T-Shirts are a wardrobe basic and in my opinion, you can never have too many. Not only are they comfy, but when styled right you can wear one for just about every occasion: from running errands and a day at the office, to nights on the town. Plus they are available in every size, color and price range. Here are a Chi-town gal’s five favorite places to find tees and ways to style them.

American Apparel

46 E Walton St
Chicago, IL
312-255-8360
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 11am–7pm
www.americanapparel.net

For bright colors and reasonable prices, check out American Apparel’s tees. They are available in every color and shape you can possibly think of. My pick is the loose fitting (circa 1980s) Chiffon Tee $45, in Dent de Lion or Tahiti. Just add a pair of this season’s cutoff jean shorts.

Urban Outfitters

935 N Rush St
Chicago, IL 60611 
(312) 640-1919
Hours: Sun 11am – 8 pm / Mon –Sat 11am – 9pm
www.urbanoutfitters.com

Urban Outfitters is one of the best places around town to get graphic t-shirts. My favorite are their fab vintage band tees like the Rolling Stones Speckled Distressed Tee, $42. For a rock star chic look, pick your favorite graphic tee and pair it with black skinny jeans and a blazer.

Nordstrom Rack

24 N State St
Chicago, IL 60602 
(312) 377-5500
Hours: Mon-Sat 9:30 am – 9 pm / Sun 11 am – 7 pm
www.shop.nordstrom.com

Nordstrom is by far one of my favorite department stores. It’s a one-stop shop. Both the BP and Savvy department have a great selection of tees. Try Three Dots Short Sleeve Tee, $70, styled with a chunky statement necklace like the Leather Station Necklace by House of Harlow 1960, $75 and a mini skirt. Check Nordstrom Rack on N. State Street for good deals.

Vince

106 E. Oak Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312.280.6890
Hours: Monday – Friday 10AM to 6PM / Saturday 12PM to 5PM
www.vince.com

My number one pick for splurging on t-shirts is Vince, a newer addition to the Oak Streets shops. This store has every basic staple you need in your wardrobe including a large selection of tees and tanks. For a different spin on t-shirt wearing, take the Heather V-Neck, tie it in a knot at the waist, and pair with high-waisted dress shorts like Kimichi Blue Chrissy Shorts in black for $49 (available at Urban Outfitters). Forget the belt.

Wanna hear a secret? I’ve rarely paid full price. If you check out Nordstrom Rack on a pretty regular basis you can find Vince t-shirts for around $20, which is amazing.

Bonus Pick!

Stylemint
www.stylemint.com

Just launched in July, this is going to be one of my favorite spots to get t-shirts. Elizabeth & James designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are behind this members-only online shopping site (similar to Kate Bosworth and Cher Coutler’s Jewelmint). So how does it work? You answer a style-related questionnaire and based on your answers, you are given four t-shirt options per month for $30. They’ll also give you styling suggestions. I think I may be in love.

What are your favorite ways to wear a t-shirt? Leave your comments below, we’d love to hear from you.

Samantha McCarthy is a freelance writer and editor in downtown Chicago. She wears many hats (and owns one too many pairs of shoes), with one of them always being in-the-know of the fashion industry.