This series on fashion is inspired by a few great fashion related posts and bloggers I've been reading lately as well as a really positive response I got from a comment I left on another blog. A young woman was asking what she should get for a work wardrobe without spending a fortune. I gave this some thought and then commented on the ten pieces I'd recommend she get. I got an email back, complimenting my complete list and saying it would serve as a shopping list.
Over the next two weeks I'll be doing a post on each article of clothing as well as photographing some of my outfits. Enjoy!
A crisp white shirt sure is fun. It looks polished, relatively good on everyone, and comes in many different styles.
My long white shirt has really gone the distance for me. Here's how I work it:
Casual
Wearing a long shirt with leggings is casual and very figure flattering. (Everyone has good calves!) A chunky necklace and cool flats keep the look from going too much in the restaurant hostess direction.
The shirt is long enough for coverage but also short enough to tuck in. With a pencil skirt and wide belt, the look is quite structured. Some heels and big girl jewelry (in this case, my great grandmother's costume jewelry) step it up even more.
Funky
Wide leg pants with a long shirt look fluid and wearing the shirt open keeps it casual (I'm wearing a black tank but you could easily wear another color for a bolder look). A long necklace and flats complete the ensemble.
White Tunic-length Button Down Shirt: Old Navy, $10
Tips on your white shirt: Look for a thicker material. Try on the shirt in dressing room with your usual undergarments on. If you can see it, so can everyone else. A longer length (hitting at your hip bone or below) is more versatile. Try to get a shirt with a couple interesting details. This one has sleeves you can roll and pin up and some small pockets. A shirt with too many details won't go with a variety of clothes but one with none will not be very fun to wear. Try to strike a balance!