Tees are a staple in my wardrobe – from prints and patterns to every shade of neutrals, there’s never a week that goes by without wearing an outfit that involves a t-shirt. And while a classic white tee with a pair of denim will always be an all-time favorite of mine, lately I’ve been making an effort to get creative and step up my tee game with new outfits and styling.

With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away and Christmas coming up quickly afterwards, I’ve been focusing my little t-shirt challenge on versatile looks that can work well for the holidays. Whether you’re getting dressy for a family dinner or craving cozy for a hometown coffee run, tees have got you covered and are always perfect for packing since they take up such little room in your suitcase, can be worn so many ways and don’t wrinkle.

When elevating the basics, I’ve found that mixing it up with texture and pattern goes a long way. Even your most simple, cotton tee  can instantly feel elevated when paired with a piece that’s a bit unexpected – from a statement necklace to a chunky knit, corduroy or velvet.

For a holiday party or dressier dinner, consider a black tee your secret weapon. Paired with a bold patterned skirt (how good is this buffalo plaid?!) and a bit of sparkle, you can totally have it all with both comfort and style. Old Navy’s fitted crew-neck tees are the ultimate layering piece; they’re just the right fit in a cotton and modal blend that’s super soft and lightweight. When dressing up a tee, I always go for a tuck – it instantly feels more put together, even when you’re still keeping your look casual.

Old Navy Fitted Crew-Neck Tee // Old Navy Plaid Mini Skirt // Old Navy Faux Leather Booties
// Abercrombie & Fitch Jacket // BaubleBar Necklace

The crisp weather back in New Jersey and Chicago always has me packing plenty of cozy outfits and this cable knit cardigan will be a no brainer for upcoming travels – it works for weekend or long travel days with leggings and a basic tee but also has texture that can add instant interest to a look. When hanging out with my family, comfort is always key and the combination of a striped tee, velvet trousers and the cable knit cardigan creates a layered look that basically feels like loungewear while still feeling polished. The relaxed fit of this v-neck striped Old Navy tee is exactly what you want to be wearing when enjoying Thanksgiving dinner and the hi-low hem looks cute fully untucked (covers your bum a bit!) or with a little half tuck, which I always like to do when layering to break things up a bit.

Old Navy Relaxed V-Neck Tee // Old Navy Velvet Pixie Pants
// Old Navy Gold Ballet Flats // Old Navy Cable Knit Cardigan

A closet full of tees can really go a long way with a little styling and the right pairings! What are some of your tips to dress up a t-shirt?

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This post was sponsored by Old Navy and as always, all opinions are 100% honest and my
own – authenticity is a top priority and I only partner with brands I truly love. Thank you for
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Photos by Tory Putnam