HOW TO MAKE A GRAPHIC TEE LOOK POLISHED, WITH A TOUCH OF "FRENCH-STYLE"...

Whether it's the band tee from our very first concert, a way to remind our favourite quote, or even just a cool looking vintage find, graphic t-shirts have been a part of our wardrobe for as long as we've had it or at least cared about one. These statement pieces come in all shapes and sizes and possess the unique ability to turn a simple look into an edgier ensemble.

Of course, I'm not referring to our torn up, over worn loungewear t-shirts. Let's agree to continue to keep those comfy pieces in the back of our dresser drawer in case of a serious cozy-clothes emergency. These days, graphic tees are far from being considered frumpy or juvenile. These days, we're seeing them become as versatile as black denim, thanks to their fitting a range of occasions and outfits. There's no better time to push style boundaries and let your own interests be revealed in the form of a cool graphic tee. We can dress it up for date night, dress it down on a Summer day, or layer it under a blazer for a casual day at work, especially in late Summer, at the return in the city, when we need to create some new transitional outfits that have a bit of the careless "cruise" mood of our last holiday looks.

But you don't have to take my word for it. Just try and see by yourself, before believing! Anyway, here are some of the coolest pieces from my collection of t-shirts, inspired to French luxury brands iconic themes,  and with such findings you can easily imagine how a graphic-tee outfit can easily look pull-together...

IS SILK KIMONO THE NEW SUMMER CARDIGAN?

Say hello to the kimono! Since last Summer the traditional Japanese garment has gained high-street appeal and we are all obsessed by this trend. Lightweight and fluid, the kimono feels like perfection and has evolved from being a traditional Japanese piece to finding mainstream appeal among today's buzziest celebrities.

Translated, the Japanese word "kimono" means "something to wear", and thanks to its versatile robe-like silhouette, it goes with almost everything, since it's the easiest piece to throw on over jeans and a tee to get a super-cool look and warm us up during the slightly chilly summer evenings.

Personally, I love this garment for its vintage and quite decadent look, reminding of the nonchalantly Roaring Twenties' Flapper-style, but still working well beyond the boudoir. 
Anyway, there are several ways to style it this year, both long and short, so that it’s possible to find stunning designs to be paired with workwear and party essentials, according to one’s preferences and personal tastes. 
I know many ladies who are still a bit confused about wearing a kimono as a topper, since they find it too trendy; I think they should give it a try and I'm sure they won't regret.  For all readers who are still uncertain about their choice, I’ve tried to sum up three essential models for easy combinations, which can be varied according to one’s different moods:
- A folk-inspired floral/lace kimono with which can be embellished with fringes, to be matched with black top and shorts, for a hippie-girl gone modern and sophisticated.

- A monochrome kimono for an elegant and relaxed style, over a matching crop-top and printed shorts/skirt.

- A maxi kimono-robe with side slits, which looks perfectly styled with either simple cuffed skinnies  or a long dress and heels, for a "fashion blogger/editor" look.

Finally, my favourite style is a "passepartout" soberly flirty version, perfect for wearing to parties or lounging by the pool and consisting in an oriental-flower pastel and black/white silk short model paired with a simple white tank tucked in a denim mini-skirt and accessorised with necklaces and flat sandals; I like a longer version as well, stylishly matched to skinnies and heels. 

So, if you're thinking of buying a kimono this year, then don't think, just take it: it's a pretty fabulous piece for making your overall outfit look bright and sexy and it will provide you with an excellent source of inspiration for your transitional looks up to fall.