Why You Really Need To Buy A White Shirt

One of the really special?things about the fashion industry is that it can take the mundane and make it extraordinary. The bog standard white shirt has undergone just such a metamorphosis,?courtesy of designers from Monse to J.W. Anderson. Not only is it the key signifier of what’s happening in fashion now (deconstruction is the current buzz word and it’s all about designers’defying our sartorial expectations), it’s also a year-round staple that can work as readily for the pub as it can for a posh party. If you buy one thing this month, make it a white shirt. Here are five of my favourites.

Introducing frills to what is a traditionally masculine garment completely refreshes it.

Button-down frill blouse, €59 at & Other Stories

Vivienne Westwood has always been my go-to for quirky asymmetric tailoring. I love this longline shirt. It has interesting cut without being overly fussy.

Cotton-poplin wrap shirt, Vivienne Westwood Anglomania, €295 at net-a-porter.com

A reimagined white shirt doesn’t have to be overcomplicated. Some simple detailing like these metallic buttons adds enough interest to elevate this piece.

Shirt with metallic button detailing, €59.95 at Massimo Dutti

This tunic-style shirt is sort of a shirt/shirtdress hybrid. I love the simplicity of it. The A-line shape feminises it, balancing the slightly austere button-front style.

White A-line shirt, €85 at uterque.com

Sleeves are fashion’s focus point this season, so this Topshop shirt is perfect.

Fluted sleeve shirt, €40 at Topshop?