Fashion

How To Rock Your Favorite Tee To A Formal Event

by Emily McClure

This season, I want to dare you to take some style inspo from the Biebs by wearing graphic T-shirts to formal events. At the 2015 American Music Awards, Bieber shook up the style world just a little bit by wearing a Nirvana t-shirt on the red carpet. And, honestly? It was excellent. By styling the tee with intricate pieces, Bieber took a typically casual shirt and made it chic. As a T-shirt lover myself, I figured there had to be a way to transform this style into women's apparel. As it turns out, making a tee look fancy isn't as hard as you may think.

When it comes to styling a graphic top for a formal occasion, it's all about the details. Look for bold, eye-catching statement pieces to take your outfit to the next level. Personally, I love pairing T-shirts with vivid colors and chunky textures. Take a formal maxi skirt for instance. You might not typically think to add a graphic tee as your top. However, if you add a chunky jewelry and bold heels, the outfit suddenly becomes fancy AF. So, don't rule out your old band tees the next time you're headed to a formal occasion. Take a style tip from J.Biebs, and incorporate them into your outfit instead. The result might surprise you. Here are a view easy outfit ideas just to get you started.

1. All That Glitters

T-Shirt, $99, Clare V. | Skirt, $1,040, Net-A-Porter | Heels, $39, Lulus | Purse, $35, Avenue | Earrings, $50, Zappos | Necklace, $72, John Lewis

Sparkle all winter long in this gorgeous golden outfit. The T-shirt adds a mix of fun and character to this traditional cocktail style.

2. Mixed Media

T-Shirt, $12, Monki | Fur Coat, $60, Chic Wish | Leather Skirt, $49, House of Fraser | Heels, $182, Madison Los Angeles | Clutch, $370, L.K. Bennett | Earrings, $10, Etsy

Be daring this holiday season by mixing prints and textures. The black tee coupled with the faux fur jacket and leather skirt gives this outfit a next-level edge.

3. Winter White

T-Shirt, $12, Old Navy | Blazer, $35, Luc Luc; Pants, $30, Top Shop | Shoes, $66, Nordstrom | Bag, $43, Amazon | Earrings, $20, Guess | Necklace, $3, Chic Nova

Show the world what a boss you are in this sleek pantsuit. Pair with a graphic tee and patterned oxfords for an unexpected, yet stylish twist.

4. Formal Florals

T-Shirt, $724, Net-A-Porter | Skirt, $490, Harrods | Shoes, $89, Isaac Mizrahi | Bag, $7,995, Net-A-Porter | Necklace, $170, The Bagtique | Cuff, $5, Charlotte Russe

Turn heads at your next formal event with this bright, floral outfit. Add bright pops of color and statement jewelry to take this formal look to the next level.

5. Back To Black

T-Shirt, $6, Amazon | Floral Coat, $39, Beautiful Halo | Skirt, $1,145, Far Fetch | Shoes, $995, Luisa Viaroma; Earrings, $68, Tory Burch.com | Sunglasses, $250, Liberty

Take your favorite jersey and pair it with floral prints in a matching color. It's a simple way to add femininity to a typically sporty style.

6. Queen Of Style

T-Shirt, $130, Van Milert | Blazer, $62, Pink Queen | Skirt, $68, Pysche | Shoes, $525, Barneys | Purse, $225, John Lewis | Watch, $175, Lord and Taylor | Earrings, $8, River Island

A matching set never goes out of style. Take a your favorite bright pieces, and pair them with a fun graphic T-shirt. It keeps your look feeling fresh, fun, and youthful.

7. Hear Me Roar

T-Shirt, $12, Wearall | Coat, $25.67, Row Me | Leggings, $42, Wall is Fashion | Shoes, $590, La Muse Boutique | Bag, $1,195, Forzieri | Earrings, $145, Belk | Hat, $365, Net-A-Porter

This outfit is perfect for those heading to a downtown gallery opening or a fun dinner party. The mix of prints and textures is both eye-catching and glamorous.

Why does casual wear get to have all the fun? Amp up your formal style this winter by adding a fun graphic T-shirt into the mix.

Images: emily-mcclure/Polyvore