The Fashion Memo

The Shirt Update: Your Shortcut To Day-To-Night Chic

A shirt is more than just a versatile staple – it’s a true wardrobe hero. When cut with precision and styled with intent, it has the power to add polish to any ensemble, day or night. Here, we explore three modern ways to wear this hard-working piece, from the office to the weekend – and beyond

Words Eanna Morrison BarrsFashion editor Millie Parry
Fashion

A shirt has always been the undisputed foundation of a capsule wardrobe, earning its place as one of the most versatile and enduring everyday staples. Whether you wear yours crisp and buttoned-up for the office, casually undone with denim at the weekend or styled with a statement skirt and sparkly accessories after dark, this hero piece – and fashion-editor favorite – can adapt to any setting with the right styling. Here’s how…

A shirt in any color is a versatile staple for any workwear wardrobe

For the office

It’s no surprise that a great shirt and tailoring make the ultimate power pairing. Invest in a crisp button-down and a well-cut suit and you’ll have an office uniform you can rely on for years to come. In 2026, however, we’re looking beyond the usual suspects of white, pale blue and navy, opting instead for shirting in bolder shades. Comme des Garçons’ bubblegum-pink style is just the ticket, adding a much-needed dose of color to pared-back corporate wardrobes. Wear it to lift classic black separates, such as Nour Hammour’s croc-effect leather ‘Elyse’ midi skirt, adding Métier's burgundy ‘Private Eye’ tote and Amina Muaddi’s optic white ‘Anok’ pumps into the mix for a look that shows you mean business.

  • COMME des GARÇONS
    Layered georgette shirt
    $605.00
    Select a Size
    x small - low stock
    small - low stock
    medium - out of stock
    large
  • MÉTIER
    Private Eye medium suede tote
    $4,755.00
  • BOTTEGA VENETA
    Belted Intrecciato leather-trimmed cotton-gabardine trench coat
    $5,450.00
    Select a Size
    36
    38
    40
    42
  • KALLMEYER
    Nina cut-out checked wool-blend sweater
    $1,295.00
    Select a Size
    x small
    small
    medium - low stock
    large - out of stock

For the weekend

When it comes to dressing down a shirt, fit is the first place to start. A boxier, relaxed silhouette exudes effortless ease – especially when paired with casual, wide-leg pants or jeans. Channel a Western feel by styling Matteau’s shirt with Agolde’s barrel-leg ‘Luna Pieced’ jeans for an off-duty outfit that oozes comfort and easy elegance. Worn partially unbuttoned – or fully open over a tank or tee – the Australia-based brand’s relaxed checked cotton-flannel design looks borrowed from the boys, in the best possible way. Plus, it looks ultra-chic layered over a turtleneck for après-ski, too. Add a pair of round-framed black sunglasses from Magda Butrym, and Saint Laurent’s ‘Amalia’ shoulder bag in leopard-print calf hair, and you’ll have a look that’s perfectly cool-girl coded for a Sunday stroll or a weekend getaway – whether you’re heading to the country or the mountains.

  • MATTEAU
    Checked cotton-flannel shirt
    $515.00
    Select a Size
    1
    2 - low stock
    3 - out of stock
    4
    5
  • VALENTINO GARAVANI
    Suede jacket
    $6,470.00
    Select a Size
    36
    38
    40 - low stock
    42 - low stock
  • MAGDA BUTRYM
    Round-frame acetate sunglasses
    $440.00
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Amalia leopard-print calf hair shoulder bag
    $5,655.00
A relaxed shirt exudes effortless ease – especially when paired with jeans
Model Lila Moss effortlessly elevated her shirt with a chic skirt and heels at New York Fashion Week

For the evening

Who says a shirt can’t be worn out after 7pm? Opt for styles with lustrous, high-shine textures and sheer finishes and you have yourself the perfect party piece. Channel actor Kaya Scodelario’s chic press-tour look by pairing a black shirt, such as Khaite’s silk-satin ‘Bodine’ style, with Alaïa’s elegant tapered pants. Notice how the hem of the shirt is shorter at the front, so you don’t need to worry about tucking it in. The key to taking this outfit from desk to dinner lies in the accessories – Saint Laurent’s lustrous satin ‘Fanny’ slingbacks and a tasseled diamond and pearl necklace from By Pariah are the perfect finishing touches.

  • TOM FORD
    Striped silk-chiffon shirt
    $1,995.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36 - out of stock
    38
    40 - out of stock
    42 - out of stock
    44
    46
  • RABANNE
    Sequined chainmail midi skirt
    $4,105.00
    Select a Size
    36 - out of stock
    38
    40
  • ALAÏA
    Wool-felt tapered pants
    $1,315.00
    Select a Size
    34 - out of stock
    36
    38 - low stock
    40 - low stock
    42
    44 - out of stock
  • SAINT LAURENT
    Fanny 55 crepe-satin slingback pumps
    $1,715.00
    Select a Size
    EU 37
    EU 38 - low stock
    EU 39
    EU 40
    EU 41

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