Item of the week: the white shirt

What it is:

If there was one item that stood above the rest for the AW23 season, it was
the white shirt, spotted in abundance for both menswear and womenswear
collections, alike. It was also not subject to one form, and instead could
be spotted in a multitude of silhouettes, ranging from exaggerated
oversized shapes to fitted deconstructions. While in the past, the white
shirt may have once been a staple of the officewear wardrobe, it has now
spread its wings to become an item for all consumers, offering something
that appeals for casualwear and formalwear equally.

Why you’ll want it:

As mentioned, the white shirt is no longer a defining feature of formalwear
or office attire. As it has evolved, as too have the iterations of the
shirt, bringing to light modernised versions that can be worn more casually
than typically tailored items. It has made the white shirt a wardrobe
staple for multiple occasions, giving it a wide purpose and therefore
serving consumers in all aspects of their life. It also provides the wearer
with a blank canvas on which to experiment, making styling the piece
something that is both effortless and fashionable.

Where we’ve seen it:

Layering was an important aspect for AW23 runways, as evidenced by
Valentino, GCDS and Alexander McQueen, which updated the classic pairing of
a white shirt and suit tie by shrouding the pieces with black dresses and
fitted tops, adjusting their meaning. Meanwhile, Christian Dior opted to
simply add flowing maxi skirts and pared down jeans to the style. Elie Saab
and Sacai, on the other hand, played with the silhouette itself, with the
former utilising a tie around the waist to devise an hourglass figure while
the latter added layers of excess fabric to form a unique shape. Pointed
collars were another way the white shirt was adapted, seen in the
collections of Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Gucci and Prada.

How to style it:

Taking cues from many designer collections for AW23, the white shirt can be
layered in a variety of ways, as it acts as the perfect canvas for
experimentation. Over the top, add dresses, sleeveless sweaters or bandeau
tops that allow for the piece to peak out, or alternatively opt to put
turtleneck sweaters or printed tees underneath to bring a different depth
to the item. Keeping on trend, add a statement tie to bring the look
together or select collared coats, such as a trench or leather jacket, to
finish the outfit off.

The white shirt is a classic staple for everyone’s wardrobe, appearing in
elevated shapes and silhouettes that enable it to work for many occasions.
Its prominence on the runway for AW23 cements its place in fashion for the
season, however it has continued to remain popular throughout the year,
making it an appealing addition all year round.