Something that was as simple as a white shirt has over time been at the centre of fashion, history, and society. It is a garment that has had the ability to keep a timeless approach.
Historians feel that it was the appearance of Maire Antoinette in the portrait, painted by Madame Vigée-Lebrun, in a loose fitted white blouse dress began the frenzy of the cotton industry that began to flourish in the late 1700s. It made cotton desirable – though at considerable social consequences.
The white shirt was originally worn under attire – but not seen until the late 19th century. Think of Jane Austen where men were seen flaunting this piece under a jacket or long coat looking ever so dashing. It then appeared to become a symbol of power and distinction amongst the wealthy during the Victorian era. As the 1920s came to be designers including Coco Chanel began to wear menswear as womenswear. This began the style of a new style piece into the realm of women’s fashion.
Image Credits | 1. Paramont Pictures; 2. Bettaman Archive; 3. Mark Shaw; 4. Shutterstock.
A TIMELESS HERITAGE
The white shirt is essential for any wardrobe. It sits along with that other essential timeless piece, the trench coat. It was originally reserved for the office, now today designers and stylists alike have elevated this humble piece to icon status. Audrey Hepburn personified style and grace in Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Jacqueline Kennedy whose style was minimal and effortlessly chic serves as a muse for this classic piece – favouring both white and black versions. The great Katherine Hepburn created beach style inspiration teaming with wide-legged linen trousers and strappy sandals. Marilyn Monroe created a western style with her approach to a simple shirt in Sunset Boulevard mixed with denims and boots. In later life, Princess Diana brought a relaxed elegance to her wardrobe, often pairing one clinched at the waist with jeans. The white shirt – always timeless, always elegant.
WHITE – BLANCHE – BIANCA
The button-down shirt has come a long way in terms of fashion status. There are few style pieces more transformative, and it will add instant polish. If your wardrobe does not contain at least one white classic shirt, you are missing out on this bread and button fashion essential. A white shirt can also help to elevate your skin tone to create an illusion of a brighter complexion.
ELEGANT AND TIMELESS
The Label | Witchery
Witchery White Shirt Campaign in partnership with the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) creates hope for women and supports ovarian cancer research in Australia. The Cropped Shirt is a boxy fit with a cropped length variation on the classic shirt. It features mock shell buttons and full-length shirt sleeves. Featured 1. The Cropped Shirt, made from 100% cotton, is just one from the Witchery White Shirt Campaign to add to your wardrobe. Shop The Shirt.
The Label | Róhe
This Amsterdam-based brand, design studio and atelier are a fashion atelier that explores contemporary shapes through distinct design elements. The Cotton Poplin Shirt features a cliched waist that is reminiscent of an 19th century style influence. The sleeves are slightly oversized and balanced by a curved hem. Featured 2 : The Shaped Poplin Shirt, made in lightweight poplin, is designed with a side detail and long line feature. Shop The Shirt.
The Label | Country Road
Country Road, this iconic Australian style brand, celebrate 50-years of fashion. The Cotton Oxford Shirt offers a relaxed fit has a button-through front, long sleeve and functional button cuff. Crafted in 100% Australian Cotton. Featured 3: The Oxford Shirt, crafted in 100% Australian Cotton, so elegantly styled for an evening look. Shop The Shirt.
The Label | H&M
H&M is affordable high-street fashion which includes everything from unique designer collaborations and functional sportswear. The Oversized White Shirt is all that is crisp about Poplin. It is a classic button down shirt with a double-layered yoke, back pleating and buttoned cuffs. Featured 4: Style the Oversized White Shirt with a white tee, classic jean and jacket for an Annie Hall moment. Shop The Shirt.
TEN STYLE WAYS
Layer it over a swimsuit – or pair with a white linen pant for pre-dinner drinks. Or add it to a skirt that shines with heels.
Smart casual paired with a classic jean – half out tucked in at the front.
Under a classic jacket all put away – with the collar over and the cuff detailed outside of the jacket.
Take it when you travel – it will be your best new style friend as it can take you from day to the evening emulating that Hamptons chic.
The white shirt becomes the hero when layered under a sweater – with wide cuffs and collar detail creating impact.
Take a classic trench and add a shirt that has detail – it can be layered and left loose to add flow, depth and form.
When preppy is called for – that classic Brooks Brothers approach under an knit.
For that glamour moment – a long-lined black skirt never looked better with a classic button-down and a pair of sling-backs and a clutch.
White on White – white skirt, white tailored trousers, minimal jewellery and a dashing pair of black sunglasses.
