Seasonless, sophisticated and super chic. This season, we celebrate the hero in a minimalist avataar.
The white shirt is the simplest, easiest piece of clothing imaginable—isn’t it a blank-page that projects a screen on which we play out our current cultural fix?From Coco Chanel’s revolutionary white power shirt in the 1920s to a more present day iconic Hollywood moment: Uma Thurman’s crisp white hot buttondown in Pulp Fiction, 1990s… until today, it is still our go-to look. A look that can denote working-class status, symbolise androgyny or athleticism, accentuate sexiness and can even be dressed up for the red carpet.
In a closet full of season-specific trends, the white shirt is the very definition of a wardrobe staple. Easy does it: Paired simply with anything from boyfriend jeans to coloured trousers or a pleated skirt, it instantly adds a touch of cool chic. If the spring runways are any indication, it’s a look that consistently interests designers too—from Altuzarra to clean and crisp Balenciaga and Alexander Wang’s wrap dress. And though your standard button-down will always do the trick, here’s the twist: why not reconsider the staple, by adding minimalist ruffles, a pop scarf, unexpected chain pairings, or cutaway details?
Make this classic a key element of the quintessential casual-cool: Its very canvas, after all, leaves room for self-invention! It’s yourfailsafe item that every woman should own. It’s your everyday wear, and is versatile enough to team it with pajamas or a tuxedo . . . It’s seasonless, timeless, ageless, ambiguous, and so rechargeable that it has an almost eternal life.
Recreate some of the best do-it-yourself versions—we unflinchingly stand by the white button-down as a fashion must-have pronouncement. Spring it on!
Neena Malhotra, new age Luxury Tutor &Consultant