My cupboard largely consists of a black and grey palette with a dash of white, so keeping it tidy is a simple affair. The ‘dash’ stands for an assortment of white shirts I've collected over the years, from silk to linen, viscose to cotton, with cuff details and various collars, buttons and embroidery detailing; my 'go-to' for everyday wear. If daily laments of “what to wear” resonates with you, a white shirt is the perfect solution to complete an outfit, going with just about everything, from pants to skirts to denims; here's why every woman should own one (or a couple) white shirts:
" If in doubt, anything looks good with a white shirt!" - Victoria Beckham
Fashion is a way of expressing yourself, and by incorporating relevant trends into everyday wear gives one a peek into your personality. I watched a documentary on Belgium designer Dries Van Noten where he remarked, "the word 'fashion' is such an empty word, we'll have to invent another word for it; fashion is something that's over in six months, that's what people consider fashion. I think it's a word that should mean timeless". Echoing his sentiments, a white shirt remains a timeless wardrobe essential; whatever you do with your white shirt, if it's a half tuck into pants, combining a blazer, silk scarf or a pop of colour you are adding your personal touch to it. Whether the detail is in the cuff, the collar, or a simple tailored button up, a white shirt can make one feel uber stylish and chic!
VOGUE MAY 2007 : A MIX OF WHITE SHIRTS ON THE NEXT TOP MODELS
AMERICAN VOGUE 100 ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
White shirts have graced the covers of many magazines, appearing in countless editorials and worn by icons and celebs throughout the years. Some of my favourite movie moments include Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction kitted out in a long white shirt, cropped black pants and a red lip, whilst Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman wears a Mens white shirt alongside her incredible smile!
Uma Thurman dancing with John Travolta in Pulp Fiction
Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman
My all time favourite magazine images are of windswept models wearing white shirts on Malibu beach shot by iconic photographer Peter Lindbergh and Kate Moss wearing Balmain for Vogue shot by photographer Patrick Dermachelier (see below)
Birth of the supermodels: (from left) Estelle Lefébure, Karen Alexander, Rachel Williams, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz and Christy Turlington, Malibu, 1988.
Kate Moss wearing Balmain shot by Patrick Demarchelier Vogue September 2010
There’s no denying how effortlessly cool Meghan Markle looked pairing her white shirt with jeans on hers and Prince Harry's first public appearance together in front of the world's media at the Invictus Games.
Meghan Markle & Prince Harry's first public appearance together in front of the world's media attending the Invictus Games 2017
Local fashion designer Jenny le Roux of HABITS is renowned for her white shirts. She says "this wonderful staple is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. It's always timeless and is the quickest shortcut to chic. Essentially the white shirt is a game changer".
Fashion Designer Jenny le Roux of HABITS FASHION BOUTIQUE
Years ago Elizabeth Taylor remarked that “every woman should have a great white shirt in her wardrobe” and that said, it's the one item that has really stood the test of time.
Victoria Beckham always looks effortlessly chic
Emma Watson looking absolutely fab in her dungarees and white shirt
My favourite model Freja Beha Erichsen
I’ve put together a selection of white shirts currently available online or in store - scroll down for some inspiration:
MANGO WHITE SHIRT R699
That's it for today - hoping it's a fabulous Tuesday...all day!!
Cath