Diane Parente, AICI, CIP

What are the different styles?

The white shirt is not only a classic piece for your wardrobe, it is an anchor that many looks can be built around, plus it has the versatility to work with almost anything else in the closet.  The right white blouse can also be incredibly flattering to your silhouette.  It’s just a matter of finding the white shirt that is right for you.

There are many different styles out there and each one is going to work for a different body and style personality.  But nothing says style like a great White Shirt.  Be sure to watch for three upcoming chapters on “The White Shirt – a Staple.”

Crisp  Clean Classic  Chic

Theory	T Tahari
Kenneth Cole New York	Ravel Wrap
Splendid Pullover Tunic	Finely “Laurent”
XCVI Wearables	ECI Ruffle

The white shirt has become such an important garment that there are now many styles to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to find the perfect one for you!

• There is the classic menswear-inspired shirt; which can go from something very fitted with well-placed darts and seams, to something more relaxed. This blouse is structured and collared. It suits a person with a more conventional style, but is also the most diverse type of white shirt. The range of fit and design varies greatly with this classic shirt, so you still must be selective to find the right one for you. There are some beautiful classic white shirts out there now, so well designed and constructed that they can be worn as a jacket (a welcome alternative in warmer weather).
• The tunic is longer at the hem and designed to be worn out so it flows. It can still look tailored, but is generally more casual in feel and works well for someone with a dramatic or creative style. The tunic may be constructed with a variety of fabrics, including jersey and lace, and is often used as an easy throw-over-anything piece. It is considered a comfortable and stylish garment. The tunic travels well, especially if it is made of low-maintenance material. A structured tunic also works well as a jacket alternative over a colorful tank or T.
• The wrap is another popular style of white shirt. It is body conscious and usually very flattering. Sometimes this style can be a bit too revealing, so make sure it falls across your bust line appropriately. The wrap appeals to the woman with an alluring or elegant style. The wrap style is often found in dressier materials that are appropriate for evening wear and creates a sophisticated cocktail look when paired with dress slacks or an evening skirt. The wrap blouse can also create a business impression when properly fastened or worn with a camisole underneath, and is terrific with the right suit. Another take on the wrap-style white shirt is the cinched blouse, which emphasizes the waist with a belt and is a great addition to the professional wardrobe.

Keep in mind that all three of these styles vary tremendously with different collars, sleeve lengths, cuffs, hem details, and closures.  This is a lot to think about, so if you feel overwhelmed, you may want to get a professional to help you.

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!