Four Ways: White Shirt

Nearly any magazine article you run across touting the “basics” that all women should have in their closets will no doubt include a crisp white shirt. Think classic Carolina Herrera! But that is one basic that has always seemed to elude me. Since I’ve been toying with the idea of simplifying my wardrobe I decided to revisit the white-shirt-as-an-essential rule. I think part of the problem has always been the white shirts I have found just haven’t suited my fancy. They’re either too frilly or too boyish or too boxy or too wrinkly. I tend to be super particular about the fit of my clothes and I’d never found the one that was juuust right. I think those days may be over. I finally found a vintage one that may fit the bill. It’s got the cutest little tag embroidered with a Union Jack that says “Tailored in Nottingham". Since the "white shirt" is pretty much virgin territory for me, I decided it would be perfect fodder for a Four Ways post.

• The first look is a little bit bohemian, mixing the white shirt with beat up Levi cut-offs, a vest and vintage accessories.
• I had the hardest time mixing the shirt with skirts but it seemed perfect under this 30s style jumper.

• Bring out your inner beatnik. This plays into my current obsession with stripes. It doesn't get any easier than this. I threw the white shirt on with a pair of cuffed black jeans, simple flats and a black beret. A striped sweater tops off the look. This was my favorite combination.
• Hmmm. I was going for boyish but I think I ended up more Amish. In retrospect, this one isn't quite workin' for me! I like the suspenders but somehow the rest of it just didn't gel. I think there's potential here, but it needs a little tweaking.

In the end, this was a bit harder than I expected it to be. I thought it would look really classy paired with a black pencil skirt and a scarf, but somehow I just ended up looking like a flight attendant or hotel desk clerk. A navy pleated skirt made me look like I was heading to Catholic school. And then there's the little Amish boy. ;) Despite a few missteps, I can see myself reaching into my closet for this more often than I thought I would.