The backbone of every woman’s wardrobe, the white button-up shirt transcends seasons, times of day and even gender.
It’s familiar, dependable and, despite its simplicity, anything but basic. To call it so would be to underestimate its potential and that’s exactly why it’s enjoying an unaccustomed moment in the spotlight.
For spring/summer 2016, designers commandeered the wardrobe staple with a bevy of clever riffs, replacing the strait-laced button-through with far more experimental designs.
From wrap-around waists to slashed cut-outs, this season is all about deconstructed tailoring in an attempt to revive the classic shirt we once borrowed from the boys – this season, it’s all ours.
White Cold Shoulder Shirt by Cinch available at Spree
. Credit: Supplied
Peeling back the rigid rules of a traditional two-piece suit, the runway offered some interesting alternatives to the 9-to-5 shirt – Zac Posen, whose essentially feminine aesthetic fixated on real world daywear with a long sleeve crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar and draped asymmetrically over the shoulder.
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For Jacquemus and Joseph, construction was taken to new heights with fractured tailoring, whorls of knots and shirts worn back-to-front.
Delpozo’s proclivity for romance saw oversized ruffles and the resemblance of a fairy-tale cape.
White long shirt Krisa by Selected Femme available at Superbalist.
Credit: Supplied
Everyone loves a classic button-down, but if you’re looking for a fresh punch of style, roll up your sleeves – or rather, tie them.
Customising what’s already in your wardrobe is a great way to make something feel new and exciting again without having to splash the cash so try transforming your go-to shirt into a one-shoulder blouse.
White shirt Structured Wrap Shirt White by Edit available at Spree.
Credit: Supplied
To do so, leave your arms out of the sleeves and button up the shirt not quite to the top; twist to bring one sleeve to the front and the other to the back and bring them both together over your shoulder to tie at the front. Voila!
This isn’t for everyone and thankfully there are a host of ready-made re-worked shirts on the market. Whatever option you go for, there’s no doubt that it’s time to look at this venerable favourite with a fresh pair of eyes.