The Fashion Memo

5 Fresh Ways To Wear A White Shirt

When it comes to wardrobe staples, few are more quintessential than a crisp white shirt. This enduring piece has been a cornerstone of women’s closets for decades, thanks to its styling potential and flair for smartening up casual items. Read on to discover our roundup of the best styles to invest in now

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Connie Daw
Fashion
Pair your white shirt with tailored pants or classic denim for a look that exudes sartorial simplicity

Classic

Whether you channel Katharine Hepburn in the ’40s in a shirt worn with tailored pants, or plan to dress yours up with a glamorous maxi skirt as a nod to Sharon Stone’s iconic red-carpet moment, find the perfect fit and it’s guaranteed to become one of the most reliable and cherished pieces in your closet. New York-based label Fforme’s ‘Chris’ style has a dipped, collarless neckline inspired by couture silhouettes – echo the FW24 runway collection by wearing it with the sleeves rolled up nonchalantly and a red lip. Alternatively, tuck it into gray wide-leg pants or barrel-leg jeans for a faultless day-to-night look. A sleek silver necklace like ‘The Margaret’ by Lié Studio makes for the perfect finishing touch.

  • WARDROBE.NYC
    Pleated grain de poudre wool wide-leg pants
    $300.00
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Tonal

There’s something inherently chic about an all-white outfit, especially when you throw a beautifully cut shirt into the mix. The epitome of timeless elegance, Bally’s version has a ’50s-inspired spread collar and the Swiss label’s crest embroidered on the pocket – a mark of its exceptional craftsmanship. Echo some of fashion week’s most stylish attendees by wearing yours loose over a tonal lace skirt with flats and delicate gold jewels, or layered beneath a sophisticated cream coat. Alternatively, keep things a touch more relaxed with white denim and a tan tote.

  • YVONNE LÉON
    Paire De Créoles Bouées 9-karat white and yellow gold earrings
    $5,530.00
  • CARA CARA
    Sienna broderie anglaise cotton-poplin midi skirt
    $149.00
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  • TOVE
    Rene leather sandals
    $197.00
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A tonal ensemble adds a luxurious touch to the humble white shirt

Go Western

Western-inspired looks swept the fall ’24 runways and, arguably, the easiest way to embrace the trend is with a tailored shirt. Details are key here in distinguishing the theme, making Ferragamo’s boxy poplin style a smart choice – the refined blue topstitching echoes the embroidery seen on traditional styles, albeit in a subtle way. Dress it down on the weekend with classic blue jeans by LA-based brand Agolde and, of course, a pair of cowboy boots for a dose of classic Americana.

  • FERRAGAMO
    Topstitched poplin shirt
    $375.00
    Select a Size
    38 - out of stock
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  • PROENZA SCHOULER
    Slide paneled suede shoulder bag
    $623.00
  • AGOLDE
    Harper high-rise wide-leg jeans
    $88.00
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  • PARIS TEXAS
    Dallas embellished suede ankle boots
    $358.00
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Leather pieces give a slight edge to this classic piece, adding monochromatic impact

Poplin and leather

Like all good pairings, a crisp white shirt and black leather bring out the best in each other – the contrasting textures and monochrome palette are the perfect balance of relaxed and refined, and work well in any setting. To build a polished daytime look, start with Dries Van Noten’s oversized shirt (a NET-A-PORTER exclusive) tucked into a pair of beige tailored pants courtesy of Loro Piana, then shrug Tom Ford’s cropped leather jacket over the top. Alternatively, wear with an A-line leather skirt and loafers for an ensemble that exudes effortless elegance.

  • LORO PIANA
    Emmit linen flared pants
    $1,375.00
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  • CHURCH'S
    Pembrey W leather loafers
    $1,100.00
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Color-pop

Ultimately, the allure of a great white shirt comes down to its versatility; it’s the sartorial equivalent of a blank canvas, making it the perfect accompaniment to vibrant colors. Joseph’s timeless ‘Joe’ shirt will serve as the perfect base for vibrant knits, including Arch4’s postbox-red ‘Linda’ vest. From our NET SUSTAIN edit, it’s spun from sumptuously soft cashmere in a relaxed shape that makes it perfect for layering and looks especially chic styled with indigo denim – Proenza Schouler’s ‘Calder’ maxi skirt will serve you well for seasons to come. Finally, slip on Gucci’s ‘Erin’ flats to tie the look together.

  • PROENZA SCHOULER
    Calder belted denim maxi skirt
    $190.00
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RELATED READING

SHOP WHITE SHIRTS

6 items

  • STELLA MCCARTNEY
    + NET SUSTAIN organic cotton-poplin shirt
    $300.00
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  • VERONICA BEARD
    Jerrel striped linen-blend tank
    $120.00
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  • BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
    Pleated linen and wool-blend shorts
    $550.00
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  • LIÉ STUDIO
    The Alice gold-plated ring
    $153.00
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    50 - out of stock
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    56 - out of stock

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