This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.Chanel Made ‘Tourist T-Shirts’ Cool—Here’s How to Style The Affordable Souvenir This Spring

Naomi PikeMon, April 20, 2026 at 9:05 PM UTC

0

Chanel Has Made ‘Tourist T-Shirts’ Cool AgainTYJA

"Hearst Magazines and AOL may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

If you buy one thing this summer, make it a tourist T-shirt. The once humble souvenir has been given a high-fashion makeover just in time for the summer travel season.

The first convincing argument that the item is worthy of a second look came in Chanel's Métiers d’Art collection. With the show set in a Manhattan subway station, the inclusion of the classic “I Heart NY” T-shirt (albeit rendered in sequins) felt appropriate for the setting. Matthieu Blazy opted to style it with a natty tweed skirt suit to lend it a polish the tourist tee often lacks. The addition of the slouchy Chanel handbag tucked under its model's arm gave the runway look an air of real-life wearability.

courtesy of Chanel

Just as it was on the Chanel runway, a tourist T-shirt, which states a destination’s name clearly, is a breath of fresh fun that brings a wry smile to off-duty combinations. But, as ever with all great fashion ensembles, context is key. We're not saying that you can't wear your vacation fashion find with flip-flops and a sarong, but it’s best worn with pieces that don't so strongly signal “paid time off.”

Advertisement

Valentina Frugiuele

Chanel's take sets the example, but these sorts of T-shirts—with their retro logos and jaunty graphics barely in 40 years or so—can also be worn with other polished pieces. Think a pair of sleek leather trousers and dainty ballet flats, or perhaps it’s just the right item to offset this season’s statement skirt. The graphic design of these pieces also contrasts well with the gargantuan earring moment currently filling our jewelry boxes.

Alex Consani wears the Chanel look.TYJA

The tourist tee is best bought in bright colors to add to that note of irony. It’s an easy way to introduce bold colors and a sense of playfulness to the day-to-day wardrobe. You might not be on vacation any longer, but that’s not to say your sartorial mindset can’t be. There are options you can buy on home turf with neat “New York” graphics in serif fonts and sepia hues readily available, and they’re lovely. That said, those willing should take it further with the kind of tees you can only buy when you’ve jet-set to a faraway place. You know, the kinds with phrases like “Someone who loves me very much went to [enter Mediterranean resort of choice] and all I got was this lousy T-shirt.”The memo is clear: When you finally reach your summer holidays, it’s straight to the gift shop to claim a version for yourself. Sure, we all love New York, but the more niche locations are sure to bring about not only enviable travel insights but new fashion credentials, too.

ELLE Collective is a community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well as the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.

You Might Also Like

Here’s What 40 Celebrities Looked Like as Teenagers

Is Collagen Banking the Answer to Younger-Looking Skin?

Trust Us—These Editor-Approved Fragrances Will Have You Smelling Like a Dream

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”