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Un-Fancy

Outfits: Spring, spring outfits

simple styling move: the knotted tee

05/15/17

The ol’ knot-the-tee trick has been on heavy rotation lately.

On one hand, I love how it can transform a plain tee and give it a new shape. A knotted tee can define your waist and pairs really well with high rise jeans or shorts. Plus! Just look at all the drape it adds! Hello visual interest.

But on the other hand, I just have to laugh at how it’s a total throwback. I remember knotting all my (giant, oversized) tees like this in 2nd grade and pairing them with multicolored windpants, obviously. Sometimes I’d even pull out all the stops and wear my bright pink, sparkly t-shirt clip. Hah, remember those?

Anyway, I’m happy both loving it and laughing at it. I’m a nostalgic person and I secretly love wearing throwbacks, so win-win. :)

I don’t think the knotted tee is particularly “in” right now, but I’ve noticed lately (with great optimism) that it doesn’t really seem to matter what’s “in” or “out” these days. We’re all just embracing what makes us happy and exploring our own personal style. YES to that!

Interested in knotting your tee? Here’s two things to know:

  • Yes, it’ll stretch your shirt out. But there’s an easy fix for that. I’ve been knotting many of my tops lately — everything from cotton tees to silk shirts. And yes, they do wrinkle up and some of them even lose their shape all together. But so far, in my experience, a quick wash in the machine gets them back to normal. With this shirt in particular, I wash it on cold, pull it out, reshape it, and then hang it to dry. It always springs back to it’s original condition.
  • Your top doesn’t have to be oversized to pull it off. This tee isn’t oversized, but I can still manage a knot if I gather all the fabric from the back to the front. Take a look at the close up photos — you can see that the side seams aren’t really on the side anymore — they’re in front.

So tell me, do you ever knot your tees? And have you noticed the shift away from things being “in” or “out”? And let’s talk throwbacks — did you ever wear knotted tees (or t-shirt clips) back in the day? Share away!

xo,

Photo Credit: Katie Jameson

Liked today’s outfit? You can shop it and support Unfancy at the same time by using these affiliate links:

01 | Long sleeve tee (old from Madewell) | similar (under $35) | similar in short sleeve

02 | Black shorts by Madewell | similar (under $20)

03 | Lace up sandals by Madewell | similar (made responsibly)

04 | Round bag by Baggu (made responsibly) | similar

05 | Necklace by Dear Survivor (made responsibly) | similar

41 Comments

Related

Comments

  1. Rebelle Kitchen says

    May 15, 2017 at 7:04 am

    Never wore a t-shirt clip, but am definitely going to try this with an oversized button up that’s just been a bit too billowy. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  2. Krystal says

    May 15, 2017 at 7:29 am

    It’s so funny how these trends make their way back around! I very rarely go to the mall these days, but last time I went, I noticed lots of knotted tops, flannel shirts around the waist, and those “tattoo chokers” on both mannequins and teenagers.

    I do enjoy knotting my tops and playing with the placement of the knot. I also like to roll the knot under in the back, which creates a crop look and adds some visual interest on the flip side.

    On a different note, I *love* this space in the photos. The high ceiling and windows allows for so much natural light – it’s beautiful!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 11:54 am

      Thanks, Krystal! And I love that idea of rolling the knot under in the back! :)

      Reply
  3. Lisa says

    May 15, 2017 at 7:33 am

    Greetings! Great post. Love the look and color combo. I knot tees very often,especially with high waisted skirts. It makes for a casual ,personalized vibe. My throwback item would be bell bottoms with clogs. Still love that look…and with a knotted tee! Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Bethany says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:29 pm

      The knotted tee looks amazing! I was a bell bottoms and clogs enthusiast as well. :) I also had a pair of iridescent platform shoes that I hope never makes a comeback.

      Reply
      • Caroline says

        May 16, 2017 at 11:55 am

        Classic look, ladies. Love it! :)

        Reply
  4. Polly says

    May 15, 2017 at 7:47 am

    Love the tobacco-y tones of the top and bag! A great way to subtly add interest and colour and beautifully complimented by the gold necklace. It’s inspiring me for spring (when it finally reaches the UK…).

