The white shirt is a staple in any stylish wardrobe. Cool and crisp it looks professional in the office, while thrown on with blue denim it brings a touch of chic to casual dressing.
The SS18 catwalks showed deconstructed shirts with Alexander Wang cutting them into crop tops and Monse showing them falling off the shoulder, but the best bet when looking for a white shirt is to keep it fairly classic and go for a shape and style that works for you. Natural fabrics such as cotton allow your body to breathe and looser, more relaxed cuts will work both at the weekend and tucked into a pencil skirt for a classic office look.
Here are five fresh ways to wear.
The half tuck
Is it in? Is it out? It’s neither. Instead it’s the coolest way to wear your shirt right now. This clever little styling trick adds a touch of polish to a more relaxed look. Rather than leaving your shirt completely loose, either tuck in the fabric between your two front belt loops, or at one side at the front and pull out slightly for a gentle billow. The half tuck will highlight your waist or bring attention to a particularly nice belt.
The office update
Go for a tight fit and your shirt can start to yellow under the arms so opt instead for a looser cut and wear tucked into a high-waisted skirt for a modern take on workwear. If you’re feeling daring steer away from blacks and greys and choose a skirt in a bold print or bright block colour instead – after all, everything goes with white.
The statement accessory
Add some interest to your classic shirt with a statement necklace or ribbon tied as a necktie. For a smart-casual look, wear with the shirt buttoned up and accessories over the top. For a more relaxed take, undo a few buttons and wear with a thin choker or long gold pendant – the perfect look for festivals.
The beach cover-up
The loose white shirt is your capsule holiday wardrobe saviour. Pull it on over a swimsuit as a chic beach cover-up, pair with denim cut-offs for sightseeing in the city and wear open and tied at the waist over a maxi dress for cooler evenings.
The white-on-white look
Not one to wear if you’re eating spaghetti granted, but nothing says summer like an all-white outfit. Channel Taylor Swift on her Rome city break and pair a floaty white shirt with tight white jeans and blush-coloured accessories. Wearing one colour from head to toe creates a column effect, making you look instantly taller and slimmer.
