This is hardly a trend, but more like a mandatory bookmark in a capsule wardrobe story.
Uniforms don’t inspire and can make you feel like you’re living up to any identity.
Sometimes, all you want to do is ‘signal’ – not make a statement – that you’re chic, but totally relaxed about it.
Nothing says that better than a big, crisp white shirt coupled with your favourite blues. And those blue jeans can be anything from distressed, boyfriend cuts to sexy stovepipe, classic mid-blues.
Once the shirt is on, it’s ‘on. And don’t forget to turn up those collars and finish off with a pair of oversized shades.
A short list of a few favourite big-white-shirt moments:
I pulled a few favourite looks this week from my board that’s chic and easy – these ladies are keeping it effortless and easy.
Or they’re making it look very easy?
Which is how personal styling should be – effortless.
Leaving you more time to enjoy being sartorial and having fun with it.
Signalling maturity while being casual
This should be a staple in any woman’s wardrobe at any age. There’s always going to be a moment when you need to either look a little older or feel that way – sometimes you just want to ‘give’ casual sophistication. This one you can do daytime as well as early evening when you don’t want to be the one that looks overdressed.
The only way to look smart and streetwise at the same time
You can only pull this off with a great sneaker, preferably a brand name. It’s edgy without trying to be provocative. And let’s be honest, this is work attire as we know it in creative environments. Don’t worry, the clients will get it – if you’re thinking about showing up to meetings wearing this combo. Ultimately, it’s all about the shirt and I absolutely love a buttoned up white shirt. It’s instantly dressy and can be buttoned down last minute to suit a quick change of plan. That’s how we like to live right? With clothing doing double duty when we need it.
Understated, sporty and a little preppy
Yes, the shoes do ‘make’ it. But, pay attention.
It would’ve been meaningless were it any other shirt but these cool, casual and slightly oversized white ones.
The perfect white canvas coupled with a hijab accent
This one’s delightful and a personal favourite. I particularly like the accent piping (finish) on the sleeves and shoulder seam. And the slight flare of the back makes it look comfortable without feeling like loungewear. There’s something utilitarian about it. Perhaps it reminds me of a painting artist’s overall? My point is, it’s loose and effortless, while the colourful details affirm the intentionality of it. Style is never accidental even when it’s just thrown together.
The white mass is perfectly balanced with a bold, but delicate pump
The upturned collar will never go out of style and nothing denotes strong and independent like that little, self-directed detail. Second to that are the red pumps. It’s daring and sassy without trying – effortless.
Or perhaps the sassy red pumps are a secret nod to the pointy collar.
Effortless glamour without even trying
I couldn’t help adding this because it depicts what I mean by effortless. The intention is always to be stylish, to have some aspect of glam, polish or ‘put-togetherness’ before we leave the house.
This one says it all. How? The makeup (polish) and the shoes (perfectly glam). The rest doesn’t have to try too hard.
Conclusion
If you’re only allowed one splurge this month, spend it on an oversized white shirt. Better yet, wait until you can invest in a good quality one. That might mean buying ‘designer’ – but choose the right one. One that fits your everyday style. If Pringle is not your energy, get one from G-Star or Diesel instead. Choose consciously.
This effortless vibe doesn’t require designer labels to be functional. However the style is timeless and that means you’ll want to wear it for a long time, without buying a new one every other month because the quality is poor. Something worth considering.
But if you need to first experiment with which variation of this style works for you, experiment with budget choices until you find the right look for you.
