A white button down shirt is the ultimate in effortless, simple and chic styling. It suits all age groups and should be a staple and basic piece within every working womens wardrobe!
Amongst the many women I talk to as a Personal Branding Consultant they tell me they still find this classic piece can feel just a bit too formal and reminiscent of school uniform days!
It can also feel like hunting down that elusive pair of perfect jeans, you know what I mean, you try lots on but still can't find the perfect pair! It took me years to adjust my thinking about the white shirt as it definitely felt like a uniform piece to me every time I wore it but then I discovered why, I wasnt finding the right style for me!
The solution to this is finding a shirt or blouse that aligns with your style personality, the image you want to convey and feel good in!
A white shirt is ultra timeless and easy to mix and match. You'll also wear it time and time again.
For instance a tailored shirt can feel too formal for the relaxed, effortless look you may wish to achieve when pairing with denim jeans for a weekend, but it ca be perfect with a pencil skirt or cigarette style trousers for work.
There are different styles of white shirts and blouses available including the traditional Oxford style shirt, fitted shirts, tuxedo style, boyfriend (oversized) and tailored. There are different collars, different sleeves and shoulders. Different hems, some dipped, some straight and some curved - all flattering to different shapes. Pick a style that suits your style and you feel confident wearing.
How to wear a white shirt
A white shirt can be worn day or night, dressed up or down, work or weekend. Wear it loose, tucked in, wear it knotted at the front, wear it open over another top, wear it with a jacket or a blazer! Accessorise a deep v with a chunky necklace, or why not add a scarf and tie in the Parisian way around your neck. Use a white shirt as a beach cover up or wear with tailored shorts and sandals for warmer evenings. Wear with jeans or cigarette style trousers and ballet flate for an Audrey Hepburn vibe. Wear with wide leg trousers and wedges for a stylish work lunch with friends.
Oversized shirts
The oversized shirt is one of THE fashion looks of the moment that can be dressed up ot down but if you are petite or just don't like your clothes oversized you may prefer to leave this trend to others. It is an easy style to adopt though and doesn't have to cost a thing! Try rummaging in your partners wardrobe and see if they have a larger white shirt. Style it using a simple half tuck, then roll up the sleeves, wear with jeans, a belt and a blazer! Uber chic and comfy too! Just warn them first of all!!
Shades of white
Pure white hues looks best on cooler skin tones with a blue undertone and those with warm undertones will look best wearing creams, ivories and vanillas
Spend or Save
With so many options to choose from here are my Spend, Mid Range and Save recommendations :
Spend
Ralph Lauren for fabulous versions featuring the iconic RL logo from £115
Or go full on designer with a Valentino shirt for £750 from Net-a-Porter , this shirt stole the show on the springtime runway at Milan this year.
For pure silk check out Pure Collection online for silk and cotton shirts up to £110.
Other great places to search are Ted Baker, and Wyse London
Mid Range
Cos have a range of white shirts to suit different styles and tastes with a modern edge ranging from £55. These always prove popular with clients and have great reviews too.
Arket feature a very popular relaxed poplin oversized shirt that is made from organic cotton for £55
Uniqlo and Boden are both great for modern classic shirts from £45 upwards
Hush feature the sell out puplin Letitia shirt - it is £59 but keep your eye on the website
Hawes &. Curtis - just great for tailored shorts, traditional and trend led. I love their boutique style womens shirts too.
Baujken feature the Helena Hemp shirt for £99 - it is the ultimate boyfriend short for summer and its ethically made from natural fibres too - you can use my discount code OYS15 at the checkout to receive 15% discount off any purchase (afflilate link)
Save
Time and time again I see the HM £19.99 oversized poplin white shirt featured in the media and it has great feedback too.
Every year Zara bring out white shirts which are trend led and are super stylish from £25 - I have linked a great linen shirt for £27.99 which looks fabulous over a swimsuit in the summer months too.
We cannot forget M&S for the sheer range here including the blouses specifically made for a fuller bust (£15) or of course head to the menswear section where you can pick up some great value oversized white shirts - fabulous if you want to rock the oversized trend!
So how will you wear your white shirt - here are some of my absolute favourites from pinterest that you will find on my pinterest page - follow my pinterest page here
If you need help defining and developing your style why not book a 20 minute complimentary Style Clarity call with me and let's have a chat