5 Ways To Update Your Classic White Shirt This Season

If we were playing a game of 'Desert Island Dressing,' our five items to wear forevermore (gulp), would have to be the classics so we wouldn’t get bored and bury them in the sand. Ignoring the fact that beachwear is the only option for this analogy to work, ours would be a cashmere jumper, trench coat, pair of white trainers, Céline bag and, naturally, a crisp white shirt.

Why the fifth article, you ask? Because we simply can’t get by without one. It transitions seamlessly from work to play; instantly makes its wearer feel sharp with those crisp sleeves and can be styled umpteen ways.

Whether you’re island-hopping or very much have stuck-to-desk syndrome, we’ve scoured Instagram to find 5 fresh ways to work yours this season...

1. Tie it up in knots

Beat fashion editors at their own game of shirt-tail-trickery (they tuck one side in, leave one side flapping FYI) by knotting the left hand side. You’ll need a longer cut like J.Crew’s boy fit to maximise the looping potential. Pernille Teisbaek styled hers with frayed denim and trophy mules, but pinstriped trousers, Stan Smiths and a thin gold choker will also look effortless.

2. Go for extra-long sleeves

Elongated sleeves on your white shirt will add points of interest to an otherwise lo-fi outfit. Maison Margiela has one with beautifully flared cuffs, but they don’t quite reach the hand-swallowing lengths of Erika Boldrin’s so buy in a size or two up. A fringed mini, tiny top handle bag and a drizzle-proof black hat will have you playing with proportions like the Italian style maven.

** 3. Paire with a pinafore**

A little bit schoolgirl, a little bit Scandi, Tine Andrea tucked her button-down beneath a sweet pinafore. Get yourself to COS for a range of shirts with equally small and starched collars, following Andrea’s lead by keeping other hemlines micro and the palette monochrome. Oh, and shoulder-robe a blazer when the mercury drops.

** 4. Keep it buttoned up**

Nothing brings pastel pink pants and glittering Mary Janes back down to earth than a perfectly-closed collar. Ukrainian dynamo Daria Shapovalova cinched a silver Miu Miu coat over her shirt (try Topshop’s for a similarly high neck and swept her hair into a ponytail for a ladylike finishing touch.

5. Keep it slouchy

A prim white shirt will always be associated with school, even when it’s not topping off a pleated skirt and knee-high socks. Make yours the lynchpin of a new September uniform by copying Claire Beermann and teaming a slouchy version (Weekday’s is oversized and silky with a neck tie, white trainers and jazzy shoulder bag.

Shop our edit of white shirts in the gallery below...

- By Natalie Hammond