One Piece, Three Ways: The Basic White Shirt
I was recently having a conversation with my friends about how dressing up for work is so time-consuming. I’m sure a lot of you agree. Unlike back in school, where one would not be judged on how they dressed thanks to a uniform, work-wear woes are relevant for everyone no matter how fashionable you are. Morning groans about, “What do I wear today?” are quite universal problems for women.
That’s when I decided I had to do this: Use classic pieces commonly found in most wardrobes and give you styling options on how to wear them in different ways. This time, my key piece is a classic white shirt. I don’t even have to tell you why a crisp white shirt is a fashion essential in every woman’s wardrobe. A well-tailored, white button-down is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. Team it to work as a decked-up ensemble, or wear it in a more dressed down casual avatar. A pair of joggers, sneakers and a backpack with your white shirt is a cool casual chic look, while a flowy white shirt teamed with a pleated red skirt can instantly get you date ready. Wear it under your dungarees with brogues for a fun day at the mall or with white denims and colourful pumps. Read on to see how I’ve styled it in three different ways for a 9-to-5 ready ensemble.
The Mango shirt I’ve used for this edit is a textured white cotton shirt with a classic collar.
1. Style It With A Pencil Skirt
We all know that feeling of waking up on Monday morning reeling from the weekend’s antics. And the only way to cheer up for work is by dressing to the nines. It may be the day that makes you groan the most, but your outfit doesnt have to be groan-inducing too! So I’ve chosen a fun aztec print pencil skirt for this look. Tuck your white shirt into the pencil skirt and add a white gilet to it for an ultra-chic look. A pair of cut-out heels with a chic work bag, and you’re good to go.
SHOP NOW:
Mango Textured Cotton Shirt (Rs 1,490)
Kerkés Fashion Aztec Print Pencil Skirt (Rs 2,090)
Mango Long Vest (Rs 6,790)
Zara Embossed City Bag (Rs 2,290)
Forever 21 Cutout Lace-Up Pumps (Rs 2,259)
2. Wear It With Wide-Leg Pants
Wednesdays are the more business-y days at work, but who said you can’t do business in style? Go for a pair of wide-legg pants to team up with your crisp white shirt. Add a smart belt in tan or brown for a more classic look. Finish off with slingback wedges for an extra edge, and brighten the look with a red bowler bag. Très chic!
SHOP NOW:
Mango Textured Cotton Shirt (Rs 1,490)
Vero Moda Wide Pants (Rs 2,295)
Zooomberg PU Leather Belt (Rs 449)
Forever 21 Crisscross Wedge Slingback Sandals (Rs 1,899)
Zooomberg Leather Messenger Bag (Rs 899)
3. Wear It With Skinny Jeans
Don’t we love Fridays — the most laid-back days at work? Considering you’re mere hours away from cocktail-o-clock what’s not to love about it? So for a more casual work ensemble, opt for a pair of skinny jeans with your white shirt. Don’t forget to roll your cuffs up for a more casual vibe. Top it off with a pair of stilettos and a neutral bucket bag.
SHOP NOW:
Mango Textured Cotton Shirt (Rs 1,490)
Topshop Blue Smokey Leigh Skinny Jeans (Rs 3,352)
Lara Karen Nude Sling Bag (Rs 1,280)
Steve Madden Cream Stilletos (Rs 3,899)
