Frequently used as a wardrobe palette cleanser, the white shirt has been styled in various ways throughout the decades. From Lady Diana’s off-duty look which often consisted of a plain shirt paired with denim, to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s usual all-white attire, elevated by an oversized collar, statement red lip or chunky jewellery.
When you can’t decide on what to wear, the clean, crisp and effortlessly chic shirt is an easy-to-lean-on look — whether worn with jeans, draped over beachwear or styled with long, lean tailoring. And although its power is in its simplicity, it doesn’t have to be boring.
Pierpaolo Piccioli opened Valentino’s SS20 show with 12 pristine looks inspired by the humble white shirt — but they were far from boardroom basics. From wrap dresses to bishop sleeves and ruffled collars, the white shirt was stylishly embellished and reimagined in couture-like silhouettes.
Other brands, such as luxury Italian label, Loro Piana, have a long history with this simple style, that has become embedded in their house DNA. In 1998, Loro Piana introduced its first interpretation on the brand’s now signature shirt, the André, which drew inspiration from Neapolitan tailoring traditions from the 1950s.
Originally designed for men, the André has grown into unisex style that represents the timeless elegance centered around the white shirt. Recognised for its soft open collar and cuffs adorned with an Australian mother of pearl double button, it’s made for sailing trips in the Mediterranean and laid-back summer strolls.
Wear with this minimalist shirt with statement jewellery, layer it under a strappy dress or style it as it is, in all it’s sophisticated simplicity.
