The blue costume shirt, it’s hardly essentially the most thrilling of propositions. And but, it’s by far one of the vital reliable gadgets hanging within the wardrobe in the present day, able to getting males via mind-numbing Monday conferences, late nights behind the keyboard and extra head-bludgeoning Friday hangovers than most possibly care to confess.
So maybe it’s time to cease overlooking this admittedly understated piece of package, and begin treating it for what it actually is – a defend in opposition to the drudgeries of the 9-5 or, in the event you favor, a grown-up consolation blanket with the facility to do time beyond regulation 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 to be able to put on it with the whole lot, all over the place. Right here’s how.
Blue Costume Shirt Guidelines
Lower
Essentially the most versatile blue costume shirt is one that matches you, unsurprisingly. Which implies subsequent time you’re re-stocking your rotation, it’s sensible to take a second to think about your construct and what minimize fits it finest.
“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 finest to take pleasure in some blue-sky considering. 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. An expansion collar can have a widening impact, including stability to these with lengthy, slim faces, not nice for these with softer, rounded options who ought to as a substitute select a extra slim 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 may need been gifted a sterling set of cufflinks for Christmas, however that doesn’t imply you could crack them out at each alternative, significantly if you need 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 cloth 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 a substitute, 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
Totally Suited
A navy swimsuit worn over a sky blue non iron costume shirt is without doubt one of the most secure choices within the menswear playbook, however it might additionally really feel just a little meh if repeated too typically. To boost your workplace apparel, ditch commonplace shiny supplies in favour of one thing with texture or sample.
Gray flannel is endlessly extra fascinating, as is – for many who dare – a retro-tinged brown mottled wool, particularly when worn with a striped tie and heavy-soled footwear or boots. Or within the hotter months, strive a tropical-weight wool in darkish inexperienced or gray, experimenting with refined checks and stripes.
Good-Informal
A blazer, denims and blue costume shirt mixture is the definition of smart-casual, but it surely’s a glance that many guys are cautious of for concern of trying like a middle-aged dad at a Prime 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, persist with darkish indigo or black denims in a tapered or slim match, which you’ll put on with clear white sneakers. Hold your shirt tucked in, go away the tie at dwelling, 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 searching for stable on a regular basis outfits that make an enduring impression.
A navy blazer worn with khaki chinos is maybe the quintessential Ivy League pairing, one thing which may 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 frequently ask ourselves why we haven’t simply upped sticks and moved to Scandinavia already, what with the shorter working hours, minimalist the whole lot and customarily 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 footwear.
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 straightforward method to obtain that is to put on navy trousers with a blue costume shirt, because the consistency in color between the 2 gives you (nearly) free reign with it comes to selecting a jacket. Keep in mind to intention 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 a substitute go for a gray or burgundy in an analogous weight and match to your trousers.
Vacation-Prepared
Although it might sound unusual to carry 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 dwelling shores.
That is the place having the precise match actually 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. Hold 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 – in the event you’re fortunate – an excellent tan.
