let’s be honest, the message tee got kind of a bad wrap in 2003. in part thanks to britney spears, whose frequent sporting of said trend made it look, well, less than glamorous.

thankfully ten years later, the humble message tee has gotten a face lift (as well as a new spokesperson). and what once was a surefire way to land you on the worst-dressed list has now -with the right styling, of course, become playfully chic.

they say you should let the clothes speak for themselves. well, now they can. and these are the garments that are speaking to me:

salty hair penny sweater | wildfox | $248

kiss kiss tee | j.crew | $48

biet fait sweatshirt | madewell | $75

factory oh la la graphic tee | j.crew factory | $19.50

new york Map T | gap | $22.95

merci beaucoup tee | nordstrom | $39

love and be loved tee | old navy | $16.94

so get out there and let your clothes do the talking. literally.