Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

THE WHITE SHIRT – A STAPLE
Which Style of White Shirt Has the Most Appeal to You?

What is the right white shirt for you?

How do you find the white shirt that is most flattering and appropriate for your body and that best expresses your style?  There are many different elements to the design and style of a white shirt.  To wade through them, you must first know the kind of situations where you would be wearing the white shirt.  Next, take your body type into account to find the style that suits you best.  Finally, consider the details on the garment itself.

The Design Elements:

• The collar, in particular, should be proportionate to your body and face. Think about the size of the collar in relation to your facial features and shoulders, the width of the collar compared to your jawline and neck length. In general, a square face can wear a wider collar, and an oblong face works better with a narrow collar. In terms of style, the more angular the collar shape, the more dramatic it will be; the softer the shape, the more feminine the style will be.
• Sleeves are an important design element, especially now. A sleeve with a bit of volume at the shoulder can create added stature, but too much volume can make you look like a football player or simply cartoonish. Extra volume at the bottom of the sleeve will add width to the hips – good for someone with narrow hips, but too much, perhaps, for a fuller- hipped individual. You should also consider the length of the sleeve, as it can affect the garment’s wearability.
• The simpler the design, the more versatile the garment will be in your wardrobe. Extra “stuff” can also be distracting, so think carefully about all those ruffles, puffs, pockets, buttons, and bows. They may be cute, fun, or trendy, but how practical will they be for your wardrobe?
• Ruching, where the material is gathered together to create a rippled effect, is generally an amazing design element used to hide unflattering curves. Occasionally, however, ruching can work against you, so try the shirt on before you purchase it, or at least before wearing it to a must-look-great occasion!
• Check the seams and darts on a garment; the more there are, the more fitted it will be. If you want an easier fit, go for less construction. For a snug shape, choose a garment with more structure. Vertical seams tend to be more flattering than horizontal ones. Be careful of darts: if they fall at the correct curves on your body they are terrific, but if they fall at the wrong place they will make you appear awkward.

There are many elements to consider when choosing a white shirt.  The right one will be the most useful garment in your wardrobe; the wrong one can pull your style down.  If your wardrobe lacks a great white shirt, but you are feeling overwhelmed, think about getting professional advice – it can really help.

THE WHITE SHIRT – A STAPLE
What design details do you think work best for you?

How do you wear and accessorize your white shirt?

A great white shirt can add style to a simple pair of trousers or skirt: it can jazz up jeans or be the perfect underpinning for a sophisticated suit.  How do you use the white shirt to your best advantage with your existing wardrobe, and how do you maximize the shirt to get as many looks as you can with the single piece?

• Remember that white is a neutral, so it goes with as much as black does. But, also take into account that, like black, white is not always the best color to wear close to the face. This is easily taken care of by finding an off-white shirt or adding accessories in flattering colors between your face and the white. A white shirt will have style on its own, so by simply adding jewelry, you can change the look and keep the style.
• The white shirt always works under a great jacket, although you should be careful of collar clashes here; make sure the two collars work with each other and not against each other. But if you are bored with the jacket and blouse routine, try a suit-inspired vest over the white shirt for a smart and stylish look.
• While the white shirt works well acting like a top under a piece, it can also be worn over another piece acting like a jacket because it has structure. During warmer weather, it’s a good alternative to wear a crisp white blouse over a camisole as a jacket. This look can be altered with a belt as well. If you are a fan of the sweater set, but find the cardigan too hot at times, try wearing a classic white shirt over the shell instead. It will still have a polished appearance, but will be much cooler.
• Take that same sweater set and put the cardigan over the white shirt. This is also quite professional looking because the shirt adds structure, but tends to be less restricting and lighter than a jacket. The V-neck sweater also works well over the collared classic white shirt. Again the shirt adds structure without a jacket, and you can add a belt to this ensemble as well.
• Belts are another fun way to wear your white shirt. The shirt is a blank canvas and, depending on the belt, you can create an edgy or sophisticated look, or something with a feminine touch.
• The other simple but classic way to wear a white shirt is with a gorgeous scarf tied around the neck. Lay the scarf under the collar like a man’s necktie, or you can open up the shirt a bit and wear the scarf around your neck with a bow for a French-inspired style. One of the most creatively stylish women I’ve ever known would drape a scarf around her neck under a structured blouse so the scarf resembled a shawl-collared top.

A crisp white blouse can add structure to a soft knit such as a cardigan, while a tunic can add easy style to a pair of jeans, and a wrap white blouse can take a plain black trouser into a sophisticated and understated look.  So if this is overwhelming, and you are having trouble getting out of the white-shirt box you may be in, a professional could help you break free and begin wearing the great white shirt to its maximum!

THE WHITE SHIRT – A STAPLE
How do you care for your white shirt?

Sometimes caring for your white shirts can seem very high maintenance. If you take them to the dry cleaners, they eventually turn yellow, but they never seem to retain their crispness when washed at home!

• Use a bleach pen on any small stain that lands on your white shirts.
• Apply Scotchguard on areas that discolor such as cuffs and collars to allow a few more wears between washings. You don’t want to launder your shirts too frequently.
• Wash the shirts on a cold/gentle cycle in a lingerie bag.
• Air-dry your shirts on a hanger. DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE DRYER!
• Yes, you will have to iron them, but they will look fabulous. A steamer is another helpful tool and a great alternative to the iron.

Please don’t avoid having this essential piece in your wardrobe just because you don’t know how to care for it. It’s really not that difficult. Go on – give it a try!