    Reply
  5. Sheila Joy says

    May 15, 2017 at 8:01 am

    I’ve actually been knotting my t-shirts a lot recently and have been noticing that it’s slowly coming back into trend, especially button-up blouses, which I used to wear tied all the time a few years ago. I always thought about how it is probably stretching the fabric out, so thank you for these tips :)

    http://www.insearchofsheila.com

    Reply
  6. nina mcdaniel says

    May 15, 2017 at 8:05 am

    Yes! I have a large chest, small waist and wide hips…the past few years were really starting to get me down because the styles all added 10#s… until I decided “who cares if anyone’s knotting their Ts, I’d rather love how I look than be on trend.” It’s a big pick me up!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 11:56 am

      Good call, Nina. Wear what you love! :)

      Reply
  7. bri says

    May 15, 2017 at 8:26 am

    i’m a big fan of the knotted tee. mainly because i haven’t yet transitioned my larger pregnancy tops and this is an easy fix ;)

    Reply
  8. Rachel says

    May 15, 2017 at 8:30 am

    I love the knotted tee look! It’s super “in” right now with athletic wear and athleisure. As a fitness professional, I knot my tops in multiple different ways to keep it from shifting around and to add more shape.

    Reply
  9. Tina says

    May 15, 2017 at 8:43 am

    Hi, love your knotted tee look. I don’t knot my tees, I’m really afraid it will stretch out the fabric. For what weather would you wear the look long sleeve tee and shorts? I always find that if it’s warm enough to wear shorts it’s too warm for long sleeves. But that might be just me – or the climate I live in, or the fact that we don’t have a lot of air-con.
    As for in and out, I remember seeing those lists in my teenage girl magazines back in the 80s. Yes, and I wore all that stuff;-)))) I agree with you, I don’t see the lists any more, or people care less about them. Maybe I just don’t care about them. I even try to avoid trends nowadays because the over-trendy items tend to go out of style so fast.

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 11:59 am

      Hey Tina, we are having pretty decent weather right now, so the shorts and long sleeve top are actually quite comfortable. The top is a light fabric, so it doesn’t add too much warmth. :)

      Reply
  10. Andrea says

    May 15, 2017 at 8:54 am

    I never knot my shirt but I do remember wearing lots of day glo bright socks – one yellow then pink on top on one foot, one pink then yellow on the other. Leg warmers, headbands, ponytail holders with plastic bobbles at the end. Ah to grow up in the 80’s! (And I mean as in I was born in the late 70’s so all this retro 80’s style stuff, I’ve already done once!)

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 12:00 pm

      Haha, I love it Andrea! Good times. :)

      Reply
  11. Katharine says

    May 15, 2017 at 9:52 am

    This colour combination is so unusual for summer, but I absolutely LOVE this outfit on you. 10/10 gorgeous.

    Reply
  12. Melody smith says

    May 15, 2017 at 10:03 am

    I love that look on you with the knotted Tshirt & high waisted shorts!
    I’ve been knotting tees & shirt dresses lately.
    When I knot the dress, I just make sure not to take it too high up the leg, or I make an inside knot at the waist using a hair tie inside the dress.
    It’s a really cute look that emphasized the waist if I don’t want to wear a belt.
    Or I use the Shirt dress as more of a knotted tunic with pretty leggings underneath.
    This look is definitely coming back in style these days, but even if it wasn’t, if it looks good & feels good, do it anyway!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 12:01 pm

      Such a cute idea to knot a dress at the waist. Thanks for sharing, Melody. :)

      Reply
  13. Kathy SC says

    May 15, 2017 at 10:39 am

    I actually bought this shirt after seeing it on your blog in the fall. But the reviews were so negative about the fabric not holding up, I have been afraid to wear it. It sounds like you have no problems, so I will take it off hold. I love the color!

    Reply
  14. Laura says

    May 15, 2017 at 10:43 am

    I’ve seen more knotting and gathering tricks lately with the dawn of Lularoe. People are tying and knotting and hair tie tricking everything to cleverly rewear their items and cover their bums. Ha! I’m not too keen on leggings on pants although I do own some, but I’ve stored their outfits reworkings in my mind to play up pieces I own. Especially tunics.

    Reply
  15. Anna W says

    May 15, 2017 at 10:47 am

    This is gorgeous! Totally love this look on you!

    https://everydayjoys.blog/

    Reply
  16. Adeline says

    May 15, 2017 at 11:15 am

    Gorgeous! It works so well with this outfit.

