Why A Cotton Shirt Is Anything But Boring

It’s the most basic of basics. A plain button-up cotton’shirt. It used to be the thing you wore when you didn’t know what to wear – a standby, a slightly bland but inoffensive option. But no more. Designers have given this?everyday essential a directional edge. From oversized cuffs to asymmetric cuts, from voluminous silhouettes to interesting trims, the unassuming cotton shirt has been brought back to life. Here’s how the fashion pack are wearing there’s.

With its longer length and exaggerated ruffle front, this shirt has been translated into a standout piece. An effortless throw-on that has maximum impact.

There’s something almost cartoonish about this shirt with its dominant black trim and super-sized cuffs. Worn with understated black trousers, it works.

Elasticated sleeves create extra volume around the elbows and shoulders of this shirt for a statement silhouette. The waist tie balances out the volume with a neat waistline.

Reinterpretations of the cotton shirt don’t get more elaborate than this. A full sheer cartoon-embellished overlay skirt is not something everyone can carry off (myself included).

Embroidered detailing is a simple but effective way to individualise a white shirt. Wearing your cuffs unbuttoned adds character too.

The traditional pinstripe of a cotton shirt is reimagined here in thick black stripes. The stiff pointed collar adds a further edge.

A patchwork print on a masculine-style shirt looks unexpected and modern.

If you prefer to keep your basics classic, wear it with a statement piece like this colour-block pleated skirt.

A Little House on the Prairie style frill-front shirt looks cool with black denims and high heels.