subject: Fashion By Color: White Shirts [print this page] Men's fashion doesn't care much for fancy things, and making a loud statement is often a secondary priority. The secret to any stylish men's outfit is the combination of classics and basic pieces that create a cohesive look. That's why the white shirt is still one of the most in-demand men's pieces in all the industry today. Whether it's 1970 or 2070, a white shirt is easily one of the best style investments any guy could make.
What to Get
The white shirt is at its best when you get it in its simplest form: solid white with regular buttons. Don't get embroidery, epaulettes or any other extra until you've built yourself a formidable collection of the plain, solid classic. It's only the latter that you can pair with everything in your closet from faded jeans to dressy slacks.
Cut and fit are the secret ingredients that separate a white shirt from a great white shirt. Men's fashion is demanding enough as it is with cut and fit, but it's even more crucial on your shirt because it's the piece that defines the contour of your torso. In order for you to look sharp in your white shirt, a slim (but not necessarily fitted) cut is key. That means no sag at the arms, a lean chest and a bit of cinching at the waist to give you some shape.
Quality fabric is the other crucial item that will make your solid white shirt stand out. A plain white shirt made of average material will look just like that: plain and white. Once you explore higher quality cottons, however, you'll notice that the shirt can take on a life of its own. High quality shirts can stand out even when they're in plain white, especially if they're custom made.
How to Wear It
The great thing about white shirts is that you don't have to fuss as much when it comes to finding other style pieces that can go with them. Are jeans all you have left on the rack? Wear 'em with a white shirt. Do you have a pair of new slacks you want to try out? Break them in with a white shirt. If you ever get the itch to be adventurous with your outfit, try it with a white shirt; chances are good that your little fashion experiment will work.
What makes or breaks a white shirt is the consistency of the details that you wear with it. It can do a wide range of the formality scale, so you have to be clear about where you are. Do you want to go full-on formal? Don't forget your bold colored necktie and cuff links. Are you in a more laid back mood? Loafers and a woven belt should help send the image. The accessories and details will go a long way in keeping your outfit cohesive.
Style Challenge
Are you looking for a personal fashion challenge? Try wearing a white shirt with shorts. It's a combination that few men attempt because it's fairly tricky, but it can be particularly rewarding when done the right way - and in the right season.
Find yourself a pair of slim fitting shorts in a contrasting color. Gray or navy would be ideal, but a dark enough khaki does just as well for going out in the daytime. Throw in a belt, but preferably a less serious one like a fabric or woven belt instead of leather. Use contrast like a white belt over navy shorts to add some visual pop. Go sockless and then top it all off with comfy low-cut shoes like loafers or your favorite Chuck Taylors.
Remember that there's no such thing as too many white shirts. It's such a basic item in a man's closet that you'll likely end up using each and every one you have, even when you own a hundred. Don't forget to spend in quality, though, because a cheap white shirt will always look as drab and plain in person as it sounds on paper.
