The shirt is the indispensable piece in a man’s wardrobe. It’s a well-known fact: a gentleman never has too many shirts! With different cuts, colors, and patterns, the shirt saves any outfit. The white shirt, the light blue shirt (with white collar and cuffs), the linen shirt, or the formal shirt are just a few of the must-have pieces in the repertoire of any stylish man.
You’ve got them in your closet, but don’t know how to wear them? Here are 4 useful combinations that never fail!
Shirt with Jacket
The jacket and shirt combo is the foundation of business casual style. It belongs in the wardrobe of a businessman, a corporate professional, and, in fact, any well-groomed man. It’s ideal for those who want to be elegant but prefer not to wear a full two-piece suit. The most versatile jackets are grey, brown, burgundy, and navy. They also give you the advantage of playing with accessories: ties, pocket squares, and lapel pins. But pay attention to colors! If you were to mix the shirt and tie colors on a palette, the resulting tone should match the jacket.
Shirt with Vest
The vest and shirt combo is the mark of the urban rebel, who has the ambition to stand out even without a jacket. Every man’s wardrobe should include at least one custom-made vest. As with jackets, the versatile colors are grey, brown, burgundy, navy, and even checkered green. The shirt-and-vest look ranks high in smart casual style. Pair them with jeans or wool trousers, but steer clear of belts! The buckle will peek out from under the vest and look unsightly. And unless you’re a waiter, avoid the white shirt–black vest combo! Tip: the chicest vests have lapels and a chest pocket where you can stylishly tuck a pocket square. Again, watch the colors! Dark shirts can’t be paired with lighter ties and pocket squares.
Shirt with Trousers
This is the ideal combo in warm weather. A white, light blue, or pale pink shirt exudes style and masculinity without being flashy. Typically, it’s worn untucked, with chinos or slightly distressed jeans, and paired with cognac loafers or white sneakers. In colder seasons, simply tuck the shirt in, throw on a coat, and you’re good to go! The color scheme is up to you.
Shirt at the Office vs. Shirt at a Party
Depending on the level of formality at your workplace, you can integrate shirts into all dress codes. One rule to remember: worn without a tie, the shirt is unbuttoned one button during the day, two buttons in the evening. The style of a shirt is defined by its collar. Mandarin-collar shirts are worn unbuttoned and usually untucked. Similarly, shirts longer than the hip can be worn untucked, but only in casual settings!
Which shirts should you throw out of your wardrobe? The shiny ones in loud colors. Pieces with oversized logos. Synthetic fabrics. Shirts that are too transparent. Short-sleeved shirts or those with chest pockets (acceptable only at the beach). Be bold!
