She’s been in the game a long time, the white shirt, and with good reason: holding court in her clique of classic essentials as the separate, breezing past the daggy, dated trends-gone-by into true icon status. No doubt you have a selection of fashion’s so oft-referenced MVP’s sitting pretty in your wardrobe already (and if not, we’ll pretend we didn’t hear that – and suggest you promptly run to Zara), and assumedly are well versed in it’s impressive bag of styling tricks. The real litmus test of icons is their ability to reinvent themselves – which brings us to our updated style guide on reworking the white shirt. Read on for our new and improved styling tricks to rework an old classic.
FOR WORK
The white shirt’s held CEO status in the office attire stakes for eons – under suiting, with separates – however often gets overlooked as a layering piece. A little collar and cuff goes a long way, particularly in the winter chill. Try it under fine knits or your favourite shift dresses for a quick fashion facelift (the crisp line of the collar gives definition to the jaw and frames the face, bouncing white light upwards brightening the complexion quicker than any serum).
Witchery Sofia Piping Shirt, $179.95, and Button Split Midi Skirt, $129.95
Seed Heritage Babywool Peplum Sweater, $99.95, and Carrie Cut-Out Clutch, $59.95
For the more adventurous, a shirt styled under your brighter resort dresses gently nudges them into a work zone – a big cuff adds the extra dramatic effect here to extinguish any overly casual vibes. Give your sleeves a little roll up your forearm so as not to swap your upper half and throw on a belt for good measure – et voila! Weekender at the office.
Country Road Bib Detail Shirt, $129
H&M Pleated Dress, $49.99
Tony Bianco Kokomo Heels, $179.95
FOR NIGHT
After hours is a quite an untapped zone for the white shirt – but of course, she’s no one-trick pony. Pair it back with a dramatic full skirt in a statement fabric if you’re wanting to distill the femme – channel the Hepburns (Katherine and Audrey) and throw in a hint of tomboy to your eveningwear with all the glamour intact. Stiletto essential.
H&M Long-Sleeved Shirt, $29.95, and Cupro Maxi Skirt, $79.95
Valentino Love Latch Leather Pumps, $941
Alternatively, that strapless dress tucked away from summer is reborn with a white shirt underneath – go for a style with an interesting collar detail (think oversized, or a clean Mandarin shape) to amp it up for night.
Witchery Mandarin Cotton Shirt, $119.95
Norma Kamali Strapless Fitted Dress, $200.85
Tony Bianco Kappa Heels, $199.95
FOR WEEKEND
Blue jeans, white shirt… we’ve heard that all before, no? Think outside the box – backwards buttoning is all the rage if you’re game. Throw it on back-to-front and let it slip down the shoulder for a party in the back instead. Keep the rest of your look simple if you’re getting tricky with the styling – washed out denim and white sneakers is the perfect accompaniment.
Equipment Margaux Cotton Poplin Shirt, $264
MIH Lou Flared Jeans, $312
Seed Georgina Lace Up Sneaker, $129.95
Otherwise, throw a white shirt buttoned halfway or open over your weekender dresses as a nod to ‘90s layering, then clean it up with a slouchy blazer over the top – simple yet considered for your downtime wardrobe.
Acne Studios Addle Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt, $420
Topshop Satin Slip Dress, £46.00, and Soft Tailored Jacket, £55.00
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feature image via pinterest