The “Great White” Redux Takes On A Fresh Look

Hey, There,

The “classic,” “borrowed from my man” staple is now more “feminine” than ever and anything but “classic” this season. Well…at least it is for women. But don’t go away guys, I have something for you too.

If you’ve been reading my writes, you know I love a good quality classic white button-down shirt. I highly recommend this “Great White” to all my clients; men and women. 

It’s a wardrobe staple that can be paired with a suit and tie for work or tucked into a great fitting pair of jeans or khakis on the weekends for the gentlemen. 

For the ladies, there is a ton of ways we can wear our “Great Whites” but one of my faves is knotted up at the waist and thrown on with a flirty skirt, or donned with your boyfriend jeans for the weekend, with your preferred “tuck.” 

The classic “Great White” Dress shirt* rarely changes for the men. But for the women, this season this classic gets tossed aside and pays tribute to the feminine in so many wonderful silhouettes, you ladies, shouldn’t have any trouble picking one out that fits your Personality and Body-Type! 

Here’s my suggestions for both the gents and the ladies.

GENTS: 

Since your “Great White” is most always classic, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when purchasing one. First of all, don’t make the mistake of thinking that “a white shirt is a white shirt,” because it simply isn’t true! 

Here’s 5 tips for choosing a “Great White” Dress shirt* for yourself.

1. Choose your favorite weave in 100% cotton fabric. Branch out a little and choose something more interesting than a plain weave. Go for a pique or herringbone which can be worn with your suit or elevate your jean looks for the weekends. 
2. Choose the sleeve cuff style that you prefer. Are you a single button or double button “Barrel cuff” kind of guy, or do you prefer “French cuffs?” Barrel cuffs are your standard cuff, great for rolling up and getting down to business, or for a cool, effortless look. French cuffs give a more sophisticated, polished look, and can show off your Personality depending on the cufflinks you choose to wear with them.
3. Choose a collar style that compliments your face shape. Standard point collars should be worn by round-faced men and spread collars are for men with more angular faces. However if you’re not sure which face shape you are, just go with a semi-spread collar. It’s a cross between the standard point collar and the spread collar, and strikes the perfect balance that goes with everything on anyone.
4. Choose a fit that’s right for your body type. “Fitted,” “Semi-Fitted,” Trim Fit,” “Extra Trim Fit,” “Regular fit,” “Classic fit,” “Traditional fit.” What’s it all mean? I know it can be confusing, and to add to the confusion, a shirt labeled “Regular” might actually be a “Trim Fit” for that particular brand. The rule of thumb is to have your shirt fit well – not too tight if you have a more rounded belly (Pull lines across the belly or tug lines at the buttons is a no-no.), not too loose if you’re a slimmer build. Swaths of fabric will not make you look bigger or more muscular; you’ll just look like you’re wearing an ill-fitting shirt. 
   • In addition here are some general characteristics to heed when it comes to the fit of a shirt:
     • Regular Fit, aka “Classic” or “Traditional:” This shirt is cut broader across the shoulders, generous room through the chest and body, and looser, fuller sleeves. Another version is cut the same in the shoulders, chest, and body. However the main difference is in the sleeves – they are full, but not overly loose.
     • Trim Fit, aka “Fitted” “Semi-Fitted:” This cut of shirt is slightly higher in the armholes, cut close throughout chest, with room for movement, and slimmer cut sleeves. 
     • Extra Trim Fit: This shirt is cut even higher in the armholes, slimmer throughout chest and body, and narrow, streamlined sleeves. 
5. Choose the correct size. If there is one thing that I need to express more than any other it is this: Make sure that when you buy a Dress shirt* that you get the correct size. If you don’t know your correct size or you think it has changed over the years, have a wardrobe consultant (Me!) or someone at the department store take your measurements. 

Nothing says “tacky” more, than a man wearing a shirt that doesn’t fit his physique, is too big in the neck (Yes, you can even tell when he isn’t wearing a tie), or too long in the sleeve where the cuff is hanging over his hand. 

*Definition of a “Dress shirt:” Sizing is noted by the width of the neck and the length of the sleeve. They are designed with varying fits through the chest, sides, waist, and sleeves. 

Ladies, here’s a few tips to finding a white button-down that suits your Body-Type:

1. If you’re an Hourglass: Look for a white shirt that is fitted with darts or has curved side-seams to follow your beautiful curves!
2. If you’re a Rectangle: A white shirt with an empire waistline (A seaming detail under your bust-line) will highlight the smallest part of your waist – your ribcage. A go-to that is super flattering!
3. If you’re a Triangle: Opt for a fitted white shirt (to show off your tiny waist!) that has a puffed sleeve or a sleeve with a shoulder-pad to give width to your shoulder line creating a more balanced and aligned Body-Type.
4. If you’re an Inverted Triangle: Try a halter style white shirt or one with a raglan sleeve (no shoulder pads!) to compliment your broad shoulders and create more alignment with your slim hips!

Here’s a few of the season’s hottest looks:

If you want more visuals check out my style segment of this very same topic for Bay Area Drop In, the local television show where I was the featured Fashion Stylist. Go here to watch the segment: http://michellemoquin.com/style-treatise/on-air/

Before I end, I’ve been approached by some other experts in the image field who would like to share their knowledge and tips in the beauty arena. If you would like, I will have two experts give the pros and cons of different skin care so that you can read an opinion from both sides. How does that sound to you? Please leave your answer in the comment section below. Thanks!

Now, it’s your turn. I’d love to hear from you.  Your insights and inspiration are appreciated so please share your stories in the comments below.

Blog me.

Love,

~Michelle