourites... to be worn on repeat from now until Winter.



Tee - MKT Studio (gift 3yrs ago)
Jeans - LF Markey X LabelMix (from paid partnership aw19)
Sandals - Birkenstock X Proenza Schouler from Net a Porter (ss20)
Bag - APC from Coggles (5yrs ago)
Jacket - Vintage Windsmoor from The Thorpeness Emporium bought ss20

Hopefully everyone is hanging in there.  The wide leg jeans I've been wearing have been really popular so I'll be seeing if I can find some more of them!  And shirt dresses.  There's method in my madness, believe me...