The blue costume shirt, it’s hardly essentially the most thrilling of propositions. And but, it’s by far one of the reliable gadgets hanging within the wardrobe at this time, able to getting males by means of mind-numbing Monday conferences, late nights behind the keyboard and extra head-bludgeoning Friday hangovers than most perhaps care to confess.
So maybe it’s time to cease overlooking this admittedly understated piece of equipment, and begin treating it for what it really is – a protect towards the drudgeries of the 9-5 or, when you desire, a grown-up consolation blanket with the facility to do extra time on the weekend.
However how do you retain this humble piece of menswear trying recent, you ask? By giving it a swift improve and just a little styling finesse so to put on it with all the pieces, in all places. Right here’s how.
Blue Costume Shirt Guidelines
Lower
Probably the most versatile blue costume shirt is one that matches you, unsurprisingly. Which implies subsequent time you’re re-stocking your rotation, it’s clever to take a second to think about your construct and what reduce fits it greatest.
“If you are fairly slim, then a few darts in the back will give you a leaner look,” whereas these with a bigger body “will probably be more comfortable with a straighter cut,” explains Savile Row shirtmaker Stephen Lachter, who has created bespoke variations of this staple for the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant and members of the royal household.
Color
To get essentially the most out of your costume shirt all-week spherical, it’s greatest to bask in some blue-sky pondering. Fairly actually.
“A mid- or sky blue dress shirt is perhaps the most versatile, and will go perfectly well with navy, grey, beige or brown,” says Lachter. The rationale for that is that whereas darker hues are good for informal outfits (within the case of the chambray shirt), they are often tough for extra formal events.
Collar
Like your sun shades and your haircut, the collar you select ought to fit your face form. A ramification collar can have a widening impact, including stability to these with lengthy, slender faces, not nice for these with softer, rounded options who ought to as an alternative select a extra slender level.
To strike the sartorial center floor, Lachter suggests a semi-spread or ahead level collar, “[this] can be worn with or without a tie and is much more versatile than a spread collar,” he says.
Cuffs
Sure, you might need been gifted a sterling set of cufflinks for Christmas, however that doesn’t imply it’s essential crack them out at each alternative, significantly in order for you a piece look that additionally places within the hours on the weekend.
“French cuffs are quite formal and therefore more restrictive if you plan to wear your shirt away from the office,” says Lachter. “A button cuff is the most versatile option.”
Complexion
The most effective sort of material for a piece shirt? The reply’s wrapped up within the proverbial piece of string.
“The hardest wearing is an Oxford cloth, but this is rather heavy and perhaps better suited for casual wear,” says Lachter. As an alternative, the shirtmaker suggests choosing a plain weave cotton (a two-fold 120s poplin, to be exact) for a recent, clear look that has the additional advantage of being fairly wrinkle-resistant.
6 Methods To Put on A Boring Blue Work Shirt
Absolutely Suited
A navy swimsuit worn over a sky blue non iron costume shirt is among the most secure choices within the menswear playbook, however it will possibly additionally really feel just a little meh if repeated too typically. To boost your workplace apparel, ditch normal shiny supplies in favour of one thing with texture or sample.
Gray flannel is endlessly extra attention-grabbing, as is – for individuals who dare – a retro-tinged brown mottled wool, particularly when worn with a striped tie and heavy-soled sneakers or boots. Or within the hotter months, strive a tropical-weight wool in darkish inexperienced or gray, experimenting with delicate checks and stripes.
Sensible-Informal
A blazer, denims and blue costume shirt mixture is the definition of smart-casual, nevertheless it’s a glance that many guys are cautious of for worry of trying like a middle-aged dad at a High Gear conference.
To keep away from such comparisons, begin by choosing the proper jacket. This often means one thing unlined, unstructured and ideally single-breasted. As a rule of thumb, stick with darkish indigo or black denims in a tapered or slim match, which you’ll put on with clear white sneakers. Preserve your shirt tucked in, go away the tie at residence, and think about a light-coloured crew neck to assist break issues up.
Preppy
Lately, the preppy look has shaken off its hoity-toity connotations and returned to the wardrobes of these on the lookout for stable on a regular basis outfits that make a long-lasting impression.
A navy blazer worn with khaki chinos is probably the quintessential Ivy League pairing, one thing which could be thrown on with a blue costume shirt, a knitted tie and a pair of penny loafers. If a jacket isn’t important, swap the blazer for scarf collar cardigan or cable knit jumper, and the loafers for a pair of retro trainers so as to add a extra fashionable edge.
Scandi Cool
Like most guys, we regularly ask ourselves why we haven’t simply upped sticks and moved to Scandinavia already, what with the shorter working hours, minimalist all the pieces and usually higher high quality of life.
It’s one thing you’ll be able to attempt to manifest by ditching the laced-up look in favour of a bolder, Nordic-inspired silhouette. Begin by tucking your blue costume shirt right into a pair of barely cropped, pleated trousers, worn with a boxy chore jacket or roomy sweatshirt. End the entire thing off with a pair of suede desert boots or – if you may get away with it – clear white tennis sneakers.
Separates
Although sporting separates is all about creating a definite distinction between your jacket and trousers, it’s additionally vital to maintain a connection between the highest and backside half. Sounds easy, proper?
A simple strategy to obtain that is to put on navy trousers with a blue costume shirt, because the consistency in color between the 2 will provide you with (nearly) free reign with it comes to picking a jacket. Bear in mind to purpose for a noticeable distinction in color and tone – your mismatch ought to really feel purposeful, not unintentional, so steer clear of darkish blues or blacks and as an alternative go for a gray or burgundy in the same weight and match to your trousers.
Vacation-Prepared
Although it might sound unusual to convey a reminder of the workplace with you on vacation, packing a blue costume shirt is a a lot better concept than forking out on that pink linen quantity you’ll seldom put on on residence shores.
That is the place having the precise match really works in your favour – in case your shirt is of the billowing, shapeless selection, you’ll look extra David Brent at Bognor Regis than Tom Ripley in Mongibello. Preserve it slim and put on it open over a plain white T-shirt or vest with the sleeves rolled up, paired with navy chino shorts, sandals and – when you’re fortunate – a wonderful tan.
