CRISP WHITE
The white shirt never really went away; its popularity tends to ebb and flow. Think back to the '50s when girls would tuck their oxfords into circle skirts or the iconic photos of Marilyn Monroe with her white button-down shirt belted with jeans. Diane Keaton brought the look back in the '70s with her slouchy pants, vest, tie and white shirt that tied the look together in "Annie Hall." Then Uma Thurman made the white shirt as a fashion statement really stand out during her turn as Mia Wallace in "Pulp Fiction." All she needed were bare feet, a black bob and red lipstick.
And while the white shirt has continually made its turns on the runways of Calvin Klein and Burberry Prorsum, this season it's taken on new shapes and lengths. It can be the center of attention as a shirtdress coupled with a belt or take a supporting role under a tailored suit. Here are six ways you can wear the white shirt, one of the staples of your wardrobe.
SIMPLY WHITE
Channel your inner Marilyn Monroe. The white shirt never looked as good as when it's simple, crisp and worn with rolled up sleeves and a belt. Thomas Pink White Herringbone city shirt with French cuffs, $130, Thomas Pink
ARTIST ON THE RISE
White on white can make a statement, especially when the top resembles an artist's smock waiting to be splattered. Save this look for weekends though. See by Chloë wide-neck voile blouse, $205, Saks Fifth Avenue
TURN UP THE VOLUME
Sometimes just the details need to be adjusted to make a white shirt stand out. This version takes sleeves and adds volume to make it stand out from the other wallflowers. Fendi balloon sleeve blouse, $555, Fendi boutique
MATERIAL GIRL
Even going with an unexpected fabric can change the perception of a white shirt. Take this top from Lacy Parker. A few pleats, a couple of puffs and a lace eyelet pattern make it a flirtatious version of the white shirt. Lacy Parker puff-sleeve floral eyelet blouse, $185, Intermix
SIMPLE ELEGANCE
Consider the shirtdress one of the pieces you should wear to work. Add a wide belt and pumps for flair, and watch your stock rise. Calvin Klein Benoli poplin shirtdress, $1,800, Saks Fifth Avenue
LENGTHY MATTERS
While the shirtdress makes a great summer outfit for work, shirtdress-like tops can give you a casual appearance while providing a little extra coverage. James Perse shirtdress top, $175, Scoop NYC
WHITE SHIRT TIPS Don't own a white shirt? Borrow your significant other's button-down version. Just roll up the sleeves and add a belt for a slouchy look. White shirts look best starched and bright. A trip to the dry cleaners is essential no matter what fabric you choose. Go for an artist's panache with a white smock paired with shorts on the weekend. Look for details to make your white shirt really stand out. Cropped sleeves, small polka dots and voluminous arms turn a white shirt into a fashion statement. At the office, wear a white shirt with a bib in the front for a more tailored look. Or go for a menswear-inspired look with a buttonless shirt and a pair of cuff links. By day, go for cotton shirts, but at night, ramp up your look with silk or satin.