And to take you back a little – give yourself an Annie Hall moment of an oversized men’s shirt, khaki pants and a vest – that were inspired by the fashion of Soho.
CRISP AND SMART
The Label | Lee Mathews
Australian designer Lee Matthews says, ‘My wardrobe philosophy is to design clothes that resonate deeply with people’s lives; clothes that are functional and beautiful, that are ageless and simple and manage to add ease and confidence every day.’ This philosophy shines through with her newly arrived collection. The Stanely LS White Shirt from the Pre-Fall 24 collection is perfection in style. The long sleeve, pocket and wide cuff detail is to fall in love. Featured 1: Stanely LS White Shirt styled with a wide legged pant is an investment piece to covet for many seasons ahead. Shop The Shirt.
The Label | Jac And Mooki
Jac and Mooki approaches design by creating carefully considered lifestyle wardrobe foundations reflecting its Australian heritage. A less is more philosophy influences the design of essentials, supreme in quality and produced in limited quantities. A timeless staple the Sloane Shirt is seasonless. The fitted silhouette can transcend from day to night. Featured 2: A traditional design crafted, from 100% crisp cotton, styled with a Wide Leg Jean to complete the story. Shop The Shirt.
A RELAXED ELEGANCE
The Label | Mela Purdie
Mela Purdie embraces the art of designing wardrobe combinations for the way we live today. It is an Australian heritage foundation of wearable essentials – for clothes to travel with you. with The crisp, European, stretch Cotton blend of The Relaxed Pocket Shirt features contemporary proportions with a dropped shoulder, exaggerated hemline and a single patch pocket. Featured 3: A stretch cotton blend with a shirt collar and concealed front pocket – perfect to travel with you. Shop The Shirt.
The Label | Brigid McLaughlin
Brigid McLaughlin is carefully crafted clothes that are artisanal, sustainable Australian luxury fashion made in small production batches. The Elena High Collared White Cotton Shirt is one such piece. The elegant shirt features a high neck stand collar, gathers at the shirt yoke, a dropped shoulder line, wide gathered sleeves with elegant, elongated cuffs and a chesterfield front opening. Featured 4: Designed to be worn relaxed and slightly oversized. Shop The Shirt.
WHAT’S YOUR FIT?
Your White Shirt Moment?
Decide on your fit and style which will define the overall look of a piece.
The Fit – classic slim, regular, boxy or oversized?
Length Style – cropped, short, regular or a long men’s feel?
The Collar – a classic, pointed, button down, round or oversized?
The Sleeve – regular, a three-quarter or oversized?
The Textile – linen, cotton or blend?
A TAILORING HERITAGE
The Label | Laura Pitharas
Laura Pitharas takes inspiration from bringing a feminine approach to originally perceived menswear silhouettes. Laura refers to her label as ‘menswear for womenswear‘. A tailored shirt made of 100% Silk; the PJ Shirt features a classic pyjama style collar. Featured 1: This relaxed style highlights the Laura Pitharas signature buttoning detail. Shop The Shirt.
CLASSIC MODERN APPEAL
The Label | ME+EM
Founded by Clare Hornby the label reflects ‘intelligent styling’ due to the attention and care that goes into each piece. The ME+EM design philosophy centres around ‘The Three F’s’ – to flatter and to be functional with wear-forever appeal. The Classic Bib Detail Layering Shirt is an example of just that. The half-button placket and gold toned buttons will lift any office dress code. Featured 2: The Classic Bib Detail Layering Shirt designed to wear with ME+EM sleeveless vests and knitwear. Shop The Shirt.
The Label | Nili Lotan
Nili Lotan’s design philosophy is sophisticated, timeless and trendless. The Raphael Classic Shirt, made of 100% cotton, is piece you will find in Nili’s personal collection. It favours a clean modern appeal that is slightly longer in the back and not an oversized fit. Featured 3: The Raphael Classic Shirt styled with a Nili Lotan pant for a white-on-white summer look. Shop The Shirt.
The Label | Emma Willis
Emma Willis is traditional English shirt maker specialising in bespoke and ready-to-wear shirts. The bespoke White Superior Cotton Shirt is hand cut and finished in their Gloucester factory. It is pure British style. Crafted from two-fold Swiss Poplin woven and yard dyed Egyptian cotton. Featured 4: Cut by hand the White Superior Cotton Shirt is finished with Mother of Peral buttons. Shop The Shirt.
The white shirt is elegant with a timeless approach. What will be your fit and style to elevate your wardrobe? Perhaps you have more than one style.
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