Up until now, you’ve either viewed the classic white shirt as a wardrobe staple or a blah, boring back-up. Prepare to broaden your perspective after seeing street style snaps from Copenhagen Fashion Week, where attendees styled their white shirts with sensational twists – a testament to the versatility of this quiet closet hero.
According to Liya Kreidie, fashion director of Dubai-based styling service Wear That, a perfect white shirt is crafted from cotton poplin, and has just the right amount of structure. “It’s crisp, but not corporate. I should be able to wear it half-tucked in for more effortless vibes, but also buttoned up when I’m going for more polished looks,” she shares. “I like it slightly oversized, with a dropped shoulder and maybe even a curved hem.”
While wearing yours tucked into denims is safe and timeless, take a risk this season and push the boundaries a bit with your blouse. For a feminine look that exudes confidence and a sense of nonchalance, consider a white-on-white look this summer, wearing your shirt, untucked, over white trousers. They can be jeans, linen trousers or a pair with a subtle pinstripe. Accessorise minimally – just a statement clutch and sleek sunnies – to keep the focus on the mono-toned outfit.
Photo: Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
If accessories are your focal point on the other hand, seek out chunky bangles – gold, silver or even acetate, to layer over the cuffs of your sleeves.
Then of course, there’s the corp-couture trend that continues to inspire feminine fashion enthusiasts to give their outfits an androgynous touch. A printed tie emerging from beneath the collar of your crisp white shirt adds a bold touch of character, whether it’s completed with wide-leg trousers or a pleated skirt.
Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
The weather may still be warm for adding extra layers, but if you’re traveling somewhere with cooler weather, try throwing on an oversized vest or gilet over your white blouse. “White shirts with broderie anglaise, eyelets of colourful embroidery are definitely winners right now,” notes Kreidie. Play with textures – an embroidered shirt with a feminine neckline contrasts quite beautifully with a more masculine layer on top.
Photo: Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
Finally, a look that will transition splendidly into autumn. That safe, jeans-and-white-shirt combo we referenced earlier? Try that, but stick a lace skirt on top of it. An extension of the scarf-belt trend that has been dominating street style this summer, it’s a look that exudes mystique and creative flair. You can even ditch the jeans altogether if your shirt is long enough.
Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images
“Look for oversized and longer lengths to pair with sheer or lace bottoms, or on the other end, cropped button shirts that have a utility vibe are also super in and fun to style,” says Kreidie. In addition to high crops, padded shoulders are also in style, notes Mary Abi Chahine, founder of new ethical fashion platform, Wayve. “They add a bold and sculptural edge that elevates the silhouette,” she says.
Photo: Raimonda Kulikauskiene/Getty Images
“While both classic and modern interpretations of the white shirt are trending right now, what truly matters is how the piece aligns with your personal style and complements your silhouette,” believes Abi Chahine. “Trends come and go, but the right white shirt should feel like an extension of you, whether it’s minimal and timeless or fashion-forward.”
