TIMELESS CHIC, THE WHITE SHIRT.
Never have I got so many inquiries about my outfit; except that one morning, I woke up at my then boyfriend's place, realizing in distress that I had forgotten to bring a new outfit for work. Solution? Borrowing one of his white shirts. Result? Some kind of frenzie of intrigued colleagues asking where this immaculate shirt was from.
Wearing a white shirt from The Row, in 'office' mode.
Fast forward, my now husband had forbidden me to take any more lendings from his side of the wardrobe, blaming make up marks and actually not having enough shirts left for him… Because what can beat the timeless chic appearance of a white shirt? Gaining such a crucial status in our wardrobe, one must wonder, where does this essential piece come from?
Marie Antoinette, posing in what was seen as her underwear. Painted by Madame Vigée-Lebrun
Turns out the European nobility embraced the white shirt as a symbol of their status, something that clearly had to occur with a scandal. Turns out that it started with no one less than; Marie Antoinette who wore a white ruffled cotton robe de gaulle, to everyone's surprise, in a 1783 portrait, causing a shocking - as it was essentially her underwear. However, as most of her stylish statements, the nobility took notice and not only did the white shirt later represent not only their affluence but also reflecting the broader cultural values of the era – purity, virtue, and elevated aesthetics.
Carolyn Basette Kennedy wearing her iconic white relaxed shirt.
Fast forward looking on the catwalks, the presence of the white shirt was particularly significant in the Noughties, where pared-back minimalism ruled in the collections of Calvin Klein, style icons such as Carolyn Basette Kennedy made the relaxed white shirt part of her uniform, while in more recently, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, ensured it was a key element of her wardrobe, wearing it for her very first appearance with then-boyfriend Prince Harry. Let’s thank and remember Peter Lindberg for a minute, for yes THAT picture of THOSE beautiful women - wearing only white shirts…
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and her then boyfriend Prince Harry.
Dress it down with jeans and an office blazer or dress it up with some fabulous chunky gold jewelry over a skirt - the result is forever just spot on right. So the big question is, where do you find a shirt that actually can become yours? Turns out there are a variety of choices, here is my guide I hope can inspire you.
Estelle Lefébure, Karen Alexander, Rachel Williams, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz and Christy Turlington on the beach in Santa Monica for American Vogue in 1988, shot by Peter Lindbergh
Crafted from cotton with a washed effect, this elegant white shirt is cut for an oversized fit and features a patch pocket on the chest and a flattering curved hem. The pointed collar and cuffed long sleeves add a tailored finish.
£65
Designed in an oversized shape, this style is made from organic cotton-poplin that's subtly embroidered with the logo and has a back pleat. Partially tuck the curved, slightly asymmetric hem into jeans or tailoring.
£250
The Boyfriend: Fine Poplin, White in 100% Organic Cotton. Our essential white shirt is crafted in fine poplin for an impeccably smooth finish. A wardrobe staple that’s versatile and easy to style, this is your go-to for work and play.
£95
The 'Sisilia' shirt has been impeccably made in Italy from lightweight cotton-poplin in a versatile white shade that goes with nearly anything. It's designed in a relaxed silhouette with a sharp collar and buttoned cuffs that can be rolled up for a more laid-back feel, a true investment piece but for life…
£920
Made with 100% organic cotton this classic cut shirt is your perfect essential.
£57