I spent years trying to define my "off-duty" style, experimenting with different looks and silhouettes.

But it was only as I entered new motherhood that I found the hack — the go-to piece that really felt like it worked for me and my lifestyle.

I found oversized tees, and I never looked back.

Watch: Mamamia's Emily Vernem tries out the style maths method. Post continues below.

I always get the most outfit compliments when I'm wearing a roomy t-shirt with one of my many pairs of loose pants and chunky flats.

Styled up with lots of gold jewellery, it's a look that just works. It feels intentional but still laid-back.

The thing is, I turned to the tees out of desperation. Truly, it was more about utility than style.

My tried and true outfit formula. This tee is by Sea Street, from Stylerunner. Image: Instagram/@_tamaradavis_

I needed something I could throw on in the morning and wear all day — between pumping and snacking while attached to a baby, between tantrums (mine) and nap battles (mostly the baby), and coffee spills and catch-ups at the park.

Something that I could leave the house in, feel *somewhat* stylish while remaining comfortable, and know that if I was in fact pooed on — which happened often — it wouldn't be a big issue. Chuck it in the wash, onto the next.

Cue big tees. The perfect foil for a day spent in new baby land!

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But two years on, I'm still pulling out the same outfit almost every day. Behold more evidence:

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Now take note: not all oversized tees are created equal. Through my "research", I've found the brands that do them best, the ones worth investing in (I'd consider north of a hundred bucks a big spend), and the budget-friendly ones that hold their shape through multiple rounds in the machine.

I should mention that many of my beloved tees are secondhand, found in op shops and sourced at vintage fairs. Pre-loved styles are some of the best graphic tees you can get your hands on.

Here are the new styles I'm eyeing off now, from the brands I trust the most.

Bad Batch I Love A Margs Relaxed Tee, $70.

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This homegrown lady startup designs her own tongue-in-cheek artworks and prints them on the sturdiest comfy tees so you know they'll stick around in your wardrobe - and better yet, you won't see them everywhere.

Thrills Responsible Thrills Merch Tee, $59.99.

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I stockpile slouchy tees from Thrills, they're that good. Their band tee aesthetic comes through in all their designs (and there are many), so there's an oversized option for everyone.

JGR & STN Arizona Oversized Tee, $79.95.

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Jagger & Stone's graphic tees all have that old-school, worn in appeal. I've been wearing mine since I was heavily pregnant - crafted from thick, heavy-duty cotton, it just gets better with wear.

White Fox That Island Time Oversized Tee, $49.95.

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Known for its cosy loungewear and graphic logo pieces, White Fox is basically iconic at this point. PSA: they also do really good thick tees, with hundreds of styles to choose from.

Zara T-Shirt with Slogan, $39.95.

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Zara's slogan tees are a steal, but the quality has surprised me - I bought the pink one in this article's feature image and it's literally a compliment magnet.

Ena Pelly Chloe Oversized Tee, $130.

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This popular brand out of Geelong, Victoria, has made a name for itself with its comfy vintage-washed logo shirts. They're not cheap, but the quality is exceptional. I wear mine most weekends, from Pilates to lunch and everywhere in between.

Dazie The Classic Organic Cotton Oversized Tee, $40.

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Sometimes you just need a basic grey marle tee to wear with, well everything. Personally, I'd layer it over a pair of lace flares and add statement earrings.

Sabbi The Very Oversized Rhinestone Tee, $79.95.

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Gold Coast brand Sabbi went viral for their cheeky slogan tees and their styles now sell out almost instantly — so keep an eye on their Instagram to see the drops as they land!

Kinga Csilla Playa Del Kinga Tee, $150.

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Bohemian label Kinga Csilla crafts their pieces with love by hand in India, hence they're more on the spendy side. But their unique printed tees are well worth the splurge, with the softest washed cotton finish.

Sea Street Costa Rica T-Shirt, $40.

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Part of Stylerunner's chic offering of leisure and sportswear brands, Sea Street does the coolest retro print tees. With its boxy drop-shoulder silhouette, this one looks amazing with lounge pants.

Which tee is your fave? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Feature image: Instagram/_tamaradavis.

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