There are few wardrobe essentials that we lean on more than the white shirt. Whether yours is made from crisp cotton or soft silk, the tailored shape of a white shirt makes any outfit feel instantly elegant. You can pair it with trousers and a blazer and head into work. You can tuck it into jeans, slip on sneakers, and go about tackling your weekend to-do list. Tie it up, cuff the sleeves – no matter your preferred styling or the time of year, you really can’t go wrong with a white shirt.
For Work
Be it a neutral trouser suit or a summery shorts suit, there is no denying the suit is the workwear piece of the year. Keep it classic by adding your favourite white shirt.
Layer With a Slip Dress
The 90s slip dress saw a huge comeback for SS19 and it’s here to stay! For more coverage for daytime layer a lightweight shirt over the top and tie in a knot at the front. There’s also the option to layer the slip dress over the shirt.
Pair With a Midi or Maxi Skirt
Wear a well fitted white shirt with your favourite skirt for a chic daytime look.
Over a Swimsuit
Steal his white shirt and throw over your favourite swim suit or bikini for an easy, yet stylish way to cover up.
With Your Favourite Denim
It’s a classic look – denim with a white shirt. It never dates and is the perfect pairing. I particularly love it when worn with a pair of coloured heels.
Tuck Into Wide Leg Trousers
Wide leg trousers need the white shirt to be tucked in to create balance and proportion. Whether you wear this look to work or as a chic daytime look, I guarantee it’ll be one you wear on repeat.
Tie at the Front
Tying a white shirt at the front creates definition at the waist, which for most female body shapes is the smallest part of their body.
Make a Statement With the Sleeves
They are by no means a new trend, but one that can elevate the humble white shirt to the next level.
With Shorts
Shorts are a summer staple and by adding a white shirt you take the look up to another level – from casual to chic.
Team With Cycling Shorts
Definitely a Marmite trend for Spring/Summer, try teaming cycling shorts with an oversized white shirt to balance the slim silhouette of the shorts.
Here’s a selection of my favourite white shirts on the high street right now…
From left to right: Vero Moda Curve Tie Detail Shirt via ASOS CURVE (up to size 24), Sézane Amande Shirt (up to size 18), & Other Stories Tie Front Shirt (up to size 18)
From left to right: Topshop Shirred Shirt, H&M V Neck Shirt (up to size 22), Arket Oversized Linen Shirt (up to size 18)
From left to right: Arket Embroidered Poplin Blouse (up to size 18), Boden Silk Shirt (up to size 22), H&M Puffed Sleeve Wrap Blouse
A final note… during these unusual times I only want to put out content that keeps everyone inspired, connected and offers a little light relief and distraction during these strange times. I want to ensure that I am delivering content that you want to read so please get in touch by at hello@clarewatkins.com to let me know what you’d like more of, or just to chat – thanks to those of you that got in touch previously letting me know what they love and what they’d like to see more of.
If you’re interested in finding out more about my styling services, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Take care and stay well,
Clare xox