    Reply
  17. Loribeth says

    May 15, 2017 at 11:41 am

    T-shirt clips!!!! So much fun, I think mine had a Barney print on the plastic.
    I’ve always tied button downs at the waist with high waisted skirts or jeans but I rarely knot t-shirts. If I do, it’s in the back and rolled under with a high waisted bottom to give a shorter look to the top without the bulk of tucking. I’m gonna try knotting in the front now though, you’ve given me courage!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 12:02 pm

      A Barney clip! That’s adorable, Loribeth. :)

      Reply
  18. Kirsten says

    May 15, 2017 at 11:58 am

    I’m really surprised you can get it back to normal!

    -Kirsten // http://www.porkandcookies.com

    Reply
  19. TGChi13 says

    May 15, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    The t-shirt clip looks close to a scarf clip. I too have never used something like that, if I want a knot, even a loose knot, I’m going to knot it regardless of the fabric content or the purchase price! Thanks, though, for the knotty/naughty reminder!

    Reply
  20. Kuleigh says

    May 15, 2017 at 5:01 pm

    I cannot for the life of me figure out how to properly knot a t-shirt or long skirt but it’s so cute!

    Reply
  21. Natalie says

    May 15, 2017 at 5:21 pm

    This is such a nice, simple idea. I’m usually someone who tucks their tshirts in, I’m quite short and I feel like if I tuck in it breaks up my body into better proportions. This would be a really nice way to get that effect, but with a slightly more interesting, kind of summery detail
    – Natalie
    http://www.workovereasy.com

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 12:03 pm

      Yes, Natalie! Give it a try. :)

      Reply
  22. Anna Oates says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    I’ve recently started knotting my tee-shirts. I can never get mine when it isn’t an oversized one, I always get too much bellybutton! I’ve seen a lot of knotted skirts lately, I’m not as in love with it as I am with the shirts, but every now and then I’ll see someone really pulling it off!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      May 16, 2017 at 12:05 pm

      Anna, yes I have to be careful because it can very quickly turn into a crop top if there’s not enough length on the tee! :)

      Reply
  23. Samantha Lee says

    May 15, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    I was JUST thinking of experimenting more with the knotted tee look – reading my mind. ;)

    http://www.wonderlandsam.com

    Reply
  24. Kritsida says

    May 16, 2017 at 12:05 am

    Looks good and super comfy!
    x. kritsida
    http://aperfectcanvas.net/

    Reply
  25. Kay Nguyen says

    May 16, 2017 at 8:56 am

    Love the knot touch! It makes a simple outfit looks much cuter and more put together <3

    https://www.myblackcloset.com/

    Reply
  26. STEph says

    May 17, 2017 at 2:09 am

    Hi! This might sound silly but how do you knot your tees?

    Reply
  27. Kasey says

    May 17, 2017 at 10:41 am

    Hi Caroline,

    Just recently I had the idea to knot a button-down gingham shirt over a flowing sleeveless white dress one warm day. I was impressed by how well it worked out! Definitely a good solution for mixing and matching your button downs with dresses. Plus it’s an easy transformation for your dress into the appearance of a skirt!

    Reply
  28. Debbie Montgomery says

    May 18, 2017 at 5:34 am

    Love the knotted tee. I do knotted tank, knotted tee, knotted silk. I knot especially when a top will only stay halfway tucked in. At the gym and when I skate, I’ll even use a hair rubber band to knot up. Old School, new school, it’s all cool!!!!

    Reply
  29. Rachel says

    May 22, 2017 at 10:33 am

    Haven’t knotted my tees in a good 20 years but I might try now! I have been loving your dear survivor necklace and finally ordered myself one after seeing this post. I have no statement necklaces I enjoy so am excited to receive this one in the mail!

    Reply
  30. Merrick says

    June 16, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    In addition to knotted t’s. . .I recall a “bad girl” trend perfected in 5th grade 1975 that earned my fashion-senseless frame to the office. Finding the center front of the shirt’s hemline, I pinched it with the right hand, aimed it toward a non-existent bustline and reached underneath to the collar with the left hand to pull down. The v-neck, tailed bikini top was born. I thought I looked GOOOOD. . .what a dork.
    Your knotted shirt looks sophisticated and rich. I’ve waited 42 years to heal from 5th grade trauma. . .might be time to experiment again!

    Reply
    • Caroline says

      June 27, 2017 at 10:30 pm

      Haha! I just love this story Merrick! :)

      Reply

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