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Right around this time each year, I start to long for Spring. Don't get me wrong, I do love the Winter. I love the cold and snow and wearing lots of layers. But, come February, I'm itching to be rid of some of my sweaters and start gazing lovingly at the Spring fashion catalogues. My mind wanders to linen and taupe and away from wool and dark brown. But, we still have plenty of cold temperatures to endure! What to do? Well, I slowly add a piece or two of Spring-like clothing into my everyday wardrobe to start to lighten things up, and, the best thing I've found to accomplish this feat is a white shirt.
You see, a white shirt can take on any number of outfits with style - it can be paired with jeans for a crisp look (throw on a cardigan if it's nippy out and a plain white tee underneath it if it's frigid), worn with skirts and a terrific necklace in the office, or tucked under a crew-neck with just the edge of it's collar showing, over a pair of dressy pants.
Versatile and clean, a white shirt can make me feel like Spring is around the corner. And today is your lucky day as I've pulled together a round-up of white shirts for every price range.
#1
$24.50. From Old Navy.
The price can't be beat (well, maybe at a thrift shop, but that would be a different post). This blouse (I use blouse and shirt interchangeably) could be dressed up with a couple of long necklaces or down - worn open with a tee shirt or tank under it.
#2
$44.00 - Gap
Classic, fitted, with a bit of stretch. This kind of shirt needs to be tried on - because of the cut, it may gap a bit in the bustline if you don't have the right size. Can be accesorized in hundreds of ways and, I'm noticing around town: does NOT get tucked in...even when worn under a sweater.
#3
$59.50 - J Crew
I know, funny pricing, right? And I'll be kind and not mention the shorts. We aren't going to discuss dress shorts, because they are an oxymoron. ANYWAY, this is a blousy version of the Old Navy style. The fabric (a silky blend, I think) will flow more and give this shirt a slightly more formal look. And, do you see how they've layered a couple of gold necklaces over it? Very pretty - and totally distracting from the shorts.
#4
$98.00 - Anthropologie
You knew I'd hit Anthro, didn't you? The point is, I can pretty much guarantee that you can find a riff on any classic garment at Anthro. They do the white shirt, the black pants, the tweed skirt, and they do them well, but the whole idea at this store is they way they put an edge on those classics. The skirt will have an applique or a funky trim or be unfinished looking. The pants will have an unusual cut or pocket...and the white blouse? Blouse-y and pin-tucked and slightly sheer. I like to combine one piece from Anthropologie with another piece that has far less "character."
#5
Number five is pure fantasy - for me, anyway. Give yourself a little treat and go visit the website of Anne Fontaine. Ms. Fontaine has spent her life as a fashion designer doing The White Blouse. She's done hundreds and has boutiques that are like galleries. Someday, I hope to have one of her blouses. Fortunately, I have all the time in the world to figure out which one as there are dozens of candidates.
In closing: add a nice white shirt (do I sound like your mother?) to your winter wardrobe and think SPRING.
