Do you own a classic white shirt? Here’s why you should.
*Affiliate Disclosure
Many women consider the classic white shirt a staple in their wardrobes, but for years I was not one of these women. However, a shrewd saleswoman (and you know how I value a good saleswoman, they are my best accessory!) turned me onto this feminine, style staple and I never looked back. I’ve been embracing the power of the classic white shirt ever since. All thanks to my lovely saleswoman, Kim… she hooked me up, darling, and I am so delighted.
How I Came to Love the Classic White Shirt
“Kim, I love the dresses, but I don’t wear white button-down shirts.” I continued, “I think of my husband wearing the white shirt. But, I don’t think the white shirt is feminine…they wrinkle and the upkeep is expensive.”
Her reply was, “You don’t know what you’re missing! White shirts are very feminine. Forget wrinkles and upkeep! I wash my shirts, hang them up to dry, and then put it back into my closet with the other 24 white shirts hanging in my closet.”
I said in shock, “You own 25 white shirts?”
“Maybe more!” was her reply.
Kim Was Right — I Loved It!
Of course, being a quick study on other women’s style ideas, I listened, and then not wanting to be rude, tried on a classic button-down white shirt. I believe a knowing who to ask for help in each situation, and knowing the right salesperson falls in the category. They make all the difference! In this case, Kim did.
Kim then proceeded to turn the sleeves up to my elbows and fold over the cuffs letting them drape over a tiny portion of each white sleeve. She let the shirt hang over my body with the last button unbuttoned and lastly placed a belt around my waist that hung loosely on an angle slightly draping over one hip.
By the time she was finished dressing me, I thought to myself, “She is right! I love the stylish look! Why have I not been acknowledging the importance of the white shirt in my collection of clothes?”
I did buy two white shirts from Kim that day and since have added several more to my wardrobe.
I love cotton and pique fabric. Not to mention I love the basic white shirt, a nipped-in at the waist white shirt, the cropped white shirt, the tuxedo style white shirt, and the oversized tunic white shirt, and here’s a silk version. As you can probably gather, I have fallen in love with the white shirt!
I love mandarin collars, men’s style collars, and romantic lace collars, and no collars!
Do This Darling…
Think of your white shirt, as I do, as a fresh white palate that allows you the flexibility to design your style of the moment. You can leave your home looking chic, casual, prim and proper, romantic or sophisticated. I have even worn the white shirt black tie with a ballroom skirt or under a black tuxedo.
In other words, the white shirt has become the most versatile item in my wardrobe.
Maintaining my white shirts depends on the weave. As I mentioned oxford cotton is best but we women are not bound to one fabric so ask questions at the time of purchase. Linen is popular again, and silk is another option to if you want to add some pizazz or just to change it up a little.
Honey’s Tips for Your Classic White Shirt
How would you style your classic white shirt?
I wash my shirts when possible adding a splash of starch to the water because I like a crisp look and then hang them up to dry! If I stain my white shirt I take it to my cleaners to wash, never dry clean and ask them to add a touch of starch. (And, of course, always check the materials and the label’s instructions.)
And always, always remember…you are not shopping for a blouse! You are shopping for the crisp, chic, top of the tops…the classic white shirt.
Do you own/love to wear the classic white shirt? Where do you get yours? Please let me know!
NEVER MISS OUT ON MY STYLE TIPS, BE SURE TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AND BE SURE TO TAG ME IN YOUR FAVORITE SUMMER LOOKS!
*Honey Good may receive a small commission on items purchased through links on this page. This is as no additional cost to you and helps with the cost of running this site.
I was told years ago to never wear anything whiter than your teeth.
When in doubt, wear.a white shirt with black, blue, or print pants. A GREAT classic look that I have worn for years is a great white shirts, jeans and a navy blue blazer. You always look right, just about wherever you go
I love white shirts, so stylish and part of a timeless wardrobe.
Thanks for this great reminder.
I will say and this is very picky but I’ve seen it several times recently.
So it’s just for clarification
A button down shirt is a particular style. The collar has button holes at the collar points and there are buttons on the shirt. It allows a man’s collar to stay put and also a nice “casing” for a tie. It’s considered a casual men’s look and is worn with a blazer or alone.
Also, I once quit shopping at my local chain but small town department store because they did not carry basics, specifically white shirts and the like.