The perfect T-shirts for grown-ups

For the 2022 Euros coverage, ace broadcaster and lead presenter Gabby Logan opted for a slightly sportier look – think Me+Em wide-leg, side-stripe trousers and an elegant silk blouse. Meanwhile, on the side lines, most of the female football managers – including our very own Sarina Wiegman and France’s Corinne Diacre – are kitted out in navy tailored trouser suits teamed with white T-shirts and trainers.

I’m celebrating because a) it is ­bril­liant to see football on the BBC being played, coached and analysed by successful women, and b) this is how we dress today. Let’s call it Business Casual. As Logan once said: “If I don’t have to think about it once I am on air, that’s a success. That’s the point of it for me. I feel good.” Whether you’re going to work, spending time with friends, or sitting watching football, comfort is everything.

For me, this is good news. Having been a jeans, T-shirt and trainers girl most of my life, I’m all about feeling at ease in my clothes. But over the past ­decade or so, I’ve recalibrated my signature look. Gone is the All-American vibe: a classic, grey marl tee worn with my favourite faded denim and Converse All Stars. Now the canvas plimsolls are too flat for my feet (my arches need more support), and I no longer feel comfortable in the clingy T-shirts I favoured in my 20s and 30s.

No matter. I love experimenting with new outfits and see my ageing body as something of a style challenge. There are ways to work with my arm paranoia and middle-aged ­middle and still look chic. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying a T-shirt is age-inappropriate, just that you’re more likely to find me watching football on the telly than pumping iron with a personal coach. And this is my choice. Obviously, we should all wear what we like when we like. Shorts, T-shirts, leopard-print bikinis, whatever.

So yes, I can still wear a T-shirt. But I want to feel good and hence prefer a more grown-up version of the everyday classic. The silhouette is looser, the neckline has to be just right and the sleeve must cover the saggy area around the armpit. Fit and fabric are what’s important here.

One of my summer essentials is Winser London’s silk top – more expensive than your regular ­cotton jersey number, but it is a reliable, multi-tasking winner. The easy-to-wear, V-neck design is suitable for work, weekends and balmy evenings. Further favourites in lovely natural ­fabrics can be found at Poetry, Hush and Me+Em.
Ageless style means dressing to please yourself. It’s about personal taste and dressing for your lifestyle.

While I realise that part of my paranoia stems from being conditioned to believe that wobbly arms must be hidden away, what I really love about today’s body positivity movement is that anything goes. We have sartorial options, care less about others’ opinions and don’t have to follow outmoded sexist rules. We are making new rules. The more variations we see of what 50-something, 60-something or 70-something really looks like, the more liberating it is for women of all ages.

Three grown-up T-shirt tips

1. Nature knows best: Look for all-natural fibres. Cotton and linen jersey, or a blend of both, will keep you cool when the temperature soars. And warm colours found in nature, such as peach and coral, are also ­complexion-enhancing

2. Stay sporty: Pair a slinky top with wide-leg sporty trousers or a jersey maxi skirt for a versatile, pull-on-and-go ensemble. Try a T-shirt with a longline blazer, wide-crop jeans and sneakers for an easy, everyday outfit

3. Neckline know-how: Personally, I can’t stand anything too tight at the neck, so I always opt for a slightly scooped neckline – which is universally flattering. See also the V-neck or notch shape – both of these are great for all bust sizes

Back of the net. Three of the best tees for easy style

White stuff Nelly Notch Neck Tee, £22.50; Me+Em Cheesecloth Box Tee, £65; Poetry V-Neck Top, £59

Complete the look

Hereu canvas tote, £300; Trinity silk blend jacket, £179; Dellabosco chain closed-toe clog, £225; Seersucker shirt, £115; Pull-on jersey maxi, £70; Raey cotton belted jacket, £595

Read more from Alyson at thatsnotmyage.com