White shirt- ubiquitous, so simple; yet universal, chic, most formal and presentable colour a man could ever have. The merits of white colour are always on. You can wear it with almost every colour of trousers or Jeans in your wardrobe. White instantly blends with formal and casual garments.
A white shirt can be dressed up with a suit (Black, navy, grey, charcoal, blue) or worn with a sports jacket as a smart casual, casually with khaki pants and denim anytime.
Even the presidents and top authorities put on a white shirt most of the time to represent their elite status and elegance with an undertone of universal style. White ranks as the top shirt colour in business attire.
A globally recognized combination is white plain shirt and blue denim.
So, what is it that makes this serene colour so powerful?
Colour Science
Every colour that we wear has an effect on our mind and evokes an emotional response from others. Some colours work positively for us while fewer elicit a weak reaction.
Qualities white colour exudes are honesty, candidness and a trim personality. It reflects almost all the light and creates a glow around you making you look clean and shiny. White can reflect straight personality, a person who is not complicated or mixed up. It also attracts people and tells them you are honest and trustworthy.
One always looks attractive and suave in a white shirt.
A clean ironed cotton white shirt is a power element of your wardrobe. Do not underestimate it.
Formality
White stands atop on the scale of formality of all colours. It is an essential for business professionals or business casual. It is the best colour for the interviews, next may a light blue. Employers don’t expect a candidate in fashionable and casual clothes. They want a simple dress up man in basic shirt and trousers; and white is the best option for that.
When I am heading a small or big business my employees and clients will find me most presentable and urbane in a white shirt. What do you say? Wont you?
A white dress shirt makes a key component of a Dinner suit or a Tuxedo.
Coordinates Every Colour & Pattern
A white shirt knocks out all other colours in coordination game. White shirt works best with black, grey, navy, khaki, blue, green, olive, beige trousers. White shirt under a black, navy, grey suit jacket flashes elegance and style.
You can undoubtedly wear a white shirt under textured sports jackets, blazers. A black leather jacket over a white shirt is an inspiring blend of casual and formal fashion.
Moreover, all standard and popular tie colours and patterns look amazing against a white shirt. Air of white reaches farther one can imagine, it complements all black and brown leather shoes, sports shoes.
Furthermore, nearly all collar types including band, spread, point, cutaway, wingtip look great with a white shirt successfully.
Covers Most Professional Areas
White shirts have special preference in most corporate wear. From clerks to presidents people of all sphere wear white shirt on regular basis. Every professional would have one, two, three or more of them.
In many countries top brass including presidents, ministers and advisors must wear white shirt as uniform. It makes a basic staple of their wardrobe. Many other professional i.e. Pilots in aviation industries, hospitality, in food industries, religious preachers, police departments.
It is recommended and encouraged to wear a white shirt without a breast pocket. I feel the style level goes beyond extraordinary without a patch pocket on shirt. Make habit to wear a shirt without pocket since you wore it only because it was there. Think it!!
White as Uniform
It wont seem odd if you wear variants of white shirt as a uniform. You can do it by having various collar types- Button down, Spread, Cutaway.
Styling white shirt does not call for much skill since the colour itself helps you immediately decide the pair.
How to wear a white shirt with suit
A white creates the most formal and presentable outfit with a black suit. It is for the reason that black and white are the perfectly and completely contrasting colours. Being opposite in nature these two colours combine well. Besides, a chic black tie and basic black belt inject flair into the outfit. A white-black black-white switching tone of outfit creates a dapper image.
For a more flamboyant look match black oxfords with a cap toe or without cap toe to add elegance to your attire. Accessorize your white shirt with a navy, burgundy or a black necktie to look more put together.
When you want flaunt a casual style switch into a button-down white shirt without a tie with a grey suit.
Go Casual
Spice up your weekend by rolling up your white shirt sleeves and combine it with blue denim or and slip into your penny loafers or brown brogues for an evening out with your friends. This is the coolest outfit in summer. White and blue are pleasing to the eyes and keep a decent profile.
Ultra Casual
Don a blue or light grey crew neck t-shirt and pull on a plain white shirt, keep it unbuttoned. Throw your style up with dark grey Bermuda or khaki shorts . Finish the outfit with horsebit loafers or kilted loafers.
Business Causal
You want to outshine your colleagues in a business meeting and you got a white shirt, no worries. Bring grey flannel trousers to make a perfect pair and a tweed sports jacket to parade your style.
Team your outfit with a dress watch and dark brown belt. Wear a pair of polished brown derby shoes or double monk strap shoes.
Complete the business look with a contrasting pocket square with either a two point fold fold.
Choose a button down white shirt with navy or tan chino trousers for a business casual look. Wear a blazer or sports coat to round off the attire.
