Shirts – “A whole new ball game” :
There were days when a perfect LBD was a must have in a woman’s closet just like a well cut suit in a man’s wardrobe. But an equally important place has been taken by a spectacular looking shirt. You cannot call yourself “debonair” in the truest sense if you don’t have some classic pieces. Shirts are my go to choice for most occasions. It simply makes up to be an understated, classy, formal and a graceful attire. From cotton, linen, satin, georgette, etc. both well fitted and loose shirts have gloriously paved a way for it to be statement piece in itself. Shirts have evolved much from it’s evolution in the 17th century.
A well fitted shirt always leaves an impact. Shirts are dynamic and have so much to play with – the flirty arms, the ruffled collars, the A Symmetric cuts add much character and story to this torso loving garment.
Sometime back, I had written about the funky ways of wearing a shirt. There are so many ways of adorning a shirt and look sexy and edgy at the same time. I can never forget an image of Cindy Crawford look drop dead gorgeous in a knotted shirt.That look became a rage for all fashion lovers. There is a famous image of the models of the 90’s posing in a white shirt on the beach, adding oomph to the sophisticated garment. After that shirts took a keen space in a woman’s closet.
I love the simplicity a shirt has and the fact it can be worn with both denims, shorts, skirts and trousers, make it an absolute favourite.
Shirts give a unique definition to one’s style and yes their classic appeal is enough to make heads turn. Shirts are being made in the most creative styles and cuts, with embroidery and gorgeous prints. One has many wonderful options to choose from and I love how each shirt can change one’s look completely.
Shirts were first designed as a European dress in the 17th Century, as a garment worn to protect the waistcoats from getting spoiled from sweat. By the 18th Century, Shirts had become an essential male garment. By the middle of the 19th Century, shirts were most sought after worn by men mostly working in the white collar jobs. Men involved in manual labour found it impractical to wear it, as it would get spoiled easily. During this period of time, the shirts were not mass produced in factories. A well suited man bought his shirt from a tailor, while the common man wore a shirt made by his wife. Those were the days, when women learnt how to sew and learnt new skills.
Collars have also changed from time to time. Earlier the “Dog Collars” were quite popular it was later that the smaller collars came into fashion and were a more sophisticated option for work. Shirts were quite simple in the earlier days, but later more colourful options were being designed with chest pockets and shorter sleeves.
Shirts are a must have in a man’s and a woman’s closet. There are endless designs and styles existing today with different cuts, collars and cuffs. Different fabrics give a different flair to a shirt. Numerous brands today have fabulous fits and styles. One of my favourite brand for shirts is Haws & Curtis. They specialise in making shirts of all kinds. I love the collared shirts but I also love the bow shirts as they are artistic. The ruffled collar shirts look rather aristocratic. The Big collars are back in vogue again on the lovely poplin shirts with crochet work on the collars and cuffs. The oversized shirts are the coolest ones and can be worn with pants, shorts and denims.
Today shirts are worn with so much style. One can add a belt on a long shirt to make it a perfect one for a party. The shirts that I am wearing are in satin and cotton. The satin one’s look a bit more dressy and can be worn to a formal occasion or a dinner.
My tiger printed satin shirt is an expressive one in itself. I love the chest pockets on it. It is a perfect blend of masculinity and femininity. I have accessorised them with gold accessories and funky gold belt which makes it perfect for a formal occasion.
I love the shirts from Zara, Sandro, Maje, H&M, Versace, Topshop, Polo Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Rangeela etc. The list is endless because one can find an amazing collection by numerous designers and at the boutique stores.
The white shirt that I am wearing is a cotton one with an A Symmetric style with a layer style on the front. I love this shirt for this is an effortless choice for most occasions. This can be worn with pants and denims charismatically. The combination of white on white always looks dynamic and white being my favourite colour I would rank that first. However, this A symmetric shirt will look amazing with denims and shorts aswell.
The polka dotted shirt with my flared denim looks quite retro. Polka dots will never go out of style and will always be an iconic print. Remember the Polka dotted bikini worn by Miss America. She made polka dots swell in the fashion scenario. Dior’s famous polka dress made in the year 1954 grabbed the attention of many gorgeous damsels like Elizabeth Taylor, Lucille Ball, Marilyn Monroe. Polka dots are graceful and a happy print. One can accessorise one self with chunky earnings along with a shirt like this one. Mine is a semi – casual look yet it looks elegant when worn with peep toes, it certainly adds a dash femininity and I love that.
Shirts : Zara , Denims : J Brand, White Pants : Zara , Belt : Chanel , Earrings : Chanel,
Heels: YSL
