As summer comes to an end, I like to reflect on the outfits I’ve loved wearing over the last few months. I consider my most worn pieces, what hasn’t had much use and I make a note of anything I’ve felt was missing.
Doing this now means that come next summer, I have a clear idea of what I have, what I need and some favourite go-to outfit combinations.
This summer I’ve really embraced the humble shirt. I’ve been loving wearing my shirts in different ways and thought that since they are most definitely not just summer appropriate AND they happen to be a firm fashion favourite for autumn winter, I’d share my ideas with you.
You’ve got to love an item of clothing that is easy to wear, available at all price points, in a variety of colours and fabrics and suitable for both casual and smarter outfits.
So here goes!
Why I love a shirt
A shirt is traditionally seen as a classic item of clothing meaning you might immediately dismiss the idea if your style is more natural or dramatic. Shirts can actually cover all three of these different styles.
- Classics go neutral colours and crease free
- Naturals go linen with sleeves rolled up and unbuttoned at the neck
- Dramatics go bold with colour, texture or print
(If your style is predominantly feminine and ‘girly’ you may not like the idea of a shirt. Blouses will be more your thing. Permission to leave this blog here!)
KAFFE Naya Tunic Shirt, Petrified Oak
The fit can be anything from fitted to oversized
This means that you can choose what works best for your style, your body shape and what you are wearing it with.
I’d suggest:
- Fitted for a smart tailored look with wide leg trousers or jeans
- Loose or oversized fit for shorts, skinny jeans or slim straight leg trousers/jeans
Reiss Campbell Linen Shirt, White
The fabric of your shirt changes up the look
- Silk makes it sexy or dramatic
- Linen makes it every day, cool and casual
- Cotton works for anything
- Denim is on trend and relaxed
- Shirts come in a plethora of more sustainable fabrics too from Tencel to Ecovero
Reiss Campbell Linen Shirt, Orange
You can style your shirt according to your outfit
- Wear open as a light jacket on those in-between days
- Undo the top two or three and the bottom two or three buttons on a longer oversized shirt for a relaxed look that lengthens your legs (see above)
- A longer back and front with side slits also elongates your legs
- Tuck for a smarter look, half tuck for a relaxed look and leave out for a super slouchy feel
- Tie at the waist to show off your curves
Ro&Zo Hammered Satin Tie Hem Shirt, White
Outfit ideas for a smart look
- Slim fit cotton shirt with a pencil skirt
- Loose fit silk shirt tucked into wide leg trousers
- Tied at the waist with a maxi skirt
- Worn with matching trousers as a co-ord
- Metallic for a bit of glitzy glam
Outfit ideas for a casual look
- Denim shirt with cargo pants
- A loose linen shirt over shorts (my fave this summer)
- A loose linen shirt worn open over a vest top with shorts (another fave!)
- Open as many buttons at the neck as you are comfortable with
- Half tuck or leave loose and roll up your sleeves for a relaxed look
Jigsaw Linen Relaxed Shirt, White
Has this given you some new ideas? Grab your shirts and get experimenting! Let me know how you feel about shirts in the comments below.
Great article, thanks. I would like to incorporate a semi-fitted linen shirt into my wardrobe but since Pepperberry/Bravissimo stopped making clothes I haven’t found a brand that works for my hour-glass proportions. Any suggestions please?
Hi Wendy, one brand you might want to look at is Fairlie Curved who are all about clothes for women with larger busts – it doesn’t look like they have any shirts at the moment though. Alice Fawke does gorgeous luxury basics and have a lovely looking white shirt if you are happy to invest. I’d also look at Asos plus size who have more reasonably priced options for larger busts. Hope that helps!