5 Days, 5 Ways: How Celebrities Wear the Muscle Tee

Style this T-shirt like the stars

By Taylor Stephan Aug 14, 2015 6:33 PMTags

Muscle tees are a tough sell any day of the year.

Anything that comes in a boxy shape and cuts right at the widest part of your arm is a fashion gamble not to be taken lightly. Somehow though, against the fashion odds, celebs across the board are reaching for muscle tees again and again. To avoid looking like a square, steer clear of basic-jeans-and-T-shirt combos and take the seemingly shapeless shirt in a more tailored direction, just like our favorite boundary-pushing trendsetters.

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Muscle tees and leather go together like bread and butter. To strike the balance between grunge and polish like Ellie Goulding, opt for an oversized version layered over a feminine lacy bra. Keep with the black and white theme and pair with ‘70s wedges to take the look from day to night.

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Gwen Stefani has a knack for making anything look rad, but her style is especially synonymous with rebel-wear, muscle tees included. For a more grown-up but still-cool take, pick a knitted version and team it with a pair of fold-over overalls, cat-eye sunnies, killer heels and a signature red lip.

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Who wears short shorts? Beyoncé does of course. Itty-bitty shorts can be a tricky line to walk, so do like the queen herself and save these for vacation-specific outings. That way you can be a little more playful with your entire look. A lioness graphic tee, bold beads and an extravagant straw hat? We're ready for you, weekend.

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Reese Witherspoon has cool-mom style down pat. For an errand-running ensemble that's pulled together but not trying too hard, fold a striped tank into a cream-colored pencil skirt. The fresh colors feel particularly beachy when worn with a brown leather satchel, mirrored shades and gold jewelry.

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School is almost back in session, and just because Taylor Swift is a few years past college age, doesn't mean she can't dress the part. The trick is tucking your muscle tank into a high-waisted plaid skirt for a more tailored look. Add a structured bag and classic wayfarers for a look that never goes out of style.