When it comes to good style, simple and timeless staples make up the core of a curated wardrobe. Many of the most stylish girls on the planet spend years developing a capsule wardrobe containing all the basics they need to bring lots of looks to life, and a good quality white shirt is never lacking among them.
The white button-down shirt, as we have said many times in other capsule wardrobe posts, is one of those ever-present pieces: essential, versatile, chic but practical, genderless. Nothing innovative, just a garment that has been worn for decades by different people and remains the same in essence. The only thing that changes over time is how we style it: in this post we’ll look at the best combinations to make this simple piece the star of your outfit.
Tips to choose the perfect white shirt for your capsule wardrobe
Almost everyone has a simple white shirt in their wardrobe these days, and if you don’t, here are some tips on how to choose the perfect one:
DO's:
Choose one in high quality fabric: 100% cotton is recommended; Correct fit/sizing is key: you don’t want the buttons to be resisted because the size is too small, but you don’t want to disappear inside a huge shirt either. Balance is key, the shirt should be comfortable enough to allow movement, and fitted enough to enhance your figure; The simpler, the better: avoid details, frills, embroidery and choose a plain one instead, it will be more versatile and easier to wear;
DON’Ts:
Avoid synthetic fibres: a shirt is something you usually wear in direct contact with your skin, and for that you should prefer natural fibres. Stay away from big, stiff collars: they will make you look too formal and stiff; Say no to wrinkles: a perfectly ironed shirt is a must for a chic look;
Ideal looks to style a white shirt
Now that you know how to choose the perfect white shirt, let’s talk about how to pair it in your looks. As we said, it is a very versatile garment, which can be worn in many ways, even outside the office/classic style. You can make it the protagonist of a look or as an unbuttoned co-star over tops or t-shirts. You can also try wearing it with jeans or more elegant trousers. And even surprise by wearing it over a minidress. Take a look at our Personal Shoppers’ inspirations for your looks.
Trendy look with oversize white shirt
We want to start with a trendy look with an oversized shirt. We think it’s important to know how to wear it so it doesn’t disappear into an oversized garment and look ridiculous. For that, we show you this look as inspiration from Kendall Jenner, a perfect example of how to dress smart but with a casual touch. The base of this look is a simple white T-shirt and classic wide-leg trousers. The oversized shirt is worn unbuttoned in a very casual way that makes the simple look even more trendy. This perfectly balanced outfit wouldn’t have worked the same way with a regular shirt!
Classic look with white shirt and jeans
Sometimes the simplest outfits are best. But what happens when you combine two wardrobe staples? You get a perfect match and a great base from which to build your look and add personality. That’s the case when you combine a white shirt with a simple blue denim: a choice that may seem very simple and lacking in creativity, but instead represents the perfect blank canvas on which you can add elements that reflect your own character. Go for colourful shoes, a designer bag, a fun hat and your favourite trench coat!
Look with an unbuttoned white shirt for warm days
Especially in summer, the white shirt can become an extra passepartout layer that you can wear unbuttoned: it will give you extra coverage for a cool evening, for example, without the need for a jacket. This combo works perfectly with minidresses, because the elegance and femininity of the dress and the masculinity and classic charm of the shirt create an interesting contrast that will make you look on trend. The only rules to keep in mind: the dress should be mini (shorter than the shirt) or maxi (much longer) and the shirt should be slightly oversized.
Look with a white shirt and a jumper: your go-to for cold weather
Pairing a white shirt with a knitted jumper is what can make it easy and spontaneous to dress well and effortlessly in autumn/winter. Starting from the neutral base of white, crew neck jumpers and cardigans can be worn to create ever-changing looks: either choose a multicoloured or printed knitwear, or a more minimal chic one to create a monochrome look. There’s no limit to the combinations! The white shirt goes perfectly with all cuts and designs, from oversize to stretch, from the fine cashmere model to the braided one.
Washing tips to keep your white shirt perfect
The key to always be chic and fashionable wearing your white shirt is to make the right combinations, but it is also important to learn how to take care of it so that it lasts longer in our wardrobe, and in the most perfect conditions.
We all know that white garments tend to turn grey after many washes: but there are some tricks you can learn when it comes to doing the laundry that will help you for sure.
First of all, always read the label on the shirt, which will tell you the best way to wash it. The majority of them can be washed in the washing machine, but be careful with those fabrics that need to be washed by hand. It is best to wash your white shirt in cold water, at a maximum of 40 degrees: put it in the washing machine unbuttoned and remember to pre-treat the most obvious stains. Do not use bleach because it can exhaust the fibres: use Marsiglia soap instead, which is perfect for its whitening properties. Be especially careful with the areas that tend to get dirty: the collar and cuffs. Once washed, dry it on a hanger, so it will stretch naturally and will be ready to be ironed without too many wrinkles. Last but not least, putting your shirt in your wardrobe in the right way can be crucial for it to last longer: hang it neatly and avoid humidity.
