A trifecta of white shirts (left to right) from Pour Les Femmes, Sandro and Massimo Dutti.
By Janet Kelly
YOU NEVER know where or when you’ll spot a glimpse of great style. I was at a wake a couple of days ago when my eye zeroed in on a tall young woman wearing a collarless white shirt with billowy sleeves. Leaving a couple of top buttons undone, she cinched the shirt with a thin belt around her waist, leaving the rest to fall loosely over a pair of trim black pants. This wasn’t a look for everyone—it helped that she was lanky and wore her hair in a high pony tail to flatter her long neck. I’m telling you this because it got me thinking about white shirts in general.
Like Paris, a white shirt is always a good idea. White goes with every other color, and classic button-downs, such as the ones from J. Crew and Brooks Brothers, never go out of fashion. Still, every wardrobe staple needs an update from time to time, and this fall there are many to choose from. Sparkly embellishments, puffed and billowy sleeves, shawl and Peter Pan collars and lacy details are some of the ways new versions of the white shirt are shaking up the old.
Below, some suggestions:
Garçon Classic Shirt in cotton poplin
One of J. Crew’s signature button-downs, the Garçon is a happy medium between oversize and fitted. Made of crisp cotton poplin, it’s available in a wide range of sizes (00 to 24), plus petite and tall. It sells for $98.
Taylor Essential Pinpoint Non-Iron Shirt
I asked my colleague, Nancy McKeon, who has seven (two sleeveless), what she likes about this non-iron Foxcroft shirt: “First, I like the crisp look. Second, I appreciate the white against my face; crisp and white together light up my complexion, which can always use light. Third, they really do come out of the clothes dryer ready to wear. You have to pluck them out immediately, nonetheless they’re ready to go.” It sells for $88.
Cotton Shirt with Tuxedo Collar
I first discovered Massimo Dutti in Milan about 10 years ago and have been a fan ever since. The label has a knack for tweaking the classics just right. Case in point: the shawl collar, hidden placket and curved hem that give this button-down a shot of personality. It sells for $99.90.
Commes Des Garçons Girl Double-Collar Shirt
An offshoot of Comme Des Garçons, the “Girl” line combines the architecture of the main collection with a feminine twist, as on this shirt with a double-layer Peter Pan collar and curved hem. It sells for $311 at Farfetch.
Blouse with Puffed Sleeves and Bow
Part of Spanish megabrand Mango’s New Now collection, this dreamy blouse ($79.99) hints at the return of boho and maybe an end to or an evolution from the stealth-wealth look.
Classic Fit Non-Iron Stretch Supima Cotton Dress Shirt
Over the years I have worn many white Brooks Brothers button-downs. Currently I own two in shiny stretch Supima® cotton—one’s a straight cut (see above) and one’s oversize; both are non-iron. That non-iron feature is a blessing to those of us who don’t want to send clothes to the cleaner but like having shirts that look pressed and ready to wear, straight from the dryer. This classic silhouette shirt sells for $118.
Self-Portrait Gem-Embellished Cotton Blouse
Like Nancy, I appreciate white for the light it brings to my face. For doubling down on that light, I’d go for this shirt with twinkly rhinestones that I’d wear with a pleated skirt or to dress up jeans. For head-to-toe sparkle, add shiny shoes. The puff-sleeve blouse sells for $262 at Farfetch.
Ruffles, a high collar and openwork lace and pearl buttons spell romance and a little Paris in this shirt ($130) from French label Sézane.
If this oversize, poet blouse with wide, pleated sleeves looks super comfy, it’s because the label, Pour Les Femmes, co-founded by actor Robin Wright and designer Karen Fowler, mostly makes luxe, lightweight pajamas. It sells for $175.
Like lots of denim brands these days, Paige has expanded into clothing, including this striped silk shirt. I like the idea of pairing a soft, luxurious material with the roughness of jeans, but this elegant shirt will also go with any other bottom in your wardrobe. It sells for $299.
Sandro takes the Parisian schoolgirl cliché and tweaks it for grownup girls with rhinestones circling the neck of this blouse and a sporty cropped hemline. It’s $370 at Farfetch.
A good white shirt is a mainstay in any wardrobe, and they’re available at any price point. Just so clean, comfortable and useful.