Cheeky Graphics

Cheeky Graphics | The Modern Otter

I'll be honest, I'm not huge on most graphic tees. Band tees remind me of grungy high schoolers and shopping at Hot Topic, and tees with inspirational quotes on them are just a little... basic. 

BUT I do love a cheeky, elevated graphic in the Summer! Something simple, SUBTLE and fun. I don't want my shirt to scream "I love the Strokes", but I would like people to say "oh, that's cute and actually really works with your outfit". They're especially great when you're on vacation. Case in point: this 'Late Check Out' sweatshirt I wore in Portsmouth. It's cheeky and has a place and time when it's appropriate. 

This wink graphic tee is from French Connection. They have a great range from subtle to more bold graphics, but they're always elevated. The wink on this one is embroidered, which automatically puts it on a level above screen prints. My other favorites are the bike print, ça va?, and wink sweatshirt. When my button down lays flat, you can't even see the graphic, which makes it like a little surprise when people see the wink. lol. Adds to the charm, I think. 

Need some more graphic inspiration? Check out Bright Bazaar's Insta. Will always nails the cheeky Summer graphic tee. ; )

You can also shop more of French Connection's new collection here! They have some great transitional pieces to get you from Summer to Fall and I'm loving their mix of green, black and tan. 

Cheeky Graphics | The Modern Otter
Cheeky Graphics | The Modern Otter

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Cheeky Graphics | The Modern Otter

Speaking of mixing colors...  Why was Black + Navy such a fashion no-no for so long?? Who came up with that rule? 

It's one of my favorite color combinations at the moment. It can be a little dark and moody, but when you do Summer staples like swim trunks and short sleeve shirts (alliteration overload), it makes for a pretty vivid combo. 

Biggest tip when combining black and navy: pay attention to your textures. If you wear all flat, solid fabrics, it's going to wash you out and look dull. The interest comes when you add a print, like the + signs on my shorts, the denim weave on this shirt, the embroidery of the wink or the suede on my sneakers. All of that combined gives the look dimension. 

Who listens to fashion rules anyway?

Cheeky Graphics | The Modern Otter
Cheeky Graphics | The Modern Otter

Bringing it home, you can't go wrong with white + black + grey. It's a classic color combination. 

This second look shows how to style a graphic tee in a minimalist and timeless way. The palm print tee is from Hiro Clark, another brand known for their cheeky graphics, and the chinos are from French Connection

So to sum up: streamline your looks by investing in subtle graphic tees with interesting details and save your band t-shirts for the actual concerts. Everything has a time and a place. 

; )

Cheeky Graphics | The Modern Otter

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StyleAaron Wester