No longer the prerogative of the modern male; the traditional white shirt has become a woman’s domain. Never going out of fashion, 2008 has seen the popularity of the Great White Shirt (GWS) soar, due to its timeless ability to be worn throughout the seasons.
Classic Wardrobe Staples
A traditional-collared great white shirt never really goes out of style and has always been understood to be part of a woman’s classic wardrobe – in tune with her classic cut black pants and little black dress. Interestingly, according to Cotton Incorporated, in its article “the Great White Shirt”, research carried out by Cotton Incorporated’s Life Style Monitor found that out ofa group of women aged 16-70, only 17% of women tend to buy the latest styles. The other 81% usually purchase wardrobe staples.
A Trend for Feminine Detailing and Embellishments
What we are seeing this season is the development of feminine detailing and embellishments, which makes it right on-trend. The GWS has been reinterpreted with a much more modern flavor. According to Patrice Keitt, a former partner at Anne Fontaine. “it’s success is in the styling.”
Anne Fontaine, a Brazilian French Designer whose fashion company is based around the white shirt, has stores in the US, Europe, Japan, China and the Middle East, and whose collections feature a host of variations. “There are white shirts and then there are Anne Fontaine white shirts, impeccably tailored marvels that send you out feeling crisp and confident,” enthuses the queen of chatshow hosts, Oprah, in her December 2003 issue of O magazine.
Whilst there is always demand for classic and traditional looks there’s also craving for things that are a little more trendy. This includes more fun, novelty treatments such as faux leather or fur, embeliishments and beading.
“What we see out there…. is newness in terms of feminine detailing and embellishment—ruffles, ribbons, feminine shaping with great cuffs,” says Kimberly Aylward of Garnet Hill, “Right now, the classic white shirt is not your husband’s, not your boyfriend’s traditional white shirt. It’s a woman’s white blouse.”
With so many new variations to choose from this season, how do you know which one is right for you? Learn which styles work best by taking some of the following tips from the January 2008 UK edition of In Style magazine in their feature “Get Shirty”:
Style Tips for Buying a White Shirt
Shirt Styles
- There are basically three genres to choose from, the Classic Shirt, the Statement Shirt and the Masculine, (a tuxedo style or a sexy oversized boyfriend shirt). Many may recall Angelina Jolie looking sultry in her oversized shirt and not much else, in the 2005 movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith. However, if this style has a tendency to make you look like a sack of potatoes, then go for something more tailored, although you can always cinch in the waist with a wide belt.
- For work, a more serious classic style is the safest. Wear a traditional collar or a great button-down shirt with French cuffs, and a stand-up collar. When doing casual, go for a masculine air or a peasant style, and the evenings there are new twist on the trend by making a statement with collar detailing, pleats, ruffles, ribbons and one of the hottest favorites this season, a pussy bow.
Fabrics
- “100 per cent cotton has a crisper, sharper look” according to In Style. Choosing the right fabric is vital is you want the shirt to last through the first few seasons. Simon Maloney, head of product development at Thomas Pink, advises buying cotton with some stretch (although no more than two percent elastane) as it is softer against the skin and will keep its shape for longer.
Quality not Quantity
- Splashing out a little more on a good quality shirt will get you two or three yarns woven together, rather than just one. This not only makes it look better, but feels better too. A better quality masculine-style shirt will also come with interlining, similar to a jacket lapel.
Shades of White
- White is never just “white”. With ice-white, sharp and bright, to off-white. Be careful of grayish shades, which can make you skin look dull and sallow. If you think white is too harsh for your skintone, then go for an off-white hue or add a splash of color with a scarf, brooch or necklace. Keep your shirt looking crisp and bright by careful washing and ironing.
Buttons and Stitching
- Stitching, buttonholes and buttons are all important if you want a shirt to last. Look for reinforced stitching around the shoulders, buttonholes, and sleeves as this provides extra strength. Check the button holes for no visible fabric underneath, they should be compact and durable.
- Traditional polyester or plastic buttons are more timeless and tend to scratch less than ornate ones such as mother or pearl or brass. This season’s nautical trend means we are seeing a lot of naval detailing on buttons, and magnetic closures are also giving a new twist.
Dress Up the Great White Shirt
The great white shirt looks set to be a big hit this season. Patty Lee, president of merchandising for J. Jill. “It’s almost like a blank canvas — you start with a white fabric and turn it into something special through the fabric and the treatments." Add cufflinks, belt, badges, brooches or ribbons, how to dress it up is down to you
Great white shirts are part of the color white trend this season. With so many variations of styles, your only challenge is choosing one that is the perfect shape for you.
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