Every year, we are always inundated with the latest “trends” or “micro-trends” that you just HAVE to purchase. And yes, we all know it’s just fueled by the buy-buy-buy mentality. And frankly, at a certain age you just really don’t CARE whether something is cool or not, as long as you love it.
Anyways, I’ve always loved the vintage band tee and distressed denim look. It’s a little tough/badass, while still being pretty timeless and trend-free. However, I’ve noticed lately that a more oversized t-shirt with a cropped hem keeps popping up on my feed.
Yes, I know that is very specific. But like this:
Source: Octopiedmind.com
It’s cropped, but there is no belly on display. And it’s a boxy cut, so it’s nice and slubby and oversized. These tops from Octopied Mind intrigued me, so I decided to play around with the look a bit on my own.
First off, I hit up my favorite thrift stores and checked out the men’s t-shirt sections. I wanted something boxy and oversized and found a couple graphic tees that I liked for less than $5 each. Then, I brought them home, washed them, tried them on and chopped them with a pair of scissors.
After wearing them for a few weeks, I have feedback. I LOVE the look. But I was overaggressive in chopping them too short. After a few wearings/washings the hem tends to roll up and get shorter. I’ve learned my lesson now and on my latest try I chopped the tee right at my hips. That way, after wearing them a few washes I can determine if they need another little trim.
So yes, thrift stores for the win again!
However, to be completely transparent I also ordered a couple tee shirts from Octopied Mind because the ads internet stalked me and how could I resist a shirt that says “Poison the Patriarchy” with Medusa on it?! Or “Overwhelmed and Overtired” or “Riots Not Diets”. While they do offer the cropped versions for sale (as pictured above), I ordered the longer versions so I could do a bespoke cropping on my own. I’ll be sure to post photos on my Instagram when they arrive